Weekend Retreat by SAK Designs in Pune, India

Project: Weekend Retreat Architects: SAK Designs Location: Pune, India Area: 6,700 sq ft Photography: Ishita Sitwala | The Fishy Project

Weekend Retreat by SAK Designs

SAK Designs completed an ambitious project of contemporary housing in Pune, India. The Weekend Retreat was designed as a home for a family who prefers a rustic and rural experience over a luxurious mansion. Although this house appears quite modern, it is surrounded by the owner's farm and the overall style in this design is a direct connection to outdoor spaces and proper landscaping around it.

"This project for us was not only architecture but also an approach to creating experiences or blending nature and life within it. When we want to escape the city, we need to run away from its feeling and what could be a better sanctuary than this?"

From urban landscapes to farms, the journey with different skies is a journey in itself when you arrive at the house; our client's home, which preferred a rustic and rural experience over luxurious retreat. The owner has a farm surrounding this house, and his parents enjoy the simplicity of this place. The secluded 5000 sq ft house is located on the outskirts of Pune, designed by SAK Designs architects from Ahmedabad, India. This house is not only inhabited by people but also various plants and animals with each seasonal change.

Simple as it may be in design, we tried to play with levels around the house, creating artificial contours in the landscape, a pool located below the house level, a projecting terrace, floating balconies and an artificial lake. The facade reflects minimalism, while the scale and details of the built structure convey optimism as you move along the uncovered contours of the house. Opening the western blue wooden door, you feel a welcoming low foyer with an open courtyard.

Surrounded by green plantings, bamboo screens and white textured walls, this courtyard contains a water body, landscape with various plants and a floating concrete staircase leading to the terrace. This further delineates private and semi-public zones, connecting with several relaxation spots, an open kitchen, dining room, and bedrooms with built-in furniture. A few steps below, you are amazed by the beautiful lake view with a quiet pool and local landscape allowing the house to sit peacefully in its context.

The dense green strip next to the living room extends into the dining area. This creates harmony within the space, making it an experiential part of the inner world. Furniture adds a modern touch to this earthy space. The living room then connects with the terrace, views of the farm and pool, and an artificial lake with greenery to the horizon that has no equal. There is also a built-in BBQ area on the adjacent side. The furniture in the bedrooms is fully minimalist. The bed itself is a platform of brick plaster with a mattress on top.

Using several materials such as stone, bamboo and irregular stucco walls with interesting patterns, this house satisfies all requirements for comfortable living.

"As we see it, this house sets an example of a polite dialogue between nature, architecture and users".

–SAK Designs