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Project posted by Lyth Design

Airavat

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The 3 levels of the house hug the natural terracing of the ground. The family den opens out to the garden in front while the metal roof that partially covers the pool catches its many reflections.
The 3 levels of the house hug the natural terracing of the ground. The family den opens out to the garden in front while the metal roof that partially covers the pool catches its many reflections.
2 concrete walls intersect the slate clad residential block connecting it with the rest of the house. The local stone adds a layer of warmth to the otherwise Spartan architecture.
2 concrete walls intersect the slate clad residential block connecting it with the rest of the house. The local stone adds a layer of warmth to the otherwise Spartan architecture.
Suspended between the public spaces to the north and the residential block on the south, this metal structure allows for the natural terrain of the ground to flow under it undisturbed
Suspended between the public spaces to the north and the residential block on the south, this metal structure allows for the natural terrain of the ground to flow under it undisturbed
This triangular courtyard is the centre of the house and manages to connect every space and keep the scale intimate. The circular reading window on the higher level is a secluded reading corner keeping the user visually connected yet hidden away within the thickness of the wall.
This triangular courtyard is the centre of the house and manages to connect every space and keep the scale intimate. The circular reading window on the higher level is a secluded reading corner keeping the user visually connected yet hidden away within the thickness of the wall.
A perforated metal staircase is sandwiched between 2 concrete walls that frame the mountain range in the background called the ‘Duke’s nose’
A perforated metal staircase is sandwiched between 2 concrete walls that frame the mountain range in the background called the ‘Duke’s nose’
The dining room showcases a 10-foot-long terrazzo table, infused with recycled glass bits which were cast entirely on-site. The pivoting fins connect the user to the lower level of the house.
The dining room showcases a 10-foot-long terrazzo table, infused with recycled glass bits which were cast entirely on-site. The pivoting fins connect the user to the lower level of the house.
The structural members have been left bare to intentionally showcase the beauty and intricacies of concrete intersecting metal.
The structural members have been left bare to intentionally showcase the beauty and intricacies of concrete intersecting metal.
The Den occupies the heart of the house. The wall in the background houses a fireplace and was built from stone excavated on-site. Glimpses of the pool are seen mirrored on the wine bottles that are nestled into the apron of the bar, which utilises the storage under the staircase to the fullest.
The Den occupies the heart of the house. The wall in the background houses a fireplace and was built from stone excavated on-site. Glimpses of the pool are seen mirrored on the wine bottles that are nestled into the apron of the bar, which utilises the storage under the staircase to the fullest.
The structural members of the master bedroom were planned with column-free corners to facilitate uninterrupted views of the Sahyadri mountains in the background.
The structural members of the master bedroom were planned with column-free corners to facilitate uninterrupted views of the Sahyadri mountains in the background.
A floating lotus pond greets u on arrival and is a breath of fresh air after the 2-hour drive from the city
A floating lotus pond greets u on arrival and is a breath of fresh air after the 2-hour drive from the city
The piano room has 2 walls of glass capitalising on maximising the north light
The piano room has 2 walls of glass capitalising on maximising the north light
The view from the north garden. The metal structure cantilevers over the swimming pool
The view from the north garden. The metal structure cantilevers over the swimming pool
The metal structure cantilevers over the pool making it usable in all climates
The metal structure cantilevers over the pool making it usable in all climates
The load-bearing wall in this picture was made using stone excavated on site
The load-bearing wall in this picture was made using stone excavated on site
The sprinkles of the lights from the city below make one feel like you are looking at the stars from above.
The sprinkles of the lights from the city below make one feel like you are looking at the stars from above.
The metal structure floats above the natural terrain of the ground allowing for rainwater to flow under it uninterrupted.
The metal structure floats above the natural terrain of the ground allowing for rainwater to flow under it uninterrupted.
The 100-year-old tree in the background is the hero that is getting framed by the view from this bathroom
The 100-year-old tree in the background is the hero that is getting framed by the view from this bathroom
Bird's eye view
Bird's eye view
The architecture is an intersection between concrete and metal intended to frame the splendid views of the Sahyadri mountains all around.
The architecture is an intersection between concrete and metal intended to frame the splendid views of the Sahyadri mountains all around.

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From Lyth Design

The site is located on the outskirts of bustling Mumbai, in the quiet of the Sahyadri hills. The sweeping views of the Western Ghats in almost any direction are the highlight of this otherwise simple parcel of land. The capturing and framing of these picturesque landscapes was the primary inspiration behind the design. The disruptive architecture manages to create spaces of varying scales from monumental to cozy while it integrates into the home, the nature that surrounds it. The arrival is planned at the highest level under a large canopy that appears like a wing framing the first glimpse of this home in the Clouds. The floating lotus pond at the entrance, often engulfed in mist offers a breath of fresh air after the long drive out from Mumbai.
The structure is a simple intersection between concrete and metal. The resulting interstitial spaces translate into courtyards of various scales that may be habitable or simply form vantage points. Two parallel concrete walls act as the main axes cutting across the house and seamlessly connecting the three intersecting blocks which serve the respective functions of public, private and recreation. Materials have been strategically planned for the various blocks – glass and steel for the public spaces, and slate stone for the private spaces, both of which get anchored into the concrete spine. All the load-bearing walls on site have been built using stones found on site during excavation. The high ceilings, large corridors and windows planned across each other keep the house cool and ventilated with air that continuously funnels through.
Large sliding windows manage to bring the outside in, seamlessly integrating the natural landscape with the house. Large overhangs, verandahs and the partially covered swimming pool makes spaces usable despite the extreme weather conditions of the region. The rubric of the various levels of the house are derived from the natural terracing of the land. The suspended metal block and the cantilevered southern tip allows for the natural terrain to flow under it uninterrupted.
The success of the architecture lies in the fact that every corner you turn, the drama of the house and the view that it captures changes and moves along with you. The structure is an ode to the beauty of the mountains that surround it.