This authentic Andhra restaurant redefines the gastronomic landscape by seamlessly blending the past and present. Telugu Medium, a hospitality venture spanning 5,200 square feet, nestles in the leafy urban enclave of Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. It stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity. Helmed by Sona Reddy Studio alongside her talented team, the space embodies a unique fusion of heritage and culinary excellence.
Editor’s Note: An enticing composition of exposed Karimnagar bricks and concrete planter boxes embraces this restaurant in a unique fusion of heritage and culinary excellence. The use of classic brick domes, vaults and exposed load bearing walls exude a spirit of rusticity and contemporary design. ~ Simran Khare.
This Authentic Andhra Restaurant Redefines The Gastronomic Landscape | Sona Reddy Studio
Telugu Medium spins a narrative deeply rooted in indigenous materials and vernacular building techniques. It is a celebration of the essence of the Deccan.
The exterior facade, adorned with exposed Karimnagar bricks, whispers tales of intrigue. The projecting bricks introduce a tactile layer of texture and concrete planter boxes marking the entrance.
The architecture engages massive brick domes, vaults, and exposed, load-bearing walls, minimizing the use of concrete and steel, thereby creating a passively cooler interior environment tailored for Hyderabad’s arid climate.
The alfresco waiting space, entirely paved in brick, seamlessly connects the building to its surroundings, while the northern edge hosts outdoor seating under sprawling canopies, creating an interplay with curved brick fins and inset portals framing views of the exterior.
Entering through a vestibule wrapped in brick, guests are welcomed into a dual-leveled restaurant featuring 13 ft high colossal walls and a double-height atrium suffused with natural light. This provides for a moment of pause to surrender and take in the immersive design vocabulary.
The furniture within Telugu Medium resonates with the space’s DNA, featuring a blend of timeless, simple, and evocative pieces that offer a modern interpretation of South Indian dining.
The ceiling becomes a canvas of the crafted brick domes and vaults, interacting with silhouette lighting to create an ever-changing atmospheric ambiance.
The interiors showcase brick-moulded ceilings, scaling concrete columns, pink lime plaster washed walls, and textured tandoor flooring, creating an uninterrupted composition that speaks to the soul of the Deccan.
The internal staircase soars into the double-height atrium infused with fluted glass for privacy and a play of light.
The ground level hosts a centrally located bar counter, characterized by locally sourced pink granite.
On the other hand, a rectangular pond with black limestone tiles and an expansive concrete bench creates a tranquil focal point.
Telugu Medium, through its exploration of indigenous materials and vernacular design, is a collision of worlds, creating an experience that goes beyond visual aesthetics.
It embodies the spirit of rusticity and contemporary design influences harmoniously coexist in one of the city’s most luxurious settings.
Fact File
Designed by: Sona Reddy Studio
Project Type: Restaurant
Project Name: Telugu Medium
Location: Hyderabad
Year Built: December, 2023
Project Size: 5200 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Sona Reddy
Team Design Credits: Sona Reddy, Anjali Miriyala & Jemy Joy
Photograph Courtesy: Pankaj Anand
Firm’s Website Link: Sona Reddy Studio
The Firm’s Instagram Link: Sona Reddy Studio
Firm’s Facebook Link: Sona Reddy Studio
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