Red Brick Studio was commissioned to design a weekend retreat for a couple and their dog, embracing a philosophy centered on simplicity, subtlety, and prioritizing function over form. This vision gave rise to the “Sloping House,” a residence focused on minimalism and practicality. Its primary purpose is to provide a private sanctuary that harmonizes with the challenging topography and the stunning views of Lake Uxa.
In recent years, with the rise of second-home tourism, the studio aimed to minimize the building’s footprint, fully utilize the site’s potential, and incorporate technologies and materials suited to the local environment to lower energy consumption. The site features a unique terrain, beginning with flat ground at the front, gently sloping down toward the lake. Defying conventional approaches, the design preserves the flat area for the client’s orchard, situating the house on the sloped section. This strategic positioning uses the natural landform to conceal most of the home from the entrance views.
The residence follows a straightforward cross-shaped floor plan. The central section is embedded into the slope, while the other parts are elevated on tall stilts, creating a light presence on the terrain. Constructed from stone, the central core rises naturally from the ground, stepping down with basalt terraces that lead directly to the bold red entrance gate. The layout is slightly angled, expanding the living room’s lake views and positioning the bedroom to face the sunset. Steel columns support the rest of the structure, preserving the sloping ground beneath. Exposed fly ash masonry walls embrace this volume, with carefully designed openings that frame the picturesque hillside by the lake.
Inside, the home contrasts sharply with the rugged exterior walls. Natural lime plaster lines the interior, helping to keep the rooms cool during hot summers. Its breathable quality prevents moisture accumulation in the walls. A skylight centrally positioned floods the stairwell with natural light. Custom-designed metal French doors can be fully opened, seamlessly connecting indoor spaces with the outdoors. The neutral palette of white walls and black floors serves as a backdrop for furniture and artwork, all personally designed by the clients.
The landscaping is intentionally kept natural and primitive, featuring cold-resistant native trees and wild grasses instead of manicured plants. The studio envisions that, over time, vegetation will soften the building’s presence and eventually allow the architecture to blend into the natural surroundings, making nature the focal point.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ Plan View
△ Plan View
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architect: Red Brick Studio
Area: 150 m²
Project Year: 2024
Photographers: Hemant Patil, Sohaib Ilyas
Manufacturers: Saint Gobain, TATA
Design Supervisors: Ankur Kothari, Tamanna Arif, Anil Poduval
Structural Design: Himanshu Tulpule
Contractor: Mahesh Mainmar
Manufacturing: Ashok Chouhan
Location: Kamshet, India
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