An extended family cluster- Faliyu is a remarkable architectural project that seeks to honor and celebrate the traditional way of living within a traditional housing cluster (faliyu). The design for the extended family comprises six individual units to accommodate six families, featuring a traditional atlas (verandas) and a central open space (chogan).
A Remarkable Architectural Project that Seeks to Honor and Celebrate the Traditional Way of Living | Aangan Architects
Visit : Aangan Architects
Editor’s note : Named “Faliyu,” this captivating cluster of residences invites you on a nostalgic journey through courtyards, verandas, and communal spaces reminiscent of a bygone era. The seamless fusion of traditional brick exteriors and contemporary interiors creates a harmonious symphony of design, achieved through the skilful integration of exposed materials. Thoughtful landscapes foster connections while exuding an irresistible allure. ~ Venessa Thomas (Co-Editor)
The contiguous verandas with swings and central open space act as seamless extensions of the residents’ outdoor lifestyle. These elements not only allow for a natural transition between the indoors and outdoors but also foster a sense of connection and unity among the inhabitants.
Serving as both practical and aesthetic components, the pergolas provide shade to the extended verandas while visually connecting the separate houses. The cluster consists of two pairs of twin units and two separate units.
Each unit has its own unique identity while also being interconnected with the shared spaces. Shared spaces are designed in a way that each unit gets its own privacy as well they stay connected to these shared spaces around.
The primary intent for the design of the landscape is to create a harmonious blend between the built structures and the surrounding open spaces and to blur the boundaries between the natural and built environment.
Each of the six units has been meticulously planned to face the central garden area, enhancing the sense of community and togetherness. Moreover, the design of the two additional units takes into account the presence of the existing trees on site, especially the Bale tree (Bilipatra), a sacred tree for the clients.
These thoughtful considerations ensure that the architecture seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings. To facilitate interaction and connectivity between residents, extended balconies connect various bungalows.
These transitional spaces serve as shared areas where neighbors can engage in social activities and continue to foster stronger social bonds with the extension of families and the addition of generations. The design allows for volumetric variation and optimizes the available space by accommodating the specific requirements of each unit.
Additionally, the incorporation of a mezzanine room above the parking area introduces an impressive ceiling height of 12′-6″ to the living spaces, enhancing a sense of openness and grandeur.
The strategic use of exposed brick, exposed reinforced concrete (RCC), and grit plaster finishes adds a visual and tactile appeal to the interior spaces. By leaving these materials uncovered, the architecture celebrates its raw beauty and creates a sensory experience for the residents.
Skylights in rooms and utility areas introduce ample natural light, enhancing the overall ambiance and reducing dependence on artificial lighting.
Chitrakut stands as a testament to the successful integration of traditional and contemporary design elements by paying attention to the heritage and lifestyle of the residents, while incorporating modern comforts and aesthetics, the project redefines family living on an ancestral piece of land and provides a state-of-the-art housing cluster the ‘faliyu’ to retain and continue the joint family social values with the accommodating individual’s growing needs. It provides a place to call home and fosters a sense of belonging, community, and pride in Indian traditions.
Fact File
Designed by: Aangan Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: CHITRAKUT Residences
Location: Surat
Year Built: 2022
Project Size: 15607 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Vishal Shah & Vishal Desai
Project Architect: Khyati Dani
Landscape Design: Niti Shah
Photograph Courtesy: Pratikruti09
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Website Link: Aangan Architects
Firm’s Instagram Link: Aangan Architects
Firm’s Facebook Link: Aangan Architects
For Similar Project >>> A Striking Brick House with Hints of Traditional Design and Essence of Reformed Living
The site is located in Ahilyanagar town of Maharashtra, with a design brief of 7,000 sq feet, while the house had to be designed for the hot and dry climate, which responds carefully to extreme temperatures, intense sunlight, and low humidity. The design focuses on reducing heat gain, improving natural ventilation, and creating comfortable indoor spaces with […]
“Pravah” — A House That Breathes is envisioned as the main concept of this home revolves around a fluid, light-filled home where architecture becomes a continuous experience of movement, air, and connection. Located in Pal Gamtal, Surat, the project is a residential redevelopment on a 1,850 sq.ft. plot within a dense urban fabric. The site, […]
SapanoUday is a contemporary residence that balances material rawness with layered textures and crafted detail, aligning modern living with cultural and spatial sensibilities. Designed by Hundreddesigns, the home responds closely to the client’s routines and artistic inclinations while thoughtfully integrating Vastu principles. HundredDesigns The designers defined the architecture through a minimal palette, using exposed concrete […]
KRIPA is a residence that reflects the personality and lifestyle of its homeowner — calm, open, and rooted in nature. The project focuses on creating light-filled, green spaces with minimal private zones, encouraging openness and connection. In a time when spaces are shrinking but expectations are rising, architecture becomes the medium to bridge this gap […]
The Sculpted Sanctuary is a masterclass in modern minimalist design. The project focuses on “Quiet Luxury”. It is the idea that a space doesn’t need bright colors or flashy decor to feel expensive. Instead, it uses raw natural materials, rich textures, and sharp architectural lines. This Home Is A Masterclass In Modern Minimalist Design | […]
SIDHARTHA, is a four-bedroom modern house which is functional and aesthetic driven by the specific needs of the client. The location of the site is in a dense neighbourhood in Bengaluru, India. The contemporary urban dwelling frequently negotiates competing demands. It balances generous daylight and visual connection to the street with privacy, dust control, and […]
Located in HMT Layout, Bangalore, Isha_Srinidhi Nilaya stands as a multi-generational home designed on a compact 60×40 ft (2400 sq. ft) East facing plot, with a total built-up area of 8000 sq. ft. East Facing a lush public park, the residence responds to its urban setting through a layered design that balances privacy with a […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
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. […]