Vernacular House has Rich Sense of Culture and Tradition | Studio PKA
From the architect. The Mango House is the physical manifestation of a quest to connect with the natural environment. The essence of design here is simplicity in thought and expression through the form, material and décor of the structure. The organic nature of construction successfully connects the outside with the inside and thus manages to convey an earthy feel through its free-flowing plan. The house is a blend of various elements & building materials that are ‘azonic’, lending simplicity to the design.
Since mango trees dominated the plot, the house clearly gets its definition from them to ensure that the basic value of being organic or adopting green culture was exercised. These 70-80-year-old inhabitants of the plot became the deciding and guiding factors for the design and concept for the house.
The mango trees in the north, south and east directions demarcated the boundary of the house.
The aim was to be able to view the surrounding landscape from any point within the abode – along with the north-south as well as the east-west axes. This led to an entrance on all four sides for an uninterrupted view of the verdant soft scape outside.
There were some certainties that were a given – the entrance to the north; as there was space for a driveway, and the kitchen to the east; to catch the early morning sun.
The Vernacular House reflects a free flowing and uninterrupted connect with its surroundings without losing the proportion in design.
Creating volume was an important aspect of the structure and with the sloping roof, one gets about 35 feet at the highest point. This is emphatically accentuated at the suspended staircase as it sweeps up to the first floor. A skylight here and another over the dining area allow light to filter in and underscore the feeling of vastness.This vastness of space and it’s uninterrupted connect with the surroundings is the highlight of the house.
Architects: Studio PKA
Location: Alibag, Maharashtra, India
Lead Architects: Puran Kumar, Nidhi Kanoi
Area : 6000.0 ft2
Photographs: Amit Pasricha
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