Transformed to Make Physical
News Article: Rustic Retreat on the Edge of the Kaveri River
Nestled on a sprawling 44,450 sq ft site area, filled with mango and chickoo trees, lies a charming farmhouse in Hond, near Surat. Designed by The Company of Design and landscaped by DesignSeed, Vadodara, this rustic retreat emphasizes minimalism in elements but richness in materiality.
The design concept of the farmhouse revolves around creating a home that seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor experiences, fostering intimate interactions with the surrounding landscape. The core idea is to make the house part of the site, rather than an isolated structure.
The farmhouse spans a built-up area of 7,400 sq ft and is composed of two main parts: the rustic main house and a discreet outhouse hidden behind a large stone wall. The outhouse, located adjacent to the river, houses two bedrooms, providing a secluded nook for family members to enjoy privacy while remaining connected to the site’s landscape.
The design uses natural materials like wood and stone extensively, transforming them into prominent visual features that emphasize the rustic and earthy aesthetic. The maximal use of materiality against minimal structural elements allows the textures and presence of natural materials to take visual precedence.
The terrain incorporates the existing greenery, maintaining the mango and chickoo trees, enhancing the natural setting. The landscape design by DesignSeed complements the architecture, focusing on enhancing the rustic surroundings with thoughtfully curated planting and site-sensitive design.
In summary, the farmhouse combines rustic, natural materials with a minimalist structural approach, grounded in a landscape that nurtures privacy, connection with nature, and intimate family spaces by the river’s edge. This small space, intended for the family's private enjoyment, is designed to feel like a secluded nook, providing both communal and private spaces within the vast landscape.
[1] Source: The Company of Design and DesignSeed, Vadodara.
The interior design of the rustic retreat incorporates natural materials like wood and stone, creating a seamless blend between indoor and outdoor living, aligning with the overall minimalist lifestyle. The home-and-garden design, overseen by DesignSeed, intentionally preserves the site's native mango and chickoo trees and thoughtfully curates planting to augment the rustic ambiance.
