Akolekar House
Nashik, Maharashtra, India
Architecture | Residential
2026

The Akolekar House by RM+H Architects is a compact urban residence designed to respond to its site conditions with clarity and restraint. The plot sits six feet below the adjoining road, creating a natural difference in level that shaped the entire design. Instead of filling the site to meet the road, the house works with the land’s existing contours. This approach allowed the creation of a lower and upper ground level, forming a layered sequence of spaces that flow naturally while maintaining privacy from the street.

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The structure uses the rat-trap bond brick technique, chosen for its thermal efficiency and its ability to express texture without additional finishes. Courtyards and alternating terraces are placed strategically to bring in light and air while opening up visual connections between levels. These outdoor spaces form pauses within the house, breaking down its mass and allowing movement between inside and outside to feel effortless.

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The terraces extend the living areas outward and become everyday spaces for sitting, gardening, or simply observing the city beyond. The courtyard at the center allows light to enter deep into the house, keeping interiors bright and well-ventilated through the day. This passive approach to light and ventilation reduces dependence on mechanical cooling and creates a comfortable, naturally balanced environment.

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The materials remain simple and local, with brick, concrete, and stone used in their natural form. Each surface is left honest, allowing time and weather to add character. Akolekar House reflects RM+H Architects’ approach to building in urban contexts where site challenges are turned into opportunities for spatial richness, comfort, and connection to the land.

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