Cove House is a holiday home located in the spectacular territory of the Western Ghats, on a plot overlooking the picturesque views of the Panshet Dam reservoir.

Red Brick Studio responded to the client’s request for a secluded retreat from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life by designing a building that sits and blends harmoniously into its surroundings.

The building follows the orographic layout of the land: access is from the elevated level via a flight of steps leading to the basement courtyard; from here there is a large, fully glazed living area with an open view of the valley and the rice fields, and on the sides of which are the more intimate rooms in the sleeping area. The closing system of the living room, consisting of fully concealed metal panels, guarantees continuity between inside and outside without any interruption.

A large panoramic terrace continues the communal open-air area, acting as a filter between nature and architecture; green areas with water tanks complete the landscaping, with rest areas for enjoying moments of conviviality in direct communication with the landscape.

The essential simplicity of the building’s forms and use of raw materials are reminiscent of Brutalism. The main volume, partly glazed and partly plastered, acts as a support for a 25 m long suspended concave ferroconcrete roof that recalls the roof of the monumental portico of LeCorbusier’s Chandigarth Parliament and collects rainwater, which is channelled and stored to allow irrigation during the driest months.

Local, natural materials have been chosen so that the passage of time will not leave merciless marks on the building but will make it increasingly related to the valley: the exterior grit coating with deep red pigment allows the house to blend in with the hues of the region, while the rough finish guarantees not only a material character but good resistance to monsoon rains.

A vision of sober, authentic construction, strongly permeated by the genius loci and attentive to the values of quality living and respect for nature.