Project Facts:
- Project Name: Residence for Mr. Surya Sharma
- Location: Raigarh, Maharashtra, India
- Design Firm: Ongrid Design
- Typology: Residential / Independent Villa
- Structure: G+1 RCC Framed Structure with Pitched Roof
1. Project Overview: A Multi-Generational Home in Maharashtra 
Located in the culturally and geographically rich region of Raigarh, Maharashtra—much like the setting of our serene farmhouse project in Karjat—this independent villa project was designed to comfortably house a modern, multi-generational Indian family. The client, Mr. Surya Sharma, required a G+1 home plan that provided 21st-century comforts and privacy, while remaining deeply rooted in the local architectural language.
The challenge for Ongrid Design was to create a functional, spacious residential layout within a rigid RCC framework, wrapped in an envelope that actively responds to the region's distinct tropical climate and heavy monsoon seasons.
2. Design Philosophy: Contextual Modernism & Konkan Vernacular 
The core design philosophy of this residence revolves around Contextual Modernism. Instead of imposing a stark, glass-and-steel box onto the traditional landscape, the design draws heavy inspiration from Konkan vernacular architecture.
By utilizing locally recognizable building materials like exposed laterite stone and terracotta, the home feels as though it organically belongs to its site. Yet, its clean geometric lines, large structural spans, and strategic interior zoning place it firmly within the contemporary design space.
3. Spatial Planning & Zoning (G+1 Floor Plan) 
The spatial configuration is meticulously detailed across two levels, ensuring a seamless flow between public, semi-public, and highly private quarters.
The Ground Floor (The Active & Accessible Zone): The ground floor plan is optimized for accessibility, hospitality, and daily family interactions. 
- Entrance & Arrival: A shaded parking area for two cars leads to an inviting entrance lobby. This space is flanked by a breathable terracotta jali (perforated screen) wall, offering visual privacy while allowing natural cross-breezes.
- Living & Dining Spaces: The heart of the home is an expansive, open-plan Living Room (16'6" x 17'5") that flows seamlessly into a Dining area, perfect for family gatherings.
- Spiritual Core: A dedicated Shrine (Pooja Room) is strategically placed near the entrance, serving as the spiritual anchor of the house.
- Elder-Friendly Living: Anticipating the needs of a multi-generational family, a generously sized Parent's Bedroom (12'2" x 12'3") is located on the ground floor with an en-suite toilet and a nearby powder room for guests.
The First Floor (The Private Sanctuary): The upper level is dedicated to leisure and the primary occupants' privacy. 
- Family Room & Elevated Courtyard: Ascending the folded staircase, residents arrive at a large Family Room that opens completely onto a massive covered Terrace (14'2" x 24'6").
- Dynamic Facade Control: This terrace acts as an elevated courtyard featuring operable vertical wooden louvers. This allows the family to control natural sunlight and privacy, making it a perfect indoor-outdoor living space year-round.
- Luxury Master Suites: The floor houses two identical Master Bedrooms (11'10" x 12'). To maximize luxury and spatial efficiency, both suites feature dedicated Walk-in Wardrobes and spacious en-suite bathrooms.
4. Materiality & Facade Design 
The 3D architectural visualizations showcase a stunning material palette that defines the project's visual identity.
- Exposed Laterite Stone Facade: The exterior is heavily clad in exposed laterite blockwork. This reddish, porous stone is native to the Raigarh and Konkan belt, offering excellent thermal mass to keep interiors cool, alongside a beautifully textured, earthy aesthetic.
- White Plastered Bands: To break the visual monotony of the masonry and highlight the structural grid, crisp white plastered columns and horizontal bands frame the laterite, creating a striking modern contrast.
- Terracotta Accents: The use of terracotta jali blocks at the entrance and traditional clay tiles on the sloping roof ties the house back to indigenous Indian craftsmanship.
- Timber Touches: Wooden window frames, traditional sloping window overhangs (chajjas), and towering vertical louvers add warmth and a tropical resort-like feel to the elevation.
5. Climate-Responsive Architecture & Structural Integrity 
The design is a direct, sustainable response to Maharashtra's heavy monsoon rains and intense summer heat.
- The Pitched Roof: The prominent sloping roof ensures rapid rainwater runoff during monsoons and provides an air gap that acts as a natural thermal buffer for the first floor.
- Passive Cooling Techniques: Utilizing principles of passive architecture in Indian homes, the terracotta jali walls, operable louvered terrace, and deep window overhangs act as strategic cooling elements. They prevent harsh, direct sunlight from entering habitable rooms while promoting constant cross-ventilation.
- Robust Structure: As detailed in the structural layouts, the building relies on a robust RCC framed structure utilizing M25 grade concrete and Fe500 steel, ensuring long-term durability and safety.
6. Conclusion 
The Raigarh Retreat by Ongrid Design is a masterclass in balancing modern lifestyle requirements with regional identity. By embracing local materials like laterite and terracotta, and adapting traditional climate-control methods into a clean, contemporary form, the architects have created a home that is visually striking, environmentally sensible, and deeply comfortable for its inhabitants.
Ready to build your dream home? Contact Ongrid Design today to discuss how we can bring sustainable, context-driven architecture to your next residential project.
