Dalal’s Residence

Material honesty forms the essence of the design. Exposed compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB) with lime wash define the exterior, while lime plaster interiors maintain a warm, breathable quality. Two strategically placed basalt stone walls lend visual weight and texture. A 17-foot cantilevered slab at the front, sheltering the living area below and a bedroom above, becomes a striking feature that reinforces the home’s structural clarity. Sliding panels open the interiors to north and south gardens, visually extending the living spaces and bringing light and air deep inside. Skylit bathroom cutouts introduce natural illumination, while the column-free living-dining-kitchen zone remains the social heart of the home — the coolest and most inviting part of the house, designed for everyday family gathering and comfort.

Conceived as a compact yet flexible family home, the Dalal Residence in Alibaug accommodates a family of four — parents and two sons — with the foresight for future expansion as the family grows. Sited on a 7,500 sq.ft plot with a built-up area of 4,450 sq.ft, the residence is carefully planned to balance openness with privacy, and built mass with generous green reliefs on either side. The layout follows a clear spatial hierarchy — the ground floor houses all public and semi-public functions such as the living, dining, and kitchen areas, along with a guest bedroom and a caretaker’s unit, while the first floor contains the three master bedrooms, a small library, pantry, and study or TV room. Organized as two offset rectangular volumes, the form allows for shaded verandahs and cross-ventilated pockets between the blocks, enhancing comfort throughout the day.