I believe that the inspiration comes from the material itself, it will talk to you and tell you what to do', says the architect of this country house outside Mumbai. Accordingly, the design evolved on site, as a result of a direct collaboration between architect, local mason and fabricator: no working drawings were made. Materials are local: black basalt for the foundations, RCC coping, brick for the walls, railway sleepers for the flooring of the mezzanine, Mangalore tiles for the roof. The massive overhang of the roof provides the verandah with ample shade; strategically placed openings generate cross-ventilation.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture