The country blue house design is a retrofit extension to a 30-year-old building in Maruthur South, a remote village in the district of Nagapattinam. The extension adds a new kitchen while converting the existing kitchen to dining on the ground floor and adding a bedroom with an attached bathroom on the first floor. Apart from these spatial additions, existing compound wall replacement and terracing came along.
Editor’s Note: The Country Blue is a home that unfolds gently, where time-worn warmth meets quiet renewal. Light drifts through open courts, balconies reach for the sky, and blue lingers like a familiar memory. It’s a space that doesn’t demand attention but invites you in—calm, effortless, and deeply rooted in its place. ~Isha Bora
This Country House Design Is A Retrofit Extension To A 30-year-old Building | Architecture RIFF
After transiting around the region, shades of blue were the cue for us to start with the materiality of the house. This pinch of blue was seen in a few elements that the house already had, like an old door, a broken wooden chair that was unusually painted blue, etc.
The main intent is to blur the difference between the existing old house and the retrofit. Retaining the existing staircase while protecting it from the weather with a canopy made a major architectural impact on the built form.
The metal lattice covering the staircase creates oneness between the existing and the new. To tackle the challenge of matching the finish level of existing flooring and the newly added kitchen, an indoor garden court was introduced, which also brings ample sunlight and acts as a buffer between the structures. The introduction of the court breaks the linearity of the house and floods it with natural light and enhances ventilation.
The material palette is kept subtle, simple, and frugal to retain the country vibe of the house. This includes leather-finished Kota stone, blue-pigmented wall putty, terracotta, ocean-white granite, jute, and basic paint finishes.
Multiple terraces on the first floor open the spaces to the existing and borrowed landscapes all around the house. The tall white textured wall facing the east becomes a canvas for the coconut trees to cast their shadow.
The inbuilt bed on the first floor is a result of the existing inverted beams on the terrace. The bedroom opens towards the north and south with deep balconies that cut off the direct sun and glare. This keeps the bedroom cozy and softly lit throughout the day. A house in the countryside reflecting the regional influences of blue as its accent color makes up “The Country Blue.”.
Fact File
Designed by: Architecture RIFF
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: The Country Blue House
Location: Marudur, Tamil Nadu
Year: 2024
Built Up Area: 1000 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Sindhuja Balasubramanian & Karthik Karikalvalavan
Photograph Courtesy: Studio f/8
Civil Consultants: Craft wise
Engineering & Consulting: V.P.Engineering works
Structural Consultants: Bala Structural Consultants
Manufacturers: Asian Paints, Fenesta, Hafele, Hybec, Jaquar, Kaff
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Instagram Link: Architecture RIFF
For Similar Projects >> A Climate Responsive Courtyard House In Kerala With An Earthy Palette And Natural Materials
In a landscape where aspiration quietly waits, Granthalay emerges as a circular building and sanctuary for learning—gathering people, knowledge, and place into a shared civic moment. Granthalay is conceived as a civic institution that extends beyond the conventional idea of a library, responding to the acute lack of educational and community infrastructure in the district […]
A dilapidated old manor house in Jaffna peninsula, with warped roof beams, warped door windows and many structural defects were presented to the architects for refurbishment- by clients- to be refurbished as a retirement home for themselves who were returning to Sri Lanka after escaping to overseas due to the 25 years old North East […]
This residence is a sincere exploration of how architecture can remain simple, climate sensitive, cost-effective, and emotionally grounded, without compromising on spatial quality or design intent. Conceived as a 3BHK modest home for a small family, the project stands as a testament to what is possible when thoughtful planning, craft-oriented construction, and material intelligence come […]
Design, when it emerges as a living tapestry, turns the experience of living into a vibrant everyday narrative. Baldota House in Alandi, Pune by ARCHOS accommodates three generations under a single roof in the area spanning 7500 Sq. Ft. Spearheaded by the family’s desire for a generous space and a theatrical essence along with balanced […]
Few homes are celebrated for their iconic interiors, while some are celebrated for their open layouts. True to its unique context and subtleties, this home with a monochromatic palette, designed by Ar. Saumya Khanna & Ar. Sudhir Ambawata Co – founders & principle architects of SSDA Architects brings the essence of volumetric design and a […]
Adopting sustainable living today, both in design and daily life, is crucial for reducing our environmental footprint and preserving resources for future generations. In the design of this bamboo pavilion, this means using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and creating spaces that harmonize with natural surroundings. In daily living, sustainability involves mindful consumption, reducing waste, conserving […]
Tucked into the lush landscape of Thiruvananthapuram, Aashiyana is a residence that balances context, climate, and craft. Designed by architect Srijit Srinivas, this bungalow is conceived as more than a tropical retreat-it is a spatial journey where bold colour, filtered light, and thoughtful materials orchestrate a distinctive atmosphere. Nestled Amidst Lush Landscape Aashiyana Balances Craft […]
Situated on a compact 1200 sft south-west corner plot, this residence was conceived as an inward-looking sanctuary for a family of four — a home that balances privacy and openness, light and enclosure, within the dense urban fabric. This Residence Was Conceived As An Inward-Looking Sanctuary For A Family Of Four | The Insideout Studio […]
Project 1374 is located in one of the plotted developments in the north of Bangalore, characterized by well-demarcated plots, open spaces, spacious roads, and organized infrastructure. Trees flank the wide streets, dividing the plots with dense canopies offering shaded avenues. Abutting the plot stood a cluster of trees- a quiet presence. We borrowed these trees […]
‘Roots’ was an experiment to build sustainably but not confer to the design language typically associated with sustainable buildings. This residential project re-considers the expression of sustainable architecture through a minimalist and materially grounded lens. Located on a 4,000 sq.ft. plot, the designers conceived the house for a family of three and their pet, organizing […]