SITE:

The site is a relatively small plot (approximately 500 sq.yards) located on an extremely steep site in Karjat, outside of Mumbai. Karjat is located among the foothills of the Sahyadri range of mountains and the area offers breathtaking panoramic views across the valleys and hillsides. The site slopes down from the SW corner to the NE corner of the plot by about 35' over a distance of about 100'. The project has a tight approach road along the Southern edge and there is a valley towards the North and North East.

The site is covered in trees, most significantly of Indian Teak that have grown naturally so are located at random location and elevations.

This area experiences a typical hot humid climate of Karjat / Mumbai with hot summers, severe monsoon rains and fairly pleasant winters.

PROGRAM:

Single Family Weekend Cottage with 3 bedroom suites and adequate living / entertaining area for medium size gatherings. The client are a young couple who wanted to create a retreat that would be enjoyed by their children as they grew up.

CONCEPT:

Apostrophe A+uD derived a strategy of design that was a pure reflection of site conditions;

• A structure that could be built without cutting down any trees

• A structure that took advantage of the views

• A structure that protects from the intense solar gain and torrential rains

• A structure that could take navigate the steep slopes of the site

• A structure that created a spatial experience that would take advantage the interesting light patterns filtered by the hills and trees

PROCESS:

We began the project with a meticulous site survey that focused on soil / slope conditions and the tree locations (including branching and root ball spread).

A 3D model of the site was created with numerous iterations that would be able to assist in creating a plan that navigated between the dense tree cover.

The emergent plan was of two arcs slightly askew representing the upper and lover level of the residence. These “arcs” just fit into the space between the existing trees and branches at different levels of the sloped site.

A plan that took advantage of the views and a 3D modulation of the site topography to create terrace levels without uprooting or burying existing trees allowed us to create a section / elevation of the project.

We worked closely with the engineering team to create retaining walls and foundation system that would be cost effective. Furthermore a column and footing plan was created to project any tree roots from being cut.

During construction, precautions were taking to protect the trees so that at completion the house was protected and served by the existing landscape. 

MATERIALITY:

The project is constructed in a typical RCC frame and slab system. Retaining walls were made in locally sourced stone with an RCC frame.