Monsoon Retreat

Monsoon Retreat 

Abraham John ARCHITECTS

Monsoon Retreat
© Alan Abraham

PHOTOGRAPHS
Alan Abraham

AREA
777 M²

YEAR
2013

LOCATION
Khandala, India

CATEGORY
Houses

Monsoon Retreat
© Alan Abraham

Text description provided by architect.

FLUIDITY OF SPACES

The living room was conceived as an “outdoor space” with abundant light and natural ventilation. It opens onto decks and gardens on either side, in keeping with the concept.

A continuous wall serves as a textured backdrop to the living room and continues onto the deck, lending it a rustic feel.

Monsoon Retreat
© Alan Abraham
Monsoon Retreat
© Alan Abraham

The cantilevered wood and steel staircase connecting the two floors is set against imposing double height windows; it is bathed in light, allowing luxuriant indoor plants to thrive.

The indoor courtyard pathway continues from the staircase area towards the garden. Showers of light are suspended from the ceiling creating a serene ambience.

The indoor courtyard pathway continues from the staircase area towards the garden. Showers of light are suspended from the ceiling creating a serene ambience.

Monsoon Retreat
Monsoon Retreat
© Alan Abraham
Monsoon Retreat
© Alan Abraham

The Dining Room suspends over the private pool, giving the room an island-like feel; the tree in the dining area adds an element of surprise. The Dining island becomes an exotic “outdoor” space where one can enjoy the breeze, the proximity to the water and to the greenery.

Three bedrooms are situated on the first floor. The master bedroom is separated from the other two bedrooms via a bridge that spans across the double height space of the living room.

The Master Bedroom is a complete suite by itself, made up of a large bedroom looking onto a private terrace, a master bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe. Wooden rafters span the entire Master Suite ceiling, giving it an earthy, out-of-town feel.

Monsoon Retreat
© Alan Abraham
Monsoon Retreat
© Alan Abraham

The bedroom’s wooden flooring brings in beauty and warmth. A walk-on skylight is a unique feature between the bedroom and the terrace overlooking the garden.

ONE WITH NATURE

The villa is designed in response to site conditions. Sloping roofs have been designed to withstand the extreme monsoons rains experienced in the area. This house allows one to experience nature.

Monsoon Retreat
© Alan Abraham
Monsoon Retreat
© Alan Abraham

The indoor/outdoor boundaries disappear as every room opens up to a private outdoor space (terrace or garden). Outdoor decks and landscaped gardens serve as expansive entertaining areas with artful illumination and mood lighting.

Indoor courtyards, skylights, double height sliding-folding windows add to the outdoor feel. Light and shadow add warmth & texture. The carefully chosen, limited palette of materials ensures consistency in design, minimises maintenance and encourages sustainability.

Monsoon Retreat
Monsoon Retreat
© Alan Abraham

SUSTAINABILITY

Spaces created harmonise with their surroundings and encourage sustainability by using “green” materials that accentuate warmth & transparency, whilst ageing beautifully:

natural sandstone & engineered wooden flooring, large sliding and openable double–glazed windows, which cut down on solar radiation and air conditioning load, allowing for uninterrupted views and access to landscaped areas; automation & LED lights reduce electrical consumption. Cross ventilation ensures minimum use of the AC.

Monsoon Retreat
© Alan Abraham
Monsoon Retreat
© Alan Abraham

The Villa showcases Five Bedrooms (optional Media Room) with attached Bathrooms and balconies. In addition there is a Staff Room, a Kitchen and a Powder Room.

Landscape and lighting design play an essential role in the project: outdoor areas and even indoor courtyards, namely the staircase and dining courtyards abound with greenery.

Earth was mounded up, boulders & exotic plants were added to create an interesting entrance. The parking area was paved using green paver blocks which allow grass to grow.

Monsoon Retreat


Monsoon Retreat
© Alan Abraham
Monsoon Retreat
© Alan Abraham


Monsoon Retreat
Diagram
Monsoon Retreat
Diagram


Monsoon Retreat
Plan
Monsoon Retreat
Plan
Monsoon Retreat
Plan


Monsoon Retreat
Section
Monsoon Retreat
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Monsoon Retreat
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