The Retreat: A Contemporary Weekend Home Inspired by Vernacular Indian Houses

A Serene Escape from the City

The Retreat, designed by Keta Shah and Varun Shah, takes cues from the monolithic spatiality of vernacular Indian houses and reimagines it in a contemporary context. The design prioritizes simplicity, functionality, and mental well-being, creating a space that allows residents to focus on the essentials and connect with nature.

The interiors of The Retreat are designed within an existing single-storied, load-bearing structure with 18" thick walls. To create a homogenous environment, the walls were carved to create niches and modulate the surfaces as beds, tables, or storage spaces. These surfaces are then enveloped with a cement texture, adding a touch of texture and soft colors to the stark space.

One of the unique aspects of The Retreat is its emphasis on sustainability and frugal innovation. The design incorporates the Indian characteristic of "Jugaad," which refers to non-conventional and resourceful solutions born out of cost restrictions and material availability. For example, an outdoor planter is repurposed into a circular center table, and old brass glasses are transformed into light fixtures.

The weekend home consists of two bedrooms and a fluid living space that incorporates the living areas, dining, kitchen, bar, and plenty of free space to lounge. Custom-designed fenestrations allow for maximum openings, framing the lush greenery outside. The vaulted ceiling defines the central bay of the house and visually leads to the outdoor space that overlooks the fields beyond.

The Retreat offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, accented by soft blue and green tones, wood, and metal elements. The use of a grey cement texture throughout the space creates a sense of continuity and harmony. The design fosters a clutter-free environment, promoting a simple and relaxed lifestyle that enhances mental well-being.

Completed in March 2019, The Retreat is a testament to the designers' meticulous research and attention to detail. Through field research and analysis, they studied the vernacular houses of the region to create a space that is rooted in its context. The mud houses found in rural India inspired the use of a single material, mud plaster, to make the space cool, sustainable, and hygienic.

The Retreat has been recognized for its outstanding design and creativity, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2020. This prestigious award honors designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the tranquility of The Retreat. With its unique blend of vernacular Indian design and contemporary aesthetics, this weekend home offers a sanctuary for relaxation, connection with nature, and a renewed sense of well-being.