Rustic Villa on Forest Meadows by Architecture BRIO in Tala, India

Project: Rustic Villa on Forest MeadowsArchitects: Architecture BRIOLocation: Tala, India Area: 2,421 sq ftPhotos by: Photographix

Rustic Villa on Forest Meadows by Architecture BRIO

The Rustic Villa on Forest Meadows, designed by Architecture BRIO, presents a stunning resort in Tala, India. Surrounded by a gentle river and natural landscape, the villa celebrates its environment through blurred transitional spaces. A wooden bridge leads to pilings at height where a breathtaking view unfolds and an atmosphere of contemplation is created. Carefully selected architectural elements, such as the bathroom railing made from wooden tongue-and-groove panels and mirror panels, create a play of shadows and reflections. The large open space under the fragrant roof is enhanced with moveable glass, showcasing panoramic views. Smaller interior spaces define different zones while maintaining visual connection to the forest. The blend of nature and design makes this rustic villa a cozy and captivating retreat.

The Rustic Villa is situated on the edge of a 160-acre hilly terrain called 'treesort', surrounded by a smooth river landscape. The idyllic location of Tala on India's western coast is just steps away from the Kudra caves. Almost 20 centuries ago, Buddhist monks instinctively grasped the meditative qualities of this serene landscape and made these hills their home. The Rustic Villa was created as a celebration of this place through the creation of a series of blurred transitional spaces with varying levels of transparency and openness within this forested tropical setting.

Upon arrival, a wooden bridge guides visitors from the forest surface to a large pilon terrace that shelters the house and ends in an observation platform. A constant reminder of the magnificent views reinforces the contemplative atmosphere reflected throughout the house.

The architectural elements of the house were carefully chosen, each conveying its message: the bathroom railing is made from vertical wooden tongue-and-groove panels filled with mirror panels that reflect the surrounding forest and other forms occupying space.

They abstractly recall tree branches that descend, allowing nature to penetrate inside in a constant interplay of shadows and concealment.

The horizontal openness and airiness of the large space under the dominant fragrant roof are emphasized by wrapping it in a layer of moveable glass. The curved angles of this glass-wood frame showcase the panoramic view of nature. The curvature creates a sensual sense of luxury and adds softness to the space. A second layer of semi-transparent t-dyed curtains filters bright light during the day and accommodates three other spaces.

The villa is designed for 4 adults and 2 children. Functions include two double beds, one upper bed for kids, two bathrooms, a living room, a breakfast or board game area with an external terrace and a large observation deck. Instead of separating these activities into individual rooms, the main space is divided by three smaller spaces within it, maintaining visual connection with the forest on all sides: a storage-cum-upper bedroom, semi-natural bathroom, and curtained sleeping area serve as supports and define intermediate zones such as the breakfast room and living room. Free movement between them creates visual permeability across the plan.

Like smaller spaces within the large one, the bathroom and storage-cum-upper bedroom are made from a wooden lattice frame filled with white acrylic.

The storage room contains all the amenities of a bedroom and a small kitchen. The upper part of the storage is accessible via a wooden staircase, providing an additional bed. Looking down into the surrounding forest, it's almost like a 'pirate's den', an ideal cozy shelter for small children.

The semi-natural bathroom railing encloses the open courtyard but also extends inside the glass interior space. The old Garuga tree pierces through the floor of the external bathroom. One branch enters the room and exits again via the fragrant roof. Other branches spread across the external bathroom before exiting through several circular openings in the railing. The freestanding bathtub and the inward-outward style of the space make it an ideal relaxing place.

The large luxurious king-size bed inside a soft fabric wrap can be opened or closed depending on privacy needs.

A spiral staircase connects to a secret lower level hanging beneath the rustic villa. This guest room is on one side, its rear part being a rocky overhang and the other side surrounded by dense forest. Here one can take a shower, with only a curved glass panel between you and the animals of the forest around. The wooden terrace with an attached staircase invites you on a hike into the forest.

Elements and textures, as part of the structure, focus on communal living. The monochromatic color scheme of the space together with an eclectic mix of partially restored and individually designed furniture items give the interior a nomadic style. The restraint in the color palette highlights the surrounding greenery.

Similarly, the clarity of geometry and streamlined proportions of the railings are premeditated efforts to enhance this untamed wildness.

Volumetric compositions of partially white, partially reflective, and transparent surfaces within a wooden frame enliven and illuminate the space. This challenges traditional definitions of inside and outside, redefining concepts of privacy and openness in a hospitable setting. The spatial composition within an otherwise traditional tropical roof creates a sense of softness, sensuality, intimacy and complexity, making it the perfect spot for solitude in nature's wilds of Tala.

–Architecture BRIO