top of page
VILLA 270°
Harne, Dapoli · 1.5 acres · Completed
2018 ISOLA Commendation Award for Excellence in Landscape Design
Selected for the India Pavilion, London Design Biennale 2021
The Konkan coast comprises a landscape of forests, mangroves, coconut and areca plantations, rocky hills, laterite hilltops and settlements, all shaped by their relationship with the Arabian Sea. Villa 270° sits on a hilltop within this ecologically sensitive landscape, overlooking the Arabian Sea, the historic fort of Suvarnadurg and the fishing settlement of Harne. The site itself was largely bare, exposed to strong sea winds, grazing and occasional fires. On the other side of the hill, the forest descends towards the estuary's mangroves. The intention was therefore not to create a landscape that stood apart from its surroundings, but one that would allow the house and its landscape to become part of the larger landscape.
The existing boulders, slopes and vegetation clusters became part of the landscape, with the design working around what was already present rather than reshaping the hill to create a conventional garden. The steep slope and exposed rock boulders influenced the movement, planting and placement of landscape elements. The pathways follow the natural contours of the site. Local laterite was used for walls and other landscape elements. Construction was carried out manually, avoiding the use of heavy machinery that would have disturbed the existing terrain.
Before
4 years after completion, an evolving landscape
Diversity documented after completion
bottom of page