Outhouse, Alibaug |
Project Area : 2 acres
The key intention for this landlocked two acre property in Thal, Alibaug, was to forge a symbiotic relationship between the built form and the landscape, with nature creeping into the house, and the house opening out into nature. The site is landlocked, and the lack of grand beach or mountain vistas to take advantage of dictated the planning of an inward looking garden, and striving to create magic within.
The house divides the plot into two distinct halves, organically giving way to a straightforward layout consisting of a front garden and a back garden. Entering the front garden, one is greeted with an absolute riot of colours. A driveway lined with a vibrant palette of mixed tropical planting leads up to the house. On the right is a small sun- kissed lawn space with a few native trees interspersed across it. Journeying over to the back garden, one leaves colour behind, entering a sanctum of only white flowers and sweet scent.
Four mature indigenous frangipanis stand tall around the pool, providing shade to the Jacuzzi. A day bed designed by Shane Pedder is tucked on the side to form an open lounge area; a larger than life Calathea lutea envelops the entire pavilion.
The softscaping plays a unique role of connecting the different levels of the home. Bougainvillea climb up the railings, connecting the first floor to the ground. An Alstonia scholaris, or blackboard tree transplanted into the ground creates a spot of shade on a first floor terrace, an ideal spot for a seating area to sit back and enjoy views of the gardens below. The canopy of trees on the periphery- fruit bearing natives and tall indigenous coconut palms seem to shelter the property from the burdens of the outside world.
Considering that Thal village faces water scarcity, designing with ecological sensitivity was a priority. Minimum lawn space, native planting, and maximised permeable surfaces each contribute towards local water conservation.
Instead of breaking down the existing tarred driveway, it was punctured with holes, and gravel was laid over it, which reduced the jarring nature of the right angled turn, and made the path blend in seamlessly with the softscape. Furthermore, rainwater can now infiltrate into the ground, reducing stormwater runoff, and mitigating local flood-risk.
An old eye-sore of a water tower onsite has been refurbished, and given a new life as an observation tower, giving viewers a vantage point from which to look over the entire 2 acre property. The curtain of ivy that has climbed up the structure lends it the charm of a tower in an old Bavarian castle.
Constraints on the site being perceived as design opportunities has led to the creation of an idyllic tropical retreat full of little quirks and charm. The project exemplifies how luxury living can, and should co-exist with an innate respect for nature, and subscribe to crucial principles of sustainability.
Image Credits : Sumet Mheta & Gajendra Mandrekar
