Embracing the Nature

The architects proposed a pavilion type vacation house that does not stand out but blends with the surroundings. The house is placed over a one foot high plinth with a veranda all around. The two required rooms have a semi-outdoor space in between which serves as the primary place of gathering for the house. The house offers beautiful views towards both south and north. Gentle breeze flows through the large windows, above the dropped ceiling and through the semi-outdoor space in the middle. The house is cold during summer and warm during winter. This project draws from the vernacular idea of a vacation house, and speaks of the local seasons and culture.

Thinking of a simple space requirement, the client wanted only two rooms with one attached toilet. However, the architects brought in the following considerations to generate a rich environment: the project should ensure the serene quality of the site and surroundings to embrace the magnificent view to the north of the house.

Placing the building in the 4,210 square metre land was quite a design challenge to make the best use of the site. The architects decided to put the house at the gently sloped area behind the three jam trees at the north-west side. This location allows great views towards the north, especially during the monsoon. Three existing jam trees provide shade during the summer on the south side of the house and the roof. The flat land is left for seasonal vegetable gardening.

The roof is designed as a reversed pitch that increases the viewing angle from indoors. It has also made it easier to collect rainwater from the roof and to install a window at the top of the exterior wall. These windows can be kept open during the summer. The rainwater collection from the roof is essential as the site lacks any water supply system, and four solar panels were installed as the site is out of reach from the national grid of electric supply.