In nature’s lap!

By Aksa Ahmed

Photography: Gauri Satam & Tejesh Patil

Read Time: 2 mins 

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A contextually-rooted humble farm-stay in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra endorses the fact that good design can be pocket-friendly and sustainable…

‘Vrindavan’ is a 1000 sq.ft home - an outcome of a perfect retirement plan, holistically built amidst a dense grove of mangoes and chikoos. Architects Gauri Satam and Tejesh Patil have approached the design via minimalism; successfully meeting all the requirements of the home-owners – a 60-year-old couple.

 

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The house follows the natural contours of the site, planned in a succession of 12’ wide spaces. The design is a balanced composition of a private bedroom, bath and living space, opening onto a 14’ high verandah with a deck overlooking the hillock. The main house is connected to the kitchen via a see-through vestibule, which also serves as the entry to the house.

 

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Indigenous materials are used extensively to reduce the cost of the structure; existing resources have also been reused. The exterior of the house appears rustic and raw, complementing the surroundings. Locally available laterite stone - Chira constitutes the load-bearing structural element of the house; its earthenware-like properties advantaging the home against scorching rays of the sun and the torrential monsoon.

 

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Aiding resistance to the suns’ tropical rays, local clay roofing tiles form large overhangs on the pitched roof; whilst doors and windows are carved from the reclaimed teak and Jack fruit wood of rafters from a nearby old temple. Contrary to the exteriors, the interiors seem polished with a Kotah stone envelope - flooring and wall panelling; providing an added layer of heat insulation. Also, the minimal furniture used comprises of the clients old furniture, altered as needed. 

 

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Maintenance of the house is reduced via practising “less is more”. As the architects say, “It is not about what we have done, but what we have not done”.

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Although the site has a lot to explore and play around with, the architects have accomplished this feat in a limited budget of Rs. 1000/- per sq. ft. The simplicity of the design serves as a horizon for the self-nurtured orchard and the clients’ long cherished dream.

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Fact File:

Project: Vrindavan, a humble farm-stay

Location: Ozram, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra

Architects: unTAG architecture & interiors – Gauri Satam & Tejesh Patil

Project Area: 1000 sqft

Project Budget: INR 10,00,000/-