architecture brio's riparian house near mumbai is embedded into the natural landscape

architecture brio’s riparian house near mumbai is embedded into the natural landscape
image © ariel huber

architecture brio has completed a residential property that unobtrusively occupies the undulating indian landscape. situated at the foothills of the western ghats, a designated UNESCO world heritage site, the dwelling has been titled ‘the riparian house’ — a name derived from its riverside location. positioned just below a hillock, the residence is partially concealed beneath a vegetated roof that merges with the rolling terrain and forms an extension of the landscape. as a result of its insulative properties, this natural canopy also aids in keeping the house cool.

the residential property unobtrusively occupies the undulating landscape
image © ariel huber

internally, occupants are afforded views towards western sunsets and the adjacent river that winds its way across the surrounding fields. along the house’s central spine, landscaped steps lead to a pool deck, while a second stairway connects to the home’s main living accommodation. this axis culminates in a light-filled courtyard where stone boulders, uncovered during the excavation process, evoke a sense of being at one with the landscape.

the dwelling has been named ‘the riparian house’, a title derived from its riverside location
image © ariel huber

a centrally positioned kitchen is flanked by two bedrooms at the far ends of the plot. these spaces are embedded in the earth with windows providing ample natural light. the plan also includes a master bedroom, a bathroom, and a dining and living area that all enjoy panoramic river views. externally, galvanized steel mullioned windows break up the scale of the front façade, with a rhythmic row of bamboo poles creating an additional layer of privacy without obstructing desired sightlines.

the residence is partially concealed beneath a vegetated roof that merges with the rolling terrain
image © ariel huber

as the landscape changes from a dense green-colored forest during monsoon months to a pale brown shrubby wasteland during the dry summer, the building has to be capable of responding to extreme natural conditions. this is done by allowing enough shade and breeze during the warmer seasons and providing a waterproof indoor environment for the stormy monsoons. the bamboo screen also creates an ever-changing pattern of light and shadow depending on the time of day, month, or year.

the natural canopy aids in keeping the house cool
image © ariel huber

walls are built from an indian limestone, a coarse pattern that contrasts the lightness of the suspended timber deck that wraps around three sides of the house. these covered verandas allow for comfortably ventilated and shaded semi-indoor spaces. internally, the timber floor continues as a border around various patterned natural stone floors.

stone boulders, uncovered during the excavation process, retain the surrounding earth
image © ariel huber

walls are built from an indian limestone, contrasting the lightness of the suspended timber deck
image © ariel huber

occupants are afforded views towards western sunsets and the adjacent river
image © ariel huber

a rhythmic row of bamboo poles creates an additional layer of privacy
image © ariel huber

a light filled courtyard is found at the center of the home
image © ariel huber

landscaped steps lead to a pool deck
image © ariel huber

the dwelling is set within a UNESCO world heritage area
image © ariel huber

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project info:

architects: architecture brio
design team: robert verrijt, shefali balwani, sahil deshpande, shuba shekar, prajakta gawde
structural design: girish wadhwa, vijay k. patil
area: 330 sqm
location: karjat, maharashtra, india
client: private
completed: october 2015
photography: ariel huber, lausanne