House in the Trees

Alibaug, Maharashtra

The design intent was to build a structure that was raised amongst the foliage of the trees creating a feeling of being surrounded by nature and sky at all times. The house was planned with the master bedroom located in between the two banyan trees on either side. Spread across two floors, the internal planning was such that the main spaces were located on the first floor and the basic functional requirements were located on the ground floor. The ground floor seamlessly integrates with the landscaping. The structure is connected using verandas and glazed corridors with openings framing nature and looking onto the gardens below. A pool embraces the back of the structure warmed by the southern sun and is connected to the building by a linear axial Malad stone wall. The ground floor houses two bedrooms and a storage room with a linear staircase. As one enters the first floor a large outdoor terrace overlooking the coconut groves comes into view. The living room and dining area have floor to ceiling glazing allowing in natural light from all sides. A kitchen and pantry is located adjacent to the living area. The final two bedrooms are found upstairs containing volumetric spaces with high ceilings and ensuite bathrooms. A floating deck emerges at the end of the linear corridor, sitting amongst the branches of the banyan trees. A small mezzanine has been created that contains a library and rocking chairs. From here one can rise above the treetops and view the skyline of Mumbai from afar.