Nestled within the dense green embrace of mango groves in the coastal town of Alibag in Maharashtra, India, Asmalay is reflective of the seamless integration of human habitation with the natural world. Designed by the Mumbai-based studio Blurring Boundaries, this biophilic home goes beyond conventional design paradigms to celebrate sustainable design through a thoughtful fusion of form and function, drawing inspiration from both nature and traditional wisdom.

Led by architects Shriya Parasrampuria and Prashant Dupare, the studio designed Asmalay to be a graceful dance with the existing landscape, particularly the five majestic mango trees that define the site. “The challenge of building around the trees became an opportunity to create organic design language, flowing in between the lush canopies of the trees. Consequently, the house has a very strong connection to the surroundings, making it a unique biophilic piece of architecture”, says Dupare. The flowing, open floor plan and interconnected spaces are framed by curved brick walls that artfully embrace these trees, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The use of natural and recycled materials underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability. The choice of materials is deliberate to ensure that they not only blend seamlessly with the environment but also contribute to the overall efficiency of the structure. For instance, the rat-trap brick bonds are used to enhance material efficiency and provide insulation, creating a home that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible. The studio uses these materials to create a residential architecture that feels fluid in its spatial experience. Every possible surface of Asmalay, waves or curves, gives way to minimal corners in the home. 

The strategic orientation of the house in alignment with prevailing winds and natural light, further enhances its sustainable grip. Brick arch windows, following the curvature of the existing trees, allow for the circulation of daylight and air, creating microclimates within the house. The north-facing ferrocement roof, carefully designed to accommodate the expansive canopies of the mango trees, provides natural shading. It also skilfully eliminates the need for air conditioning and exemplifies the possibilities of design that are practical yet kind to the environment. 

Earthy hues dominate the colour palette of Asmalay. Brick and stone when coupled with textured wall treatments, corbelling, and distinctive apertures, showcase the expressive potential of architecture in creating warm and inviting spaces. A recycled glass bottle wall on the ground floor adds a playful infusion of daylight, creating an interplay of light and shadow that enriches the ambiance furthering the inviting nature of the space.

Keeping in with the principles of sustainability, the inbuilt ferrocement furniture within Asmalay features a harmonious blend of functionality and design. This approach of 'selective detailing' enhances the visual appeal of the space, adding a layer of sophistication to the overall design.

The defining feature of Asmalay is its ability to dissolve the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, connecting its residents with their natural surroundings. The architectural composition of the home goes beyond the traditional notions of shelter, creating an immersive experience where spatial arrangement, materials, lighting, and colours synergise to establish a sense of equanimity.

Speaking of the challenges around executing this biophilic home, Dupare says, “Since the idea was to build in between trees, the built form emerged as a series of continuous free-flowing spaces. One major challenge was to imagine this fluid form and come up with custom solutions and details, that suited the overall design language. Another challenge was getting it executed, especially since we chose to engage local contractors and masons, and not specialised external agencies. Instead of depending on the technical drawings only, we also got samples and prototypes made along with an on-site explanation for the construction.”

Due to the skilful blending of various aspects of design, Asmalay is more than just a house; it is a conscientious pledge to sustainability. Through meticulous endeavours, Blurring Boundaries has created an ecologically mindful home that embodies a vision of human habitation coexisting harmoniously with the environment, showcasing how architectural ingenuity can give rise to spaces that nurture both the human spirit and the planet. In the heart of Alibag, Asmalay exemplifies the possibility of harmonious coexistence between architecture and nature.

Project Details

Name: Asmalay
Location: Alibag, Maharashtra, India
Year of completion: 2023
Design Firm: Blurring Boundaries
Design Team: Prashant Dupare, Shriya Parasrampuria, Archiit Chatterjee
Structural consultant: Himanshu Tulpule
Civil contractor: Mahesh Patil
Ferrocement contractor: Sunil Gade
Landscape contractor: Kundesh Patil
Fabricator: Amit Thanekar
Electrical Contractor: Dinesh Lahangi