Villa Vernacular: Integrating Luxury and Nature in Suja, Himachal Pradesh

Villa Vernacular in Suja, Himachal Pradesh, is an architectural marvel designed to offer upscale living while maintaining a strong connection to rural nature. Created by Tibor Grešo, this project is a People's Choice Award entry in the Villa Vernacular 2.0 competition. The design philosophy centers around integrating the architecture seamlessly into the terraced landscape without disrupting its natural character.

Design Concept

The primary objective of Villa Vernacular is to provide a luxurious living experience that harmonizes with the surrounding environment. The plot offers breathtaking views, which the architecture thoughtfully incorporates. The design aims to minimize environmental impact by delicately merging the building with the terraced terrain.

The structure consists of two main floors with distinct purposes:

Upper Floor: Designated for office and guest spaces.

Lower Floor: Dedicated to the family's primary living areas.

This division ensures that the family enjoys both private and communal spaces without compromising the natural beauty of the landscape.

Architectural Features

The design involves two simple yet integrated objects that blend into the landscape with minimal disturbance. By carving into the mass, the architecture creates inviting exterior spaces that serve as gardens, seamlessly merging with the family home. This approach eliminates the need for fences, allowing the property to blend more harmoniously with its surroundings.

Key features of the design include:

Extensive Green Roof: Integrates into the landscape and provides additional green space.

Excavation: Used to create exterior atriums and inviting outdoor areas.

Windows and Recesses: Strategically placed to offer stunning views of the Himalayas and the valley.

Interior Layout

The building caters to the needs of a four-member family, comprising two product designers who own a company, and their teenage children. The family is active in sports such as cycling, skiing, and hiking, and enjoys wellness and relaxation activities.

Second Floor (Main Entrance):

Spacious entrance hall with direct access to a three-car garage, dressing room, bicycle storage, and a toilet.

Office space for the couple.

Guest apartment with dressing room and bathroom.

Playroom that can also function as a home theater or additional guest room.

Single-flight staircase leading to the first floor.

First Floor (Daytime Zone):

Expansive living room with direct access to an outdoor terrace, pool, and lounge seating..

A large kitchen, designed to be a focal point, and a dining room.

Night zone comprising a master suite and children's section, each with dressing rooms, bathrooms, and terraces.

Wellness area including a spa, sauna, and exterior patio.

Structural and Material Choices

The building's structure combines load-bearing reinforced concrete walls and steel columns. The facade features local stone with an oriental texture, complemented by exposed concrete bands. The first floor is covered with a green roof, and outdoor spaces are adorned with wooden cladding made from local wood. Shading is provided by sliding or tilting screens.

Room Breakdown

Living Room: 72m², Kitchen: 42m², Dining Room: 31m², Exterior Atrium: 64m², Exterior Lounge: 139m², Garden Furniture Storage: 9m², Toilet: 2m², Pool: 52m², Master Suite: Includes bathroom (16m²), dressing room (14m²), bedroom (17m²), and terrace (17m²), Children's Rooms: Two rooms (16m² each) with a shared dressing room (18m²) and bathroom (8m²), Corridor: 24m², Food Pantry: 3m², Garden Equipment Storage: 12m², Technical Room: 26m², Laundry Room: 26m², SPA Area: Includes shower, cooling pool (7m²), sauna (10m²), and wellness area (45m²), Exterior Patio: 18m², Entrance Hall: 59m², Exterior Atrium: 18m², Dressing Room 12m², Warehouse: 62m², Garage: 66m², 3D Printer Room: 14m², Guest Apartment: 17m², Guest Bathroom: 14m², Office Room: 17m², Game Room/Theater: 66m², Terrace: 14m², Staircase Area: 17m²

Villa Vernacular exemplifies the fusion of luxury and nature. Its design respects the natural landscape while providing a high-standard living space. The project addresses the contemporary need for remote workspaces and offers an ideal retreat for those seeking relaxation and connection with nature. This architectural gem sets a benchmark for sustainable and harmonious living in rural settings.