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Combining a crude Brutalist House composition with softer Indian interior touches, this fabulous home design is a dramatic blend of modern architectural principles and traditional Indian typologies. Created by talent at The Web Architects, this unique house was designed for a small entrepreneurial family with a creative mindset. In addition to running a flower business, the client is also a poet, while his son is an avid nature photographer. Built on a plot of about 12,000 square feet, the large property was shaped to provide a simple, functional home. A minimal material palette of concrete, natural stone and keystone provide a modest interior base for decorated Indian elements and art.
With a southwest-facing plot, the brutalist house exterior had to be shaped to protect its interior from the scorching sunlight and heat. An overhanging canopy was inspired by the mysterious sight of an Indian woman shading her face from the sun under the folds of a pallu or odhani.
A bold red sculpture draws a focus near the back door of the home, contrasting brightly with the green landscape. To prevent the architectural envelope from appearing too thick and disproportionate to the main volume of the home, the protruding case was cut and staggered.
The sloping profile of the canopy gives the structure a visually light result while reaching a deep shadow over the windows.
The sliced facade also creates three cantilevered levels. Various terraces are pocketed under the canopy to take advantage of the happy shade, most of which have abundant greenery and flowers. The simple entrance slides under a concrete canopy. It has a three-meter high door that is pulled out and embedded in stone. The front door welcomes guests into an impressively long passageway with seating arranged on the left and a waiting lobby on the right.
The deep overhangs protect not only the windows from direct sunlight but the outer walls from heat gain.
The architectural concept was finalized after studying the solar path.
The concrete walls of the home are woven with lumber, which provides additional visual interest without disrupting the honesty of the material.
The property, called Beton Brut (raw concrete in French), takes advantage of the edifying color and freshness of plant life both inside and out. Due to the predominantly arid climate of the region, drought-prone plants have been selected for the southwest-facing terraces. These temperate specimens also encourage an influx of beautiful butterflies and hummingbirds to the outdoor terraces, creating an amazing biodiversity.
As we move inside the home, we discover a magnificent double-height living room. Molded concrete continues to have a textural interest here, and provides a cool gray background for the warmth of rich tequila furniture. Living spaces are focused on the garden to establish a consistent connection with nature.
A highly decorative Jharokha makes a striking contradiction to the simplicity of the brutalist concrete structure. The opening overlooks the large living room below, creating a close link between two levels of the home.
The complexity of the Jharokha design is complemented by traditional carved art on the opposite side of the room. Many decorative pieces in the home are picked up from old Havelis, mandapas, and vases to soak up an authentic Indian essence into the home.
Interior windows create more connections between levels and benefit from natural light from every direction.
The staircase design features open wooden steps to achieve a light balance with the bold concrete surroundings.
Colorful artwork and round portholes add interesting details to the climb.
Up on the landing area, glass railings allow the unique staircase design to be taken fully without obstruction.
A courtyard grows at the base of the stairs. The indoor plants were chosen to help maintain the humidity level of the interior.
Two staircases are welcome in sunlight throughout the day. One, a linear slit-like opening near the wall and the other a dim roof lantern. A dramatic play of light falls over the textured concrete to create a dynamic setting.
Above, natural photography brings color and life to the design of the master bedroom. The moderate material palette of concrete, sandstone, mud stone and keyboard wood continues in the bedrooms to ensure a quietly cohesive interior aesthetic throughout.
A teak deck bed has a floating trapdoor design that leaves the floor space looking clear and untidy. High-gloss Mud-stone tiles reflect the furniture contours, creating a dreamy, watery effect. A beautiful plantation welcomes the homeowner outside onto the shaded terrace.
Striking planters, a comfortable chair and a small side table form an inviting reading area.
On the ground floor and site plan, we see how trees have been strategically positioned around the property so that when they bloom, they will protect the house from the southwest heat.
The garden is located to the west.
Once the floor plan was completed, it was important to ensure that sunlight coming in from the southwest was controlled to protect the home from severe weather conditions.
Car parking is arranged within the cool limits of an underground garage.
The architectural shape creates a duality of light and shadow, which also enhances the board-shaped texture of the concrete.
The home design communicates a great sense of space that unites the family without endangering individuality.
Areas of congregation are interspersed with places of solitude to provide a sense of freedom and luxury.
Despite its assertive geometric shapes and powerful monolithic appearance, the home contains an emotional heart.
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