The word gabion may not sound very sexy, and well, gabions don’t look sexy either, but the simple structures, once used by da Vinci himself, are making a big comeback in architecture.
Put simply, gabions are wire baskets are filled with any variety of materials from rocks, to concrete debris, to sand, even seashells. Popping up everywhere as retaining walls, foundation structures, and decorative privacy walls, these cages are sturdy, easy to assemble, and eco-friendly, making them a popular choice in areas with limited resources.
For Gabion House in Lonavala, India, Spasm Design created an eight foot-wide wall that runs the entire 170-foot length of the home. The gabion is filled with large rocks, and the openness of the structure allowed for vegetation to overtake the wall. The result is the look of ancient ruins rather than a purpose-built structure. But it’s what’s on the other side of the gabion that’s so special.
A gap in the wall leads to the true star of the show: a stunning home sitting on the edge of Lake Pawna with jaw-dropping views of the mountain peaks beyond. Walking through the opening in the gabion, there is an open-air entry lounge complete with swinging daybed suspended from the ceiling above.
The home is divided into two buildings on either side of the entry. The entertaining side features an outdoor dining area, large kitchen, and open-air living room. The other building includes three bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. Thanks to the privacy provided by the gabion, each bathroom is able to have its own outdoor shower. High ceilings provide plenty of natural light and cross breezes, keeping the sparsely furnished rooms comfortable during humid nights.
Along with the home, the property features a 10 foot-wide veranda that runs the length of the home. The veranda is protected by the home’s unique Y-shaped roof. This isn’t just an artistic touch. The high precipitation levels in this region required an innovative way to collect and divert rain water away from the building. This allows the open air rooms to stay dry and cool during storms. Beyond the veranda, there is an infinity plunge pool, perfect for taking a relaxing dip and soaking in the gorgeous scenery.
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