These chapels in their pure white brilliance do not shy away from their existence with their characteristic axial orientation and dominant silhouette,’ explain the architects. ‘Similarly, this retreat attempts to lend a comfortable scale to its surrounding landscape.’
THE TWO RESIDENTIAL PAVILIONS OF ‘THE RAY’
The defining feature of Architecture Brio’s villa The Ray is the humble silhouette it casts against the lush jungle backdrop. The architects divided the home between two linear pavilions, each carefully staggered to frame uninterrupted views of the landscape and the Arabian Sea beyond. These pavilions are crafted from ‘Dhrangadhra’ limestone, their white walls gleaming in the tropical sun.
The deep-set steel-framed windows are filtered by white-painted timber shutters, offering not only shade but also a sense of connection with the distant, rolling surroundings. ‘They are strong manifestations that act as long spatial telescopes, bringing the distant sea views seemingly closer by,’ the team continues.
ARCHITECTURE INFORMED BY A LUSH HILLSIDE
The Ray villa occupies the rolling landscape with half of its rooms nestled within a solid, ‘hook’ shaped stone plinth, which Architecture Brio designs as both a retaining wall and a gardened rooftop terrace. This solid stone base anchors the villa to the hillside to lend a sense of shelter and protection while integrating itself into the natural scenery. Interstitial, stepping platforms descend along the slope to navigate the terrain and mirror the shifted architecture. An infinity pool envelops a shaded outdoor lounge and living area, its sinuous profile mimicking the meandering shoreline just a few kilometers away.a
curved pool surrounds outdoor living spaces | image © Ashish Sahi, interiors styled by Samir Wadekara sheltered living area opens on all sides to the distant hills | image © Randhir Singhwhite limestone and deep-set windows frame sea views | image © Ashish Sahi, interiors styled by Samir Wadekar
