House in Rishikesh by Rajiv Saini in India

Project: House in Rishikesh
Architects: Rajiv Saini
Location: India
Area: 6,888 sq ft
Photography: Sebastian Zakaria

House in Rishikesh by Rajiv Saini

Rajiv Saini designed this remarkable single-story house in India. It is located on a slightly elevated site with views of the Ganges River. Being a single-story building, it offers well-maintained 7,000 square feet of luxurious living space with access to emerald manicured territories all around.

The first visit to the site changed all initial expectations of what this house should look like. Located on a hillside with views of the River Ganges as it turns around a bend, the unlimited energy of the flowing river became the main inspirational force, and the form of the house attempts to reflect this.

The project, a resort home/retreat along the Haridwar-Rishikesh route, was easily designed while working with clients who shared a passion for design and trusted us enough to begin this radical project. The requirements for the house included three bedrooms and sufficient informal spaces for family and friends to enjoy the wild nature around.

Approaching the house along a long winding road (which does not reveal the magnificent view of the river), one gets closer to the building between two 12-foot-high walls placed almost parallel to each other from a random stone monolith (all stones used for the walls in the house were quarried locally). Behind these walls lies a closed courtyard, enclosed by walls on three sides.

Stepping inside through the teakwood doors, one can feel the expansive views of the river. The large entrance space and outdoor terrace serve as an informal relaxation zone. There is also an elliptical glass and teak structure for dining. Crossing a bridge from here, one can walk through the inner courtyard and descend into the lowered hall.

The main bedroom along with the bathroom (and an outdoor patio with a shower) is located on one side of the hall. Passing through a long glass corridor lined with a bamboo grove, one can reach the bedrooms and TV area on the other side. This glass corridor lies between the bedrooms facing the river and a retaining wall holding up the lowered ground where the spa area is hidden near one of the entrance walls. A small courtyard provides sufficient natural light while offering full privacy for users.

Adhering to the location and form of the house, we used natural materials and finishes inside. Ceilings are made from concrete along with most load-bearing walls. Remaining interior walls are painted white, without plastering, using bricks or random ruins.

Floors in public and passageway areas are made from textured ochre sandstone, while bedrooms feature wooden panels. Bathrooms also use local stone or teak, and individual furniture pieces from solid teak wood were used throughout the house along with linen and cotton textiles.

- Rajiv Saini