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RMH House: Sustainable Maharashtrian Design

The RMH House, designed by RM + H Architects in Nashik, Maharashtra, is a sustainable residence that harmonizes with its environment, featuring native trees and traditional Maharashtrian design elements. The home emphasizes transitional spaces and climate-responsive features, creating a sanctuary that reflects local heritage and eco-consciousness. Completed in May 2022, the project showcases thoughtful architecture that prioritizes both functionality and emotional resonance.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
163 views29 pages

RMH House: Sustainable Maharashtrian Design

The RMH House, designed by RM + H Architects in Nashik, Maharashtra, is a sustainable residence that harmonizes with its environment, featuring native trees and traditional Maharashtrian design elements. The home emphasizes transitional spaces and climate-responsive features, creating a sanctuary that reflects local heritage and eco-consciousness. Completed in May 2022, the project showcases thoughtful architecture that prioritizes both functionality and emotional resonance.

Uploaded by

vidya
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

RMH House

Nashik, Maharashtra
RM + H Architects
Nashik, Maharashtra
Published on th 20th August 2025
About Buildofy

Buildofy is a subscription-based media platform that


publishes the most detailed videos & eBooks on projects
designed by talented Indian architects.

Copyright ©Skyboard, 2025

RMH House
This eBook has been produced and published on
Buildofy in 2025.
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

Contents
Project Details 9
Key Contributors 9
Introduction 10
The Site’s Guiding Influence 12
Echoes of Maharashtrian Heritage 14
Axonometric View of the Residence* 16
Ground Floor Plan* 19
Layers of Transition : The Entrance 21
Living Area 22
A Courtyard-centric Layout 26
Parents’ Bedroom 28
Staircase 30
First Floor Plan* 33
A Passage Transformed to Library 35
Play of Scales & Volumes* 40
Section Showing Climate-Responsive Elements* 42
Transition Spaces 44
Sustainable Features 46
Conclusion 49
Material Palette 50
Product Specifications 52
Documentation Credits 52

* Drawings for reference on this page.


4 5
Foreword
It’s rare to encounter a home that feels as
though it has a soul, but this residence
is one such exception. From the moment
one learns of its origins, it’s clear that this
was a labor of love—a project that began
not with blueprints, but with the quiet
wisdom of the land itself. By focusing on
planting native trees first, the home was
designed to be a natural extension of its
environment, a beautiful and thoughtful
integration of architecture and nature.
The result is a structure that feels less
like a building and more like a sanctuary.

Stepping inside, one can feel a profound


sense of calm and purpose. It’s a design
that reveals itself gradually, much like
the transitional spaces inspired by
traditional Indian temples, adding a
rich, emotional layer to the experience
of simply moving through the house.

Every detail tells a story of intention and


deep care. The doors inspired by local
Maharashtrian houses , the decorative
leaf motifs on the floor that welcome
you , and the conscious use of recycled
wood—all of it reflects a profound respect
for both heritage and sustainability.
This home is a living example of how
architecture can be a deeply personal
and emotionally resonant art form.

Ar. Guruprasath R G
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

Project Details
Location Nandanvan, Chandshim, Nashik, Maharashtra

Firm RM + H Architects

Principal Architects Ritwik Butte


Hemant Butte
Megha Butte

Plot Area 3,666 sq. ft.

Built-Up Area 3,500 sq. ft.

Project Budget Rs 2,800 per sq. ft.

Project Start Date March 2020

Project End Date May 2022

Number of Floors Ground + 1

Number of Car Parks 2

Number of Bedrooms 3

Vastu Compliant Yes

Key Contributors
Civil Consultant Mr. Santosh Beldar

Structural Consultant Deltacom Pvt. Ltd, Nashik

8 9
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

Introduction
True architecture lies not in grand gestures, but in a deep and honest conversation with the earth
itself. This residence is such a conversation. It didn’t begin with a blueprint for a house, but with a
vision for the land—a conscious choice to plant native trees first, allowing them to frame the view
and guide the very form of the building. This act of nurturing the landscape transformed the home
from a simple construction into an organic, evolving entity. The result is a residence that doesn’t
just sit on the plot but feels as though it has grown from it, with its natural materials and respectful
design choices creating a seamless, heartfelt bond with its environment.

10 11
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

The Site’s Guiding Influence


The home is situated at a unique location—the dead end of a layout with a large, open, government-
owned plot in front. This specific site context was the driving force behind the initial design decisions.
The architect’s first priority was to plant native trees on this open plot to create a picturesque view.
This strategic move directly influenced the home’s orientation, with most of its openings placed
on the eastern side to maximize and frame this new, green landscape. The decision to use natural
materials was also a direct response to the site, allowing the building to harmonize with the terrain
and the new flora.

Site Context
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auctor nunc fermentum. Nullam molestie, tellus vel vestibulum iaculis, lacus justo pellentesque massa,
molestie ornare ligula mi luctus nunc. Nunc vulputate, turpis sed eleifend efficitur, dui urna ultrices
purus, sit amet scelerisque lorem eros eu sapien. Nulla facilisi. Aliquam sit ametv lectus ac nunc posuere
eleifend.

12 13
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

Echoes of Maharashtrian Heritage


This residence draws profound inspiration from traditional Maharashtrian homes, or wadas, integrating
their timeless principles into a modern design. One key element is the use of transitional spaces, which
are designed to gradually reveal different areas of the house, much like the journey through a temple
or wada. The doors of the home are also directly inspired by local, traditional houses. Furthermore,
the decorative leaf motifs, called “Nir Pas” in Marathi, are imprinted on the cement flooring in these
transitional areas and below door frames, serving as a symbolic and beautiful welcome sign that honors
local heritage.

14 15
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

Axonometric View of Residence


16 17
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

18 19
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

The Entrance: Layers of Transition


The entrance to the home is a carefully choreographed experience, designed as a series of transitional
layers to enhance a visitor’s journey. It begins with the external landscape, which was deliberately
cultivated with native plants to create the initial impression. The building’s modest exterior, with its
natural materials and lack of white surfaces, acts as a soft, respectful buffer to the environment. The
journey continues with the interior’s transitional spaces, which are designed to reveal the home’s
core gradually, creating a sense of anticipation and surprise. This layered approach ensures that
the “magic” of the house is experienced from the inside out, not the other way around.

20 21
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

The connection from living to kitchen

Living Area
The living area is a key part of the home’s open and interconnected layout. It is designed to
flow seamlessly into the kitchen and dining area, fostering a sense of togetherness and easy
communication. A defining feature is its direct connection to the courtyard, with most of the
openings facing this central space. This orientation allows for natural light and air to flood the area,
while also visually and functionally linking the living spaces to the “heart and soul” of the home.
The design avoids fragmentation, instead promoting a cohesive and welcoming environment for
residents and guests.

22 23
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

Kitchen & Dining Area

24 25
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

A Courtyard-centric Layout
The courtyard serves as the central hub and the most critical climate-responsive element of the home.
Positioned on the western side, it features a water body that acts as a natural cooling system. As hot
winds pass over the water during the summer, they are cooled before entering the house, ensuring a
comfortable interior temperature without the need for air conditioning. The courtyard is described as
the “heart and soul” of the home, as most of the interior spaces are oriented towards it. This not only
promotes natural ventilation but also creates a sense of surprise and a central point of connection for
the entire residence.

26 27
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

Parent’s Bedroom
The parents’ bedroom is located on the ground floor and was thoughtfully designed for accessibility
and comfort. It has direct access to the backyard with greenery, allowing for easy, personal
connection with nature. Additionally, the door to this bedroom has a dual function: it can also
operate as a window, providing both ventilation and security. This simple yet clever design choice
highlights the home’s overall focus on functionality and climate-sensitive living.

28 29
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

Staircase
The staircase connects the ground floor to the two bedrooms on the first floor. The structure itself
is made of mild steel (MS), which is later covered by cement sheets. The railing was directly inspired
by the work of renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. This detail adds a layer of design influence and
sophistication to a functional part of the home. Another notable detail is that the passage connected
to the staircase on the first floor was intentionally made wider than standard. This design choice
allowed the passage to serve a dual purpose, functioning as a library or a dedicated reading area.

30 31
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

32 33
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

A Passage Transformed into a Library


The passage on the first floor, which connects the main staircase to the bedrooms, was intentionally
designed as a transition space with a clever dual purpose. By making it wider than necessary for
simple circulation, the architect transformed it into a dedicated area that could function as a library
or reading nook. This demonstrates a resourceful and thoughtful use of space, where a transitional
area becomes a destination in itself. It also provides a quiet, dedicated zone for reading, enhancing
the home’s livability and personal character.

34 35
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

Bedroom on First Floor

36 37
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

Outdoor area in the Second Floor

38 39
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

The Play of Scales & Volumes


The residence artfully manipulates scale and volume to create a dynamic and engaging experience. The courtyard serves as the central hub, with most spaces having openings into it, creating an element
While the exterior is understated, with minimal white and natural materials , the “magic” unfolds inside of surprise and a gradual reveal of the home’s different areas. This play of scale is also evident in the
through inward-looking spaces and double-height areas. This contrast between a modest exterior and intentional widening of the first-floor passage, which was designed to function not just for circulation
a voluminous, surprising interior adds a sense of personal discovery. The double-height spaces, in but as a library or reading area.
particular, create a feeling of grandeur and airiness within the home’s core.

40 41
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

The Country Tile Roof has multiple layers and air gaps The Courtyard, with its integrated water body, acts as a Lime plastering and rat trap bond walls were used to save
to help keep the upper floors cool by providing thermal natural cooling system for the house by cooling the wind as bricks and provide thermal insulation, contributing to a
insulation. it passes through during hot summers. cooler interior.

Large openings and shaded spaces, such as a veranda, act as


a buffer from the eastern sun, allowing for natural ventilation
while preventing excessive heat gain.

Section Showing Climate-responsive Elements


42 43
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

Transitional Areas

Transition between the living area and the courtyard Transition space on first floor used as a library Transition space between interiors and outdoor area in second floor

44 45
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

Sustainable Features

50% of the wood used for the windows and doors in the home The use of a rat trap bond for the walls helped save bricks
is recycled, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable The courtyard is layered with drain cells beneath to create a and provided thermal insulation, while lime was used for
resource use. recharge pit for water conservation. plastering.

46 47
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

Conclusion
The residence stands as a powerful demonstration of how traditional inspirations and sustainable
materials can unite to create a truly meaningful home. This project is a personal statement , a deliberate
choice to look inward for its experience rather than outwardly for a flashy exterior. The design seamlessly
integrates local heritage, from transitional spaces and doors inspired by traditional Maharashtrian
wadas , to unique decorative motifs that welcome you. The result is a residence that is not only a
sanctuary from the outside world but also a living example of how thoughtful, eco-conscious design
can create a home that is both honest and inspiring.

48 49
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

Material Palette

Lime Plaster Oxide Flooring

Country Tile Roof Cement Flooring

Reclaimed Wood

50 51
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

Product Specifications
Cement Chettinad Cement

Glass Saint-Gobain

Lighting Nirvana Light

Color / Paint Asian Paints

Sanitaryware & Bath Fittings Jaquar

Bath Flooring Simpolo

Laminates Deco Line

Designer Fans Atomberg

Switches Legrand

Documentation Credits
Photography Vikrant Dashputre

Drawings and Graphics Firm Name

eBook Curation Ebook Editor’s Name

52 53
[Link] RMH House | RM + H Architects

©Skyboard, 2025. No part of this eBook


may be reproduced or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying,
recording or by any information
storage and retrieval system, without
written permission from the company.
54 55

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