Beach House

The genesis of the design has its roots in the inherent qualities of rustic fishing hamlets that dot the Indian coastline. The oceanfront adobe offers sweeping views of the sea and is set in the midst of lush coconut groves and tropical foliage. The built elements are cocooned behind the swaying palms. The design has been anchored in the ancient principles of Vastu Shastra. The programme with an almost linear spatial arrangement evolves from the configuration of rooms on either side of the entrance. The 5-bedroom house has been composed in such a way that each bedroom opens onto a curving veranda looking out at the sea. The amalgamation of the interior spaces with the external landscape gives this house an extraordinary feel. The fluidity of movement between the indoors and the outdoors is what makes the ambiance especially stirring. The strong expression of the roof with its intertwining rhythm allows the building to emerge gracefully. The constructional elements are presented symbolically by relating to the local vernacular coastal heritage. The gigantic arches constructed with local stone, ceilings of exposed timber, wooden windows with cane blinds and a bar with a thatched roof in the swimming pool complete the vernacular idiom.