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Project posted by Architecture BRIO

The Riparian House

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Location
Karjat, Maharashtra, India
Year
2015
Structure
House (Single Residence)
Style
Farmhouse
The Riparian is designed to disappear in the landscape
The Riparian is designed to disappear in the landscape
A vegetated green roof merges with the top of the hillock, hiding the house from the approach on the east side.
A vegetated green roof merges with the top of the hillock, hiding the house from the approach on the east side.
The house enjoys the views of the river winding its way across the agricultural fields.
The house enjoys the views of the river winding its way across the agricultural fields.
Along the central axis of the underground house landscaped steps lead you along a coarsed stone wall towards the pool deck
Along the central axis of the underground house landscaped steps lead you along a coarsed stone wall towards the pool deck
Verandah overlooking a river with infinity swimming pool
Verandah overlooking a river with infinity swimming pool
Living Room
Living Room
Infinity Swimming pool overlooking a river
Infinity Swimming pool overlooking a river
Master Bedroom Desk
Master Bedroom Desk
A master bedroom, bathroom, dining and living area sit along the front: the more open face of the house.
A master bedroom, bathroom, dining and living area sit along the front: the more open face of the house.
A bamboo enclosure creates a dialogue between the interior and the dramatically changing landscape.
A bamboo enclosure creates a dialogue between the interior and the dramatically changing landscape.
Plan
Plan
Section
Section
Section
Section
Section
Section
Axonometric
Axonometric
From the top, the roof seems to be an extension of the natural landscape, enhancing the under-statedness of the house.
From the top, the roof seems to be an extension of the natural landscape, enhancing the under-statedness of the house.
Since the most of the site is steeply sloping with a 1:4 gradient, the vegetated roof gives the subterranean house an additional usable area.
Since the most of the site is steeply sloping with a 1:4 gradient, the vegetated roof gives the subterranean house an additional usable area.

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From Architecture BRIO

The Riparian House is situated at the foot of the Western Ghats, a mountainous landscape near Mumbai that's a UNESCO World Heritage site. The house is designed to disappear in the landscape thanks to its vegetated roof that merges with the top of the hillock. The subterranean house almost becomes a cyborg: part natural, part artificial.

A box like volume is inserted under this roof to merge with the terrain. The roof allows wild grass and vegetation to grow over it. From above, the strong geometry of the house seems to merge with the contours of the hill. It forms a hybrid of a half made, half found landscape. The underground layout of the house creates a harmonious relationship with the earth, with a rock-carved courtyard that acts as a staircase, connecting different levels. The deep verandah's provide tranquil views of the Irshalgad hill fortress to the north and the western riverside. The central area features the kitchen and an open-to-the-sky court, surrounded by two bedrooms embedded in the earth with ample light and proximity to the riverside.

A wrap around verandah provides shade from the sun and protection in the rains. In front of this, a rhythmic row of bamboo poles is placed at close intervals in front of the house to create a layer of privacy without obstructing the spectacular view of the river and the mountains beyond. The bamboo screens offer a dynamic pattern of light and shadow during different times of the day. A timber deck juts out towards the river, serving as a viewing platform and gathering spot for the family.