Hermitage Retreat

The house is a compact composition of intricately detailed spatial experiences, a contemporary interpretation of vernacular domains. The design is an effort towards urban regionalism and going back to our roots. The site on a hillock with panoramic views of the mountains has a crucial terrain. It is a self- sustaining structure, which does not require any external energy as it is designed precisely to be able to survive on natural energy resources with minimal interventions. The major inspirations, which drove the project are - scenic environment around the site and the childhood memories of the client associated with their idea of 'Home'. As the client belongs to an Aristocratic family from Maratha Empire (past rulers of the region), we had thought of making it serene and subtly rich space. This led us to our material palette as well as planning strategies. And henceforth the design is a linear open plan with a dynamic form made of sturdy stone walls and enliven by sensitively done landscape, traditional elements like typical holy cow- face gargoyles called as 'gomukh', courtyards, light stand of a traditional design called as 'deepstambh'.