A River Runs Through It: Architecture Brio in India

Located in Alibag, Maharashtra, a coastal town across the harbor from Mumbai, the House on a Stream is a weekend refuge for a busy Mumbai-based couple. Set on a one-acre plot with its own microclimate thanks to an abundance of fruit trees and dense foliage, the board-formed concrete and timber house “consists of two parts: the day areas (the dining, kitchen, living room) are separated from the master bedroom by a bridge that spans across the stream,” according to Robert Verrijt and Shefali Balwani, the principles of Mumbai-based Architecture Brio.

Photographs by Sebastian Zachariah.

Above: “Concrete left exposed in the humid climate achieves a patina that becomes more right and alive over time and provides a muted surface against the vibrant green surroundings,” the architects say.

Above: “The swimming pool is aligned along the stream, acting as a substitute for it during the dry season, and as an extension of it during the monsoons.”

Above: The approach to the main living space is shaded by a slatted pergola.

Above: Multiple openings allow for abundant cross breezes in the warmer months.

Above: The dining room is fully open on two sides.

Above: The house’s “day areas”–dining room, kitchen, and living room–overlook each other.

Above: The dining area opens to a courtyard.

Above: Since the owners are enthusiastic cooks, the kitchen is the heart of the house, a large, inviting volume with a high ceiling.”

Above: The kitchen is sleek and minimal.

Above: The master bedroom, which faces west, gets the evening sun; the doors are retractable for a full indoor/outdoor experience.

Above: A built-in window seat does double duty as a step to the outdoors.

Above: Ceiling fans provide ventilation during the warmer months.

Above: The guest room wing.

Above: Slanting light via a strategically positioned skylight.

Above: The bathroom is spare and minimal.

For inspirational contemporary houses, peruse our Architect Visits and Architecture & Interiors posts, including 10 Houses Made From Shipping Containers. Have a look at Landscape Architecture on Gardenista, plus an Irish Seaside Getaway in a Converted Stone Stable.