Named Nandi-Alayam, the 1,850-square-foot Andhra house spans three floors and draws inspiration from its location. This vacation home comes straight out of a dream, a stunning bungalow designed for their extended family nestled in Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh. The historical temples dedicated to God Nandi surround it. Furthermore, the name stems from Telugu words meaning “giving joy” and “a moral place of living.” Three generations of the Reddy family reside in this home, living harmoniously based on the principles of Vaastu and biophilia. The design of the Andhra house uniquely showcases Indian culture by integrating vernacular elements with modern and contemporary features.
Editor’s Note: In the heart of Nandyal, Nandi-Alayam emerges as a sanctuary where tradition and modernity embrace. This architectural gem, steeped in the essence of Indian culture, invites three generations of the Reddy family to dwell harmoniously. With its vintage charm and contemporary elegance, the home is a poetic testament to the joy of living, where every corner whispers stories of heritage and the beauty of nature intertwines with the soul of the family. ~ Isha Bora
The Design of this Andhra House is based on Vastu and Biophilia | Madhuri Reddy Architects
One enters Nandi-Alaym through a wooden door adorned with vintage handles, also enhancing its simple charm. The design prominently features natural wood throughout the space, also embodying the authentic and earthy essence. These authentic essence consists of India’s soul and making it a key element. Notably, the family has inherited much of the rosewood used for the wooden furniture from previous generations. Additionally, the Andhra house design crafted some of the wall panels from leftover waste wood on the site. Large natural teak wood windows and doors fill the home with abundant air and natural light. Furthermore, it amplifies the organic feel and elevates the indoor environmental quality.
Upon entering the home through the foyer, the seamless fusion of vintage and modern elements is immediately apparent. The space features lounge chairs from Dtale Modern and a centre table from This and That, thereby blending the old and new effortlessly.
Wall decor pieces, carved from natural stone and sourced from Studio Orion, add a touch of elegance. A sleek wooden partition in the foyer introduces an element of surprise, offering glimpses of the expansive living room beyond.
The living room showcases a minimalist design, centered around an elegant vintage leather couch paired with a sleek black coffee table. These understated elements are enhanced by exquisite custom artwork, including the ‘Art of Ardhanareeswarar’ from Studio Orion, which depicts the androgynous form of Lord Shiva and Parvati with their vahanas. A sleek TV console in the living area showcases accent decor from West Elm.
The adjacent pooja room is concealed behind a wooden door adorned with intricate brass beadings and divine figurines carved in brass.
On the lower level, a rejuvenating lounge for the grandparents is designed with their comfort in mind. The space includes an old inherited daybed and is visually separated by indoor plants to create a barrier-free area. The ceiling’s wooden beams mimic the support structures of traditional native mud homes. One wall is panelled with leftover wood from doors, windows, and furniture, accented with onyx to add a modern touch.
The kitchen embodies modernity with its sleek black and white design, emanating a pristine ambience. Featuring white cabinets complemented by a black granite countertop and backsplash. Furthermore, a subtly traditional seating area balances its contemporary aesthetic.
The bedrooms spanning two floors present captivating thematic contrasts. The master bedroom exudes a timeless vintage charm, showcasing exquisite rosewood furniture passed down through generations. The room gains further richness from a meticulously handwoven dhurrie from Aadyam, with intricate patterns that add depth and warmth to the space.
A staircase connects the floors, where the steps also feature accents of black granite and white Rajasthan marble, adding a touch of dramatic flair. To create a sense of openness, the staircase wall also incorporates glass panels and wooden niches, integrating natural elements.
In the family lounge on the second floor, a vibrant palette immerses guests in Indian heritage. Rosewood sofas and a centre table, cherished heirlooms, harmonize with a custom-made teak wood swing adorned with brass details. Adding to the cultural ambience are art prints featuring Radha Krishna from the House of Things, additionally complemented by a captivating rug from Obetee Carpets.
The cushions in the lounge have been sourced from Kainaat and the throw is from Ithihaas. The second-floor family lounge features a seamless connection to an outdoor seating area and balcony, and also enhance with sleek black leather-finished granite. Teak wood bifold shutter doors elegantly unite the indoor and outdoor spaces, furthermore creating a fluid transition when fully opened.
One of the bedrooms ( Younger daughter’s bedroom) on the upper level features a minimalistic design, also adorned with wall art sourced from the Calcuttan Gallery. The beddings are from Amala Earth, complemented by studio covers, and also a handmade jute rug sourced from Le Home Decor adds a rustic charm. It features low-seated areas that also serve as storage compartments, strategically placed alongside the bed to optimize space utilization and functionality. The overall decor accents are curated from Altrove, moreover, enhance the space with a blend of contemporary and artisanal elements.
In contrast, the adjoining bedroom (the elder daughter’s bedroom) embodies serene Scandinavian elegance. A centerpiece of this room is a circular bed adorned with crisp white linens, set against suspended wooden rafters, additionally, it evoke a sense of airy sophistication. Custom wall art by Aaraa Design Studio complements the minimalist aesthetic, also offering a harmonious blend of contemporary design and a tranquil ambience.
The Andhra house also seamlessly integrates elements of Indian art and architecture with contemporary design trends. Furthermore, it skillfully highlights wooden features and achieves a harmonious colour palette that embodies the essence of both styles. Therefore, the spatial planning and decor showcase meticulous finesse and attention to detail.
Fact File
Designed by: Madhuri Reddy Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture & Interior Design
Project Name: Nandi Aalayam
Location: Andhra Pradesh, India
Year Built: 2023 – 2024
Duration of the project: 15 Months
Project Size: 5550 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Ar. Madhuri Reddy
Photograph Courtesy: Hansoga photography
Civil: ER. Sivagopal Garu, Vision infra projects & consultants
Lighting Designers: ER. Rammohan Reddy Garu
Products / Materials / Vendors: Wallcovering / Cladding – External cladding with natural stone from Jaipur / Construction Materials – Locally sourced burnt Mud/ Redbrick. / Lighting – Ceiling lighting from Havells, accent lights sourced from different brands / Doors and Partitions –Teak wood Doors for exterior, teak wood frame for internal door frames / Sanitaryware – Grohe / Windows – Teak wood windows Furniture – Age-old Rosewood furniture, Teak wood furniture / Flooring – Rajasthan Marble / Paint – Asian paints / Artefacts – Vintage brassware sourced from different brands, a few from the family’s collection.
Firm’s Website Link: Madhuri Reddy Architects
Firm’s Instagram Link: Madhuri Reddy Architects
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