Sketch Design Studio has completed a rural residence in north India that combines a highly ordered facade with a rustic stone interior.
Located near the Aravalli mountains in Rajasthan, the two-storey Stone House is built from stone blocks sourced from local demolition sites.
The walls are rendered externally in mud and lime plaster. This provides a smooth and even finish, emphasising the linearity of the various ground-floor window bays.
The irregularity of the stone is only revealed inside the house, where it is left exposed on a series of feature walls and arches.
Sketch Design Studio founder Shipra Singhania designed Stone House for a couple whom she said "have long been our neighbours and cherished family friends".
Following the Covid-19 pandemic, the couple decided to swap their apartment home in Alwar for a residence that would allow them to grow their own food and reconnect with nature.
"They set their sights on a farm located on the outskirts of the city, envisioning a small yet inviting home that would serve as their sanctuary and a gathering place for family and friends," Singhania explained.
The design showcases Singhania's interest in building with natural, non-toxic materials, as she previously did with the Dezeen Award-winning Mud House and the more recent project, Hybrid House.
The other key material finish is clay paint, which covers many of the house's interior walls.
"We conceptualised Stone House as a modern home that combines the rustic charm of repurposed stone with eco-friendly finishes and a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces," Singhania told Dezeen.
The house's form and construction details take cues from various traditional Indian building techniques, which were reworked for a contemporary aesthetic.
The roof is a low-angled pyramid, projecting out on one side to meet a pair of simple columns. As well as topping the first floor – a volume with the feel of a lookout tower – it provides partial shelter to a large roof terrace.
Inside, a filler-slab ceiling incorporates ceramic pots. The technique pays tribute to the legacy of eminent architect Laurie Baker, whose work is mostly found in South India.
"Not only does this technique enhance the structural integrity of the roof, it also adds a unique visual element that captivates the eye and celebrates the beauty of nature's randomness," said Singhania.
The interior layout is modest, with only a handful of rooms.
The ground floor is divided into two zones, with an open-plan lounge and kitchen on one side and a pair of en-suite bedrooms on the other, while the first floor contains a single room dedicated to music.
White marble sourced from the town of Makrana provides flooring throughout and furniture in the bedrooms.
One of the window bays features a glazed door, which opens the living spaces out to a screened patio. A spiral staircase connects this outdoor space with the roof terrace above.
"This outdoor seating area serves as a gateway to the lush lawns and flourishing kitchen garden, providing an idyllic space for relaxation and connection with nature," added Singhania.
The photography is by Purnesh Dev, with styling by Rahul Kukreja.
Project credits:
Architecture and interior design: Sketch Design Studio
Design team: Shipra Singhania, Gargi Thakur, Mohit Ganda
Structural consultants: 3D construction