COURTYARD HOUSE, Ahmednagar | Tao Architecture

Posted On October 26 2017 Total Post Views :- 9315

COURTYARD HOUSE Ahmednagar Tao Architecture

‘Outside In’

Airy, scenic, spacious and landscaped; seemed like unimaginable attributes for a residence on a tight, gloomy, 3400 sq.ft. plot in the dense residential locales of Ahmednagar.

To counter opposing site conditions, the living space was conceived as an inward facing structure enclosing a central landscaped courtyard. What resulted, was a light-filled, spacious, living, breathing abode with striking visual elements and contemplative open spaces.

The Courtyard House is planned with two parallel double-storey blocks on either side of an open-to-sky court; connected at the upper level, by a 10’ wide terrace ridge. The entire structure is united by a long sloping Mangalore tiled roof.

A rough Nevada stone clad loggia forms an inviting foyer for the home, its warli painted masonry and square openings giving a ‘wada’ like feel to space.

Inside the house, a cosy living room is illuminated by a large glazed wall overlooking a serenely landscaped court. Semi-private spaces like the dining room and kitchen flow into the family room, with services strategically concealed toward the back of the house.

The courtyard acts as the pivotal element, forming the connecting link between primary functional spaces; and essentially, between all family members, its attractive ambience encouraging outdoor living, and promoting a spiritual connection between the residents and their natural environment.

A central mango tree along with a seated Buddha sculpture lends the open space a sense of calm, transforming the semi-open verandah into a contemplative retreat, complete with a rustic wooden swing.

Towards the east, the greenery filters into the grandparents’ room, to fuse with a private semi-covered verandah; beyond which, a vehicular entry allows a car parking space.

A red stucco finished staircase forms a lightwell, illuminating the living spaces through a skylight, as it connects to the basement and the first floor.

The first-floor lobby houses a library and study, linking the guest and master bedroom on the west block with the terrace bridge leading to the east block.

The suspended connecting lobby overlooks the courtyard below, forming a breezy sit out for the first floor. Bedrooms are provided with bay windows and private sit outs; a hierarchy of private, semi-private and family open spaces ensuring varying degrees of privacy to all inhabitants.

Apart from tempering the microclimate of the living spaces through its greenery, the courtyard helps set up a passive ventilation system for the house, along with the stack ventilation shaft of the staircase, and turbo vents on the roof. Skylights and windows allow natural daylighting while photovoltaic panels help produce green energy. Combined with LED lights and natural materials, such strategies ensure a minimal carbon footprint for the building. Terracotta pots on the roof provide natural thermal insulation.

All in all, the courtyard house, with its tranquil beauty and traditional appeal, emphasizes the importance of time-tested vernacular techniques and a sensitive approach toward the environment as effective design solutions for today’s architectural problems.

PROJECT FACTS :

Architects: Taoarchitecture

Project:‘The Courtyard House’ at Ahmednagar

Plot Area: 3400 Sq. Ft

Built-up Area: 2800 Sq. Ft.

Photographs: Hemant Patil

Visit TAOARCHITECTURE>>>

The Timeless Appeal of Brick: 20 Exemplary Brick Houses

Brick houses have been a cornerstone of architecture for centuries, celebrated for their durability, aesthetic versatility, and timeless appeal. In modern design, architects continue to explore innovative ways to incorporate brick into residential spaces, blending traditional materials with contemporary needs. While the design of each brick house is unique, there are several ways to incorporate […]

This Modern Architecture Home Redefines Comfort And Cultural Inspiration | POD Studio

Nestled in the serene embrace of a quiet residential colony, Charcoal Charm stands as a testament to modern architecture home innovation, seamlessly blending with its surroundings. Designed for a prominent businessman’s family, this 4BHK residence not only caters to the family’s need for privacy and comfort but also provides a rejuvenating retreat from the bustling […]

20 Types of Plants for Home Garden to Transform Your Space

Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]

This Contemporary Residence Design Stands Out With Its Striking Visual Impact | Aslam Sham Architects

The initial impression of this contemporary residence design is one of striking visual interplay, where bold architectural gestures redefine conventional aesthetics. A diagonally laid brick veil, its textured surface meticulously arranged to capture the shifting light throughout the day, becomes a dynamic façade element, casting ever-changing shadows that animate the exterior. Editor’s Note: “The yellow […]

This East-Facing Home Embraces Natural Light And Spatial Fluidity | Wright Inspires

Namana is an east-facing home situated on a compact 60’x50’ plot beside a serene vineyard. Designed for a family of three, the single-story residence emphasizes spatial fluidity, natural illumination, and a tactile material palette that evokes warmth and simplicity. Editor’s Note: “Namana, a quiet dialogue between light, material, and space, is a home that listens […]

Prairie Style Homes Inspire This Modern Oasis For A Family In The City | The Architecture Company (TAC)

“We want a modern oasis to retire to with our little boys on the weekends” was a brief given to us by our clients who are busy medical professionals with a very hectic life in the city. Inspired by the essence of prairie-style homes, the couple wished to cherish and recreate their favourite moments from […]

AADHYA, A Modern Tropical House Design, Harmonizes Personal Stories With Its Environment | Pragvi

AADHYA is a thoughtfully designed three-bedroom home for a family of three, blending introverted and extroverted spaces in harmony. This modern tropical house design goes beyond mere functionality to become a sanctuary where design elements tell personal stories. With reclaimed terracotta roofing, exposed cement, and brick walls, the residence fosters a tactile connection to its […]

Ihita Redefines Traditional Indian House Design with a Modern Architectural Statement | Bare Wall Studio

Nestled between the bustling residential and industrial edges of Bengaluru, Ihita stands as a bold architectural statement, embodying a harmonious blend of traditional Indian house design and modernity. The home challenges conventional urban residential design by prioritizing openness, natural light, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Through the strategic use of large […]

15 Must-Read Books About Architecture

Architecture is a field that is wider than the construction of a single building; it represents culture, history, and human aspirations. From the ancient wonderlands of Bhutan to contemporary ones like Morphogenesis, architecture narrates tales of innovation, perseverance, and change. Whether you are a practicing architect, a student, or an enthusiast in quest of inspiration, […]

This Century-Old Rustic Farmhouse Embraces Classic-Modern Design | Suyash Mankame Design Studio

This rustic farmhouse for a family aims at re-defining tradition to blend in modern thought. Make it contemporary but traditional, was a brief given to the Architect by the client to redesign and build a century-old farmhouse sprawling across 3500 square feet on a 3-acre site in Morbe, Panvel. Editor’s Note: The redesigning of this […]