Sansmaraṇa (संस्मरण) – A memoir

A memoir is an architectural narrative written by the architect from the perspective of the client, who wished to relive one of the most beautiful and unpretentious aspects of their lives- the native life. Located in the heartland of the rural Karjat region of Maharashtra, the site is spread across 3 acres of land. With a large part of the land earmarked for agriculture and cashew plantations, the anterior region was identified for developing the vernacular home. The home was envisaged as a sanctum that takes one back in time. A home that evokes childhood memories of visiting grandparents’ home in the countryside. A home where slow life is celebrated, where spaces encourage conversations and where the indoors are permeable to the outdoors, unlike the urban confines. The built mass exhibits a strong motive of meaningful space that transcends nature through materials like repurposed clay tiles, ethically sourced teak wood, native Basalt stones and locally woven cane panels & fabrics. The project is an honest attempt at creating a memoir that conjures up fond memories and timeless experience !