Magic of mud and stone

The Stone House by Sketch Design Practice is a sustainable oasis in the heart of Alwar, Rajasthan

10 Oct 2023

Straight lines elegantly melding with the rustic textures of repurposed stone and earthy mud finishes make up this home crafted by Sketch Design Practice, creating a flawless unity between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Imagining a cosy yet welcoming residence meant to function as both their personal retreat and a gathering spot for loved ones, this splendid edifice spans 2,500 square feet and proudly stands amidst the outskirts of Alwar, Rajasthan.

The living room walls are finished in mud paint made in-house while stone arches built in lime mortar with coffee table in left-over Indian marble made in-house. The chairs are from the client furniture collection with chatai rug from local weavers; Photographs by Purnesh Dev; Styled by Rahul Kukreja

The Story of a Cosy Retreat

“Our clients, who have long been our neighbours and cherished family friends, approached me with a dream. After enduring the confinement of their apartment during the challenging months of the pandemic, they realised the importance of reconnecting with nature and cultivating their own vegetables.” elaborates principal designer Shipra Singhania.

The corridor features Khaat (bed) from local weavers of Alwar with wall lights from Orange Tree orange tree and wall hanging baskets from local weavers; Photographs by Purnesh Dev; Styled by Rahul Kukreja

From Mud to Masterpiece

Upon entering the house, a spacious living space seamlessly blends with the kitchen and dining space. The arches that so gracefully divide this room also serve as the centrepiece of the living room, drawing attention and creating a unique focal point while natural light bathes the living room with well-placed windows and cosy bay window seating areas.

Navigating further, the kitchen counter is extended to create an intimate dining platform, perfect for small gatherings. Just behind the formal dining area, a little snug nook awaits as a casual overflow space, designed with care and crafted by local Khaat weavers, adding an authentic touch to the ambience.

The primary bedroom encompasses a wall hanging from the client’s personal collection and the ceramic vase from H&M Home with Bed linen from Noon Studio; Photography by Purnesh Dev

Venturing into the master bedroom, where a pristine white Makhrana floor seamlessly extends onto the bed, forms a striking contrast against the rustic mud-painted walls, which are adorned with clay paint. As a thoughtful touch, “we incorporated decorative elements retrieved from the client’s primary residence, infusing personal history into the design.” says Shipra.

Both bedrooms harmoniously embrace the same material palette and a similar decor style, all in line with their overarching philosophy of crafting a home that exudes humility and warmth.

The kitchen walls are mud painted in-house using mud from the site; the white marble floor is from Makhrana; the terracotta utensils are from artisans in Ramgarh Potters Village; and the chair is from the client’s personal collection; Photography by Purnesh Dev

Embracing Nature

Drawing inspiration from its rustic Rajasthan roots, the stone house boldly embraces the earth’s gentle hues in its architectural design. It easily resembles a vibrant splash of odhni fabric while the decor bursts forth in a riot of vivid, kaleidoscopic shades.

The very essence of the home’s neutral canvas originates from the humble materials it’s constructed with – earthy mud and sturdy stone, in a delightful fusion of tradition and modernity.

The Stone bench in the verandah is finished in lime plaster with floor cushions from Fabindia and coffee table in the centre is made from waste marble on-site; Photographs by Purnesh Dev

What Shipra fell in love with

Using bright fabrics, rugs and flora from the farm to brighten up the neutral palette of the stone house, Shipra says she had the most fun designing the bay windows that are scattered around the home as they offer different views of the farm.

Eco-Conscious Living

The Stone House stands as a testament to its commitment to eco-conscious living, predominantly fashioned from the embrace of lime and the rebirth of repurposed stone. The facade, an earthy canvas, is lovingly coated with a layer of mud and lime plaster, while the interior walls are adorned in the warm embrace of mud and clay paint. These techniques are not only a testament to sustainability but also a celebration of locality. The very essence of this dwelling draws its strength from the land it rests upon, as mud was extracted from the very farm that cradles it. The stones that form its foundation were reclaimed from aged and weathered structures, breathing new life into its walls.