Villa Prakriti: Architecture that Breathes with Nature in the Sahyadri Mountains

In the Heart of the Sahyadri Mountains

Hidden among the forested slopes of India’s Sahyadri range, stands an architectural example unlike the familiar. Villa Prakriti is not just a traditional mountain retreat, but rather an open letter from unTAG Studio to the natural surroundings of Igatpuri.

The Meaning Behind the Name

The name itself reveals the core idea; “Prakriti” means Mother Nature in Sanskrit. This choice clearly reflects the philosophy driving the project, where the building engages with its environment as a living entity, not as a space to be dominated.

Harmony with the Terrain

Spread across 418 square meters, this countryside home cascades along the hillside instead of resisting it. Its flow across the natural slopes resembles water carving its path through ancient rocks over centuries, in perfect harmony with the geographical context.

Redefining the Relationship with the Land

While many architects see sloped land as something to be leveled and prepared, unTAG chose a different approach. The 4,500-square-foot house gently steps down with the mountain. Each level establishes a direct relationship with the forest floor below.

Architecture as Discovery

The outcome is not a structure that imposes itself, but rather a revelation. It feels as if the villa had always been there, patiently hidden under the canopy of trees, waiting for nature’s cover to be lifted so it could emerge into sight.

Nature as Part of Architecture

The true magic lies in the way vegetation becomes an integral architectural element. Here, green walls do more than serve as decoration; they define and shape the spaces themselves.

Courtyards and Open Voids

Courtyards pierce into the interiors, bringing slices of sky and shadows of the forest into daily life. This transforms living into a full immersion in nature, rather than a separation from it.

Texture and Environmental Harmony

Earthen finishes envelop every surface, with warm tones that echo the rich mountain soil outside. As one moves through these interconnected spaces, it feels less like walking through traditional rooms and more like traversing the layers of a living ecosystem.

Light as an Architectural Element

Light, too, becomes a fundamental building material. Photographs by architect Branit Bora reveal how sunlight filters through carefully designed openings, painting shifting patterns across interior walls throughout the day.

Constant Dialogue with the Seasons

This continuous interplay of shadow and light creates a living canvas that responds to changing weather and shifting seasons. Surfaces seem to breathe with the surrounding forest, expanding and contracting in rhythm with nature’s pulse.

Breaking Conventional Notions

In this project, unTAG challenged the conventional ideas of shelter. Instead of shielding residents from nature and isolating them, the studio chose to design a constant dialogue with it.

Dissolving the Boundaries Between Inside and Outside

Covered terraces extend living areas into the open air, while indoor courtyards pull the outside world deep into the home’s heart. The dividing lines between interior and exterior dissolve, creating spaces that feel both sheltered and open to the mountainside’s ever-changing moods.

A New Vision for Mountain Living

Villa Prakriti offers a different perspective on contemporary mountain living. Here, buildings do not compete with nature but rather enhance its beauty and weave into its fabric.

Harmony with Time and Context

The house ages in step with the surrounding forest, acquiring layers of color and texture that deepen its bond with the Sahyadri terrain. It is architecture that is conscious of its place and respectful of the ancient rhythms of this remarkable corner of western India.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

Villa Prakriti can be seen as a distinctive experiment in blending architecture with nature, offering a model that reflects a rare harmony between modern design and the surrounding mountainous environment. Open spaces, a thoughtful interplay with light, and a deep connection to the land and forest all contribute unique aesthetic and experiential value.

However, certain aspects of the project may raise questions about its suitability for all lifestyles, particularly its openness to natural elements, which brings challenges related to privacy and protection from harsh weather conditions. Likewise, the design philosophy that dissolves the boundary between inside and outside may not align with the preferences of those who seek a sense of seclusion or full control over their indoor environment.

In this sense, the project remains a bold experiment worthy of reflection, balancing architectural inspiration with practical considerations, and opening the door to deeper discussions about the future of architecture in harmony with nature.

Prepared by the ArchUp Editorial Team

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