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Villa Shree

by Iram BoxwalaIram Boxwala Design Studio

Iram Boxwala
Project
Villa Shree
Architect
Iram Boxwala
Firm
Iram Boxwala Design Studio
Location
Alibaug
Award category
Ongoing Projects -> Architecture

In one line

Villa Shree is a 25,500 sq. ft. nature-immersed home in Alibaug, where 80% glass façades, Indian stone, and artisan-crafted interiors blur boundaries between inside and out. Anchored by a dramatic 30-foot living core, it celebrates openness, family connection, and modern Indian living rooted in craft and landscape.

About the project

Villa Shree began with a simple yet deeply personal vision — a home that dissolves into its landscape. For the clients, nature was not meant to sit beyond a window; it was meant to be lived with. They imagined a house where trees, shifting light, and open air flowed effortlessly into daily routines. Equally important was the sense of connection within the family itself. The home needed a heart — a place that anchored togetherness — and that became the soaring living room and sculptural staircase, always visible from anywhere in the villa. The desire to celebrate Indian craftsmanship shaped every detail, with furniture, lights, art, and décor sourced entirely from Indian makers.

Set amid the lush greenery of Alibaug, Villa Shree is designed as a house that breathes. More than 80% of the façade is crafted in glass, not as a stylistic choice but as an architectural commitment to openness. Every room frames the outdoors, capturing the canopy of trees, dramatic skies, and changing seasons. Limestone envelopes the exterior, travertine defines the pool deck, and a palette of warm, earthy materials roots the villa firmly in its natural context. The architecture does not treat nature as a backdrop — instead, it invites the landscape inward, allowing life to unfold in continuous dialogue with the surroundings.

The design process centred on fluidity and flow. At the core is the double-height living room, rising nearly 30 feet, where a sculptural staircase and an overlooking bridge create a dynamic visual spine. This central space remains a constant presence, offering both orientation and emotional grounding. Floor-to-ceiling glass, generous terraces, and internal courtyards dissolve the boundaries between inside and out, while quieter nooks provide intimacy within the grand volumes. Playful yet robust elements enrich the experience — from a monolithic stone bar engineered sturdy enough to climb on, to a 400-kilo metal gazebo that stands as both shelter and art.

Every space is designed to engage with family life, offering movement, light, and greenery as integral companions. With a carpet area of 25,500 sq. ft., Villa Shree becomes more than a home — it is a seamless extension of its landscape and a contemporary celebration of Indian craft.