Habitat By The Lake / Studio Prakriya

Architects: Studio Prakriya
Area: 5000 ft²
Year: 2024
Photographs: Pranit Bora, Manthan Yadav
Manufacturers: Tata Steel
Lead Architects: Pratik Devi
Landscape Architecture: Studio 23N|72E
Category: Houses
Design Team: Pratik Devi, Swanand Kulkarni, Karan Ahire, Vedant Kadam, Isha Pattewar
Technical Team: Narendra Pansare, Tejas Joshi
Landscape Architects: Dhara and Nishant Mittal
Structural Engineer: Vijay Devi
City: Satara
Country: India

Habitat by The Lake, a residential project designed by Studio Prakriya in India, has redefined lakeside living by merging traditional Wada architecture with contemporary design. Completed for a client seeking to honor his demolished ancestral Wada, the house integrates cultural heritage, natural context, and modern needs. The design incorporates an exposed brick facade, a central courtyard, and a swimming pool beside the lake, all accessed through a narrow alley that recalls historical Wadas. Traditional Wada elements such as courtyard-centered layouts and thick walls are preserved, adapted for a modern lifestyle while fostering social interaction and thermal comfort. The central courtyard acts as a light well and spatial anchor. Sustainability strategies include rainwater harvesting, natural ventilation, and passive cooling supported by insulation and climate-responsive technologies. The project reflects Studio Prakriya’s intention to reinterpret Wada typology in a modern context, balancing memory, materiality, and environmental sensitivity within a cohesive architectural expression.

A modern interpretation of traditional Wada architecture, this lakeside residence embraces its natural setting while reflecting cultural heritage and technological development. The architectural design integrates these three elements: heritage, innovation, and environment, into a cohesive whole. Inspired by the spatial and material language of traditional Wada architecture, the house introduces contemporary aesthetics and functional solutions. It features an exposed brick facade, a central courtyard, landscaped areas, a swimming pool positioned by the lake, and a narrow alleyway entrance evocative of historic Wadas. Together, these elements create a balanced integration of traditional architectural character and modern residential needs.

Wada houses, traditional to Maharashtra, India, are characterized by their robust construction and inward-facing layout organized around a central courtyard, promoting both social interaction and climate responsiveness. Adapting this architectural typology for a modern residence required preserving the core essence of the Wada while meeting contemporary functional demands. The client’s emotional connection to his ancestral Wada, which had been demolished, introduced a deeper layer to the design process. Evoking a sense of nostalgia and honoring the client’s heritage became essential objectives throughout the project.

The house features a substantial facade of exposed brick, creating visual continuity with traditional Wadas while using locally sourced materials. This material choice contributes thermal mass, helping to regulate interior temperatures. The exterior presents a fortress-like appearance that contrasts with the openness of the interior, a characteristic aligned with modern design principles. A narrow alleyway entrance guides visitors through an intimate transition from the outside environment. Within, open-plan spaces framed by large glass walls and folding doors establish a direct connection to the lake. At the center, the courtyard acts as a focal point, bringing in natural light and reinforcing the connection to the surrounding landscape. The design emphasizes human scale, ensuring that spaces remain both functional and comfortable. Features such as proportioned doorways and considered ceiling heights enhance spatial intimacy, reflecting the human-centered approach found in traditional Wada architecture.

Two landscaped courts divide the bedrooms from the living areas, serving as natural buffers. These outdoor spaces are integrated seamlessly into the architectural layout, contributing to a sense of calm. Mature trees within the site offer both privacy and shade, enhancing the home’s overall environmental quality.

The design carefully integrates the house with its lakeside setting. Large windows and terraces provide unobstructed views, establishing a continuous dialogue between indoor and outdoor spaces. The use of robust exposed brick alongside light, reflective interior surfaces enhances natural illumination and frames views of the lake. A small swimming pool positioned at the lake’s edge introduces a modern element of comfort while remaining in harmony with the natural environment, offering a dedicated space for family relaxation.

The house incorporates modern sustainability practices while honoring its traditional roots. A rainwater collection system supports efficient water management. Natural ventilation and passive cooling are strengthened through the use of advanced insulation and smart climate control systems.

This modern lakeside house moves beyond the role of a typical residential structure by reinterpreting traditional Wada architecture through a blend of historical reverence and contemporary innovation. Key elements such as the exposed brick facade, central courtyard, and landscaped courts establish a balance between tradition and present-day functionality. Through the integration of natural elements and sustainable design strategies, the house honors its architectural lineage while responding to the needs of modern living. It stands as a meaningful tribute to the client’s memories of his ancestral Wada.