Dua Villa by Architecture Brio is a home that seamlessly blends modern architecture with its lush natural surroundings. The film created by Sohaib Ilyas captures this unique space, emphasizing the villa’s open design that invites the outdoors in. During pre-production, he meticulously planned how to capture the movement of light through the villa, particularly its interaction with skylights and the shadows on the curved exterior facades. He had in-depth discussions with his team about these design details, including the custom-built hinges, doors, and handles, which contribute to the villa’s bespoke character.
To establish scale and convey the lived experience, he used a person as a subject in various scenes, highlighting the villa’s spaciousness and the serene atmosphere it creates. Through carefully selected angles and lighting, he emphasized how these elements enhance the villa’s tranquility. The interplay of natural light and shadows forms a visual narrative that speaks to the design’s simplicity and elegance. This project allowed him to explore the villa’s spaces, revealing the meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of its construction. The resulting film not only documents the architecture but also evokes the calm and peaceful experience of being in Dua Villa, capturing the essence of this truly bespoke home in Alibag in India.
Spanning five acres of gardens designed by Kunal Maniar & Associates, the landscape of Dua Villa is a carefully orchestrated interplay of water, greenery, and space. More than just a setting, it shapes the experience of the home—sheltering, cooling, and constantly evolving with time and light. Filming this landscape meant moving with it—following the wind through the trees, tracing reflections in the water, and framing moments where architecture and nature become one. Every shot was an attempt to capture the villa’s essence: a retreat where design breathes with the land, and every element is in quiet conversation with the next.
Sohaib Ilyas, Architectural Filmmaker