Modest Interactions

- Dhwani Shanghvi

The Riparian House, named because of its location on the bank of a river, almost appears to be growing downwards from the existing landscape. Situated on top of an undulating terrain on the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Western Ghats, it overlooks the river below it on the west, while the north affords views of the Irshalgad fortress.

Descending from the extended topography at the summit of the hillock, the house alludes to an introverted structure when viewed from the top. However, when viewed from the river, it has a stark presence, blending sympathetically with the contours of the hill.

The entrance itself is at a lower level, close to the river and leads to the house via an intermediary level which accommodates the pool and deck. The centrally placed steps run along the length of the stone retaining wall up to the pool, beyond which a second flight of staggered steps leads to the main level.