Nestled on a 380 sqm plot in Nhavi Sandas, a riverside village with deep agricultural roots, this project draws inspiration from local architecture. Historically, the village was dotted with brick and stone courtyard homes, locally called Wada. As time passed, these were replaced with modern structures that were less sustainable, energy-intensive, and poorly suited to the local climate. This project aspires to reconnect with that timeless charm, adapting traditional forms to meet modern lifestyles.
Editor’s Note: Rooted in the rhythms of the land, this home unfolds like a quiet conversation between past and present. Open verandahs, dappled light, and a central courtyard shape a space that feels lived-in, effortless, and deeply connected, where every breeze carries a memory, and every corner invites pause. ~Isha Bora
Inspired From Local Architecture, This Home Reconnects With Timeless Charm | Studio PPBA
Inspired by the spatial arrangement of Wada houses, this design integrates a central courtyard and verandah. Moreover, it serves as the heart of the home. It divides the home into public and private spaces. Meanwhile, it enhances natural light and ventilation across 2-bedrooms, a living area, dining area, and a kitchen.
Designed with a hidden entrance to create a sense of discovery, the building seamlessly integrates it into the overall form, leading directly into a central verandah and courtyard. On one side, the open living, dining, and kitchen areas encourage social interaction, while on the other, two bedrooms and a toilet offer a private retreat.
In this design, circulation is reimagined as a semi-outdoor transition space in the form of a verandah, seamlessly linking rooms with nature. Thus, optimizing spatial flow, utilizing space efficiently, and enhancing climate responsiveness, all while maintaining the functionality of the design.
The house’s exterior presents a bold, monolithic form, rooted in the traditional Wada aesthetic, where a solid stone base protects the brick structure above. Reinterpreting this, the design uses raw concrete as a strong foundation, with brickwork above to celebrate materiality and geometric simplicity.
Small courtyards with planters along the boundary enhance cross-ventilation, contributing to privacy and a calming, green atmosphere. Inside, light filled interiors in fresh white tones, paired with wooden furniture and black basalt flooring create a serene and introspective ambiance.
Ultimately, the design of this house is a sincere effort to bring the living spaces closer to nature while harmoniously blending traditional roots with modern-day living needs.
Fact FileDesigned by: Studio PPBA
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Verandah House
Location: Nhavi Sandas, Maharashtra
Year Built: 2023
Project Size: 1614.59 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Pallavi & Pankaj
Team Design Credits: Pramit, Sakshi, Pallavi, Pradeep & Pankaj
Photograph Courtesy: Hemant Patil
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Instagram Link: Studio PPBA
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