“Earth House” is an attempt to create a built mass in harmony with nature and natural form of the earth. The site is a piece of mountain with steep contour. The house is designed such a way that it sits into the earth without disturbing its natural topography and contours. The earth continues on the terrace in the form of landscape to retain the natural beauty of the mountain. It is designed in such a way, that the spaces cascade down along the contour inside the earth by retaining the shape of the mountain. The spaces designed at various levels are connected through series of courtyards which are dug-out in the earth which also provide natural light and ventilation to the house.
This project is a weekend home at Bhugaon, near Pune, for an enthusiastic family of four. The requirement was to have a home which is relaxing and offers various spaces for parties. The house is spread across various levels with multiple courtyards. All the spaces open out on the valley with a step out garden. The planning is done is such a way that house is designed in 3 levels but each level is a ground structure and staggered in a way that it becomes a roof garden for an adjoining floor. A central staircase acts as a spine and connects all the levels. This staircase also creates connection between party lawns at the highest level to the party lawn on the lowest level. This planning allows for flexible movements around the house each time offering new experiences which keeps changing with seasons. The landscape is an integral part of this project. All the spaces including toilets are well connected to the landscape. The house has a rustic tone with natural stone- Shahabad flooring and exposed concrete slabs for ceilings. The furniture in wood complements the raw and natural feel of the space. Ample natural and diffused light through the day allows one to enjoy the landscape view through the day. The creepers coming down from the roofs above create beautiful screening for large openings Overall, this weekend house is in complete harmony with the nature and earth. The architecture completely merges itself with the surroundings adding beauty to the mountain slope. It becomes one with the nature rather than dominating over it.