A Temporary Retreat on the Banks of the Kundalika River

Located on the banks of the Kundalika River in Kolad, Raigad, The Refuge is envisioned as a temporary riverside dwelling for writer and filmmaker Deb Medhekar. Designed as a place to inhabit while the client’s permanent residence is under construction, the project explores the idea of architecture as a shelter for a specific phase of life rather than a permanent intervention.

Spanning approximately 1,000 sq. ft., the house is conceived as a lightweight, prefabricated structure that can be assembled quickly, occupied comfortably for a few years, and eventually removed with minimal impact on the site. The project embraces temporariness as a design principle, creating a dwelling that is modest, efficient, and deeply connected to its natural surroundings.

Architecture that Touches the Land Lightly

The design is guided by a fundamental intention—to preserve the riverbank and disturb the landscape as little as possible. The house is elevated on slender stilts, allowing the natural terrain, vegetation, and water flow to remain largely undisturbed beneath it.

This elevated approach not only minimizes the ecological footprint but also responds to the climatic conditions of Kolad. Raising the structure protects it from monsoon flooding, improves ventilation, and keeps the living spaces dry throughout the year. The stilted construction also ensures that the structure can be dismantled in the future, allowing the site to return to its original state.

A Single Roof, A Unified Living Experience

The Refuge is organized beneath one steeply pitched roof, creating a simple yet powerful architectural form. Rather than dividing the house into multiple enclosed rooms, the design embraces an open-plan layout where living, dining, and kitchen functions coexist within a single continuous volume.

This spatial approach fosters flexibility and encourages a more relaxed, cabin-like way of living. The generous roof volume creates a sense of openness while strengthening the relationship between interior spaces and the surrounding landscape.

Designed in Section

Despite its compact footprint, the house achieves a sense of spaciousness through its sectional design. The main living area rises into a double-height volume, while a mezzanine level is positioned beneath the higher side of the roof, overlooking the living space below.

A lightweight timber staircase connects the levels, reinforcing the project’s restrained and minimal material palette. The mezzanine further extends towards a small balcony, offering elevated views of the river and surrounding landscape.

Warmth Through Material Simplicity

The interiors are defined by a consistent use of timber. Walls, ceilings, and interior surfaces are clad in natural wood, creating a warm, cohesive environment that feels both intimate and timeless.

The restrained material palette not only enhances the visual calm of the interiors but also aligns with the project’s prefabricated construction methodology. Timber offers warmth, ease of assembly, and suitability for the humid riverside climate, while ensuring that the house remains lightweight and adaptable.

Framing the Landscape

The Refuge is designed around carefully positioned openings that frame the surrounding environment. Large sliding glass panels along the river-facing facade open directly onto an expansive deck, dissolving the boundary between indoors and outdoors.

Additional picture windows frame views of the meadows, river, and distant Sahyadri hills, while skylights introduce natural light deep into the interior spaces. Together, these openings transform the landscape into an integral part of everyday living.

Living by the River

More than a house, The Refuge is an experience centered around the Kundalika River. The generous riverside deck acts as an outdoor living space, extending daily activities into the landscape and encouraging a slower, more contemplative way of inhabiting the site.

The project celebrates a lifestyle rooted in nature, outdoor recreation, and seasonal change. Designed to be occupied lightly and attentively, the house offers its inhabitants a direct and uninterrupted connection with the river and its changing moods.

A Timeless and Minimal Expression

Rather than following a particular architectural style, The Refuge is guided by a series of clear and purposeful design decisions—lightness, adaptability, material honesty, and environmental sensitivity.

Its simple form, restrained palette, and minimal intervention on the landscape create an architecture that feels timeless rather than trend-driven. The result is a quiet retreat that demonstrates how temporary architecture can still be thoughtful, meaningful, and deeply connected to place.