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The Open House by MANTIS

Architecture

2024

Photographer : Yash Katariya

The one-acre site of Saukhya Farm is nestled in the lush valley of Beze Village, on the outskirts of Nashik. Surrounded by small farms, it offers sweeping views of Beze Dam and surrounding hills. The clients’ brief was to transform the site into a farmhouse and to cultivate part of it into an orchard.

Work on the farmhouse began amid lockdown delays. Frequent visits to the site provided inspiration as we observed the valley’s dramatic seasonal changes—from vibrant green in the monsoon to muted brown later in the year. These observations became central to the design of 'The Open House,' a farmhouse that frames and integrates with its surroundings, encouraging users to slow down and engage with nature.

Ecologically sensitive practices guided the landscaping of the broader site, emphasising the use of native plants. Instead of a traditional compound wall, a dense 'living fence' of native trees, grown using the Miyawaki method, defines the boundary along the approach road. The site is divided by the driveway into two sections: one-third allocated to 'The Open House' and a recreational garden, and two-thirds developed into a Tropical Food Forest based on permaculture principles for a mixed fruit orchard. The farmhouse was strategically positioned to maximize views of the surroundings.

Visitors are greeted by two tall stone walls arranged in a staggered pattern along the driveway, with a central deck serving as the entrance. These walls enclose two sections: the 'living block' and the 'bedrooms block’. The central deck acts as a versatile veranda, offering views of both the food forest and the expansive landscape, creating the impression that nature not only surrounds but also flows through the house. A floating steel staircase links the central deck to the upper deck, visually uniting the elevation.

Nashik,Maharashtra,India

Architects : MANTIS
Area : 3767.37 sq. ft.
Year : 2024
Website : https://www.instagram.com/mantis_designstudio/

Front Elevation of The Open House by MANTIS


Central Deck of The Open House by MANTIS


Entrance Court of The Open House by MANTIS


Central Deck of The Open House by MANTIS


Central Deck of The Open House by MANTIS


Central Deck & Living Block of The Open House by MANTIS


Living Block of The Open House by MANTIS

At first glance, 'The Open House' appears enclosed due to its imposing walls and minimal openings. However, once inside, the house unfolds in all directions, forming connections with its surroundings through strategic openings. The living block features a spacious, multi-purpose area with a double-height floating roof. A comfortable window seat integrated into a bookshelf provides an ideal reading nook, while the dining area, situated in a recessed section, contrasts with the large fenestrations of the living room and connects to the kitchen via a sliding door.


Living Block Interior of The Open House by MANTIS


Dining Niche of The Open House by MANTIS


Dining Moodshot of The Open House by MANTIS


Dining Framing Miyawaki of The Open House by MANTIS


Kitchen of The Open House by MANTIS


Master Bedroom of The Open House by MANTIS


Guest Bedroom of The Open House by MANTIS


Guest Bathroom of The Open House by MANTIS


Hanging Net of The Open House by MANTIS


Central Deck framing view of The Open House by MANTIS

The bedroom block, separated from the living block by the central deck, offers privacy. The master bedroom is cosy and elegant, while the guest bedroom features a double-height ceiling, and a sleeping loft accessed by a locally crafted teak wood ladder. Both bedrooms have attached retreat like bathrooms with green pockets and skylights.

The stone walls serve as captivating backdrops inside the building, enhancing the dining, kitchen, and bathrooms. The steel staircase linking the central and upper decks starts with a solid base and becomes lighter as it floats along the building’s exterior, reflecting the roof’s design.

In conclusion, 'The Open House' explores the three dimensions of space through architectural design and incorporates a fourth dimension—time—through ongoing transformation of nature.


Main Door Perspective of The Open House by MANTIS


Lap Pool of The Open House by MANTIS


Mound of The Open House by MANTIS


Site Plan of The Open House by MANTIS


Ground Floor Plan of The Open House by MANTIS


First Floor Plan of The Open House by MANTIS


Section 1 of The Open House by MANTIS


Section 2 of The Open House by MANTIS



Tags
farm house
architecture
interior design
residential architecture
residential interiors
2024
3000 to 5000 sq.ft
india
maharashtra
nashik
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