Sketched out by 2013 by Krishnan+Parvez+Architects, the Mehr House is located in Raigad, India, just a stone’s throw away from Kalote Lake. It is a rural weekend retreat that impresses with a lively, contemporary design based on open spaces, large volumes, vibrant decor elements, operable screens and large windows that provide clear views of the surrounding environment. Even though it was built on a tight plot, the Mehr House feels spacious and welcoming.
Its lower level includes a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, a living room, housing arrangements for the staff members and a pair of guest bedrooms. Upstairs, we find private bedrooms that overlook a central living space. Thanks to a series of pivoted screen panels, the bedrooms benefit from a beautiful light show throughout the day.
The master bedroom, which is arguably the most impressive area of the house, flaunts special artwork that tells the unique story of the owner’s family.
From the architect:
Part of a gated community, in proximity to Kalote Lake, in serene village surroundings, the house called for a contemporary rural weekend retreat feel.
Conceptually, the layout and the materials fulfilled these conditions. Large volumes, natural stones, breezy ventilated indoors, graphic openable screens, vistas to the scenic surroundings, maintenance-free finishes, and art-sensitive interiors enveloped the design of the house. On a tight plot, the house was laid out to use every open space as verandas and service courts. The lower level housed the living, dining, kitchen, staff quarters, and two guest bedrooms. The private bedrooms in the upper level could overlook the central living volume. Large pivoted screen panels allow play of light in the bedrooms.
Commissioned art in the master bedroom essays the story of the client’s family. Firebricks, lime plaster, in-situ cement mosaic, and the brown stone echo hues of the natural context.