The project started
with the client wanting to build a shelter where they could relax for some time
when they visit their farm on weekends. Shelter doesn’t necessary mean a built
enclosed area. And that is how it all began. The farmhouse
prioritises practicality and simplicity, where the client could rejuvenate,
invite social gathering and enjoy surrounding views by being in nature.
The site has an entry road
towards the south, a huge patch of farm land with mango orchards at the west,
farmlands towards the east and the mountain ranges towards the north and the
east. The plot spread over 5 acres of land has a poultry farm towards the
south. The challenge of having the plot near the poultry was resolved by
placing the built mass in such a way that wind flow from the poultry does not
affect the farmhouse, not letting the air affect the space considering the
winds pattern. A place where unobstructed views could be celebrated was chosen
for the same.
The concept began
by creating a journey of opening up views and elements throughout the
experience. As you enter the plot, a way leads you inside, showing just the
parking and a glimpse of the farmland.
As one moves further, the minimal, rectangular brick box with a robust
concrete frame starts getting visible which is placed east west. A north south
axis which allows the entry is formed by a cut out into this brick block,
flanged by the concrete frame on the east. This east wall has circular cut outs
arranged in a geometric pattern, which gets a subtle light along with screening
as well as opening up the east views.
Sequential opening
up of the views is experienced as one walks through this concrete framed
entrance. That is, from an open space to semi-covered, semi-covered to built,
built to semi-covered and semi-covered to open again. The grid of the house is
simple with covered, semi-covered and open space being of the same proportion
and placed parallel to each other. The simple structure looks linear due to its
height and length ratio of 1:4.
The living dining
and kitchen becomes one grid which opens up directly to the semi-covered and to
the open verandah making it interactive. The same verandah which extends to the
bedroom gets its own privacy by just extending it beyond and altering its
proportions. This deck touches the lawn, changing the language of the verandah
and making it a calm and relaxing zone. The entire journey right from the entry
upto the point where one reaches the lawn is made with minimum level
difference, so one easily walks in without actually feeling the transition.
Also, the flooring material is the same throughout the indoors and outdoors to
extend the feeling of connecting the two effortlessly. The materials used
are as pure as the form with exposed concrete, exposed bricks and the flooring
being a lapato finished granite.
“Minimalism is the
pursuit of the experience of space, materials and the language the box house
follows.”
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