Brick House In Wada, Maharashtra, India

Original, eye-catching and somewhat eccentric, the Brick House in Wada, Maharashtra, India is a contemporary masterpiece that was designed by iStudio architecture. It was completed in 2014 and features 2,250 square feet of space. It is actually a farmhouse that impresses with an organic, flowing design that includes a central body of water as well as a curved jali brick wall that offers glimpses of the interior to the owner as he prepares to step inside.

Speaking of the interior, it’s worth mentioning that it incorporates a pair of eye-catching arches made out of stone and brick. The furnishings feature different materials and appear to be raising and falling from the floors and walls in a splendid display of playful architecture. The kitchen, dining area and living room are all a part of the same open space.

Comfortable and eco-friendly, the Brick House in Wada boasts passive cooling and cross-ventilation as well as natural illumination throughout its living areas during the day. The architects drew inspiration from the works of Laurie Baker and made use of techniques such as brick arches, rat-trap bonds and filler slabs. The built-in furnishings are also a nice touch.

From the architect:

The Brick House, situated amidst rural settlements in Wada, near Mumbai,India, is a 2500 sq.ft. farmhouse set within hills and farms. The impact of the architecture of the structure is strong, leading the viewer to a new observation, not allowing him to be complacent about the space which he occupies. The organic form emerges from the ground and flows into the skyline, following curved dips and peaks.

Each space flows into another along curved lines, leading into a seamless space held by the central courtyard. The observer begins his journey along the curved jali brick wall offering tantalizing glimpses of the interior, thus drawing him into dramatic compositions of light and shadows.

As one enters into the structure, one is greeted by the soft sunlight falling to the central body of water and the coolness within the structure. The interior space is dominated by the two huge arches of brick and stone, opening to vistas of farms and hills. The furniture seems to rise and fall from the walls or floor dramatically leading one’s eyes to play of materials against each other.

Zoning of activities responding to the climatic conditions and views was achieved with the use of levels leading to a single yet distinct living room, kitchen and dining. South-west position of first floor bedroom provides shade to courtyard and keeps water body cool.

The positions and sizes of the openings are dictated by climatology, ensuring natural light, cross ventilation and passive cooling.

Taking inspiration from architect Laurie Baker, we used techniques like rat-trap bonds brickwork, filler slabs, brick jalis, brick arches, built-in furniture and use of local material. These proved low cost and eco-friendly technologies, allowing this 2500 sq ft structure to be constructed in INR 20 lakhs due to reduced requirement of steel, cement & bricks.

Location: Wada, Maharashtra 421303, India
Area: 2500.0 ft2
Year: 2014
Photographs: AN clicks

Interior Designer: iStudio architecture
Cost: INR 2000000