Winterfell is a work of camouflaged design, an organic house that melds seamlessly with the terrain, rolling into the vibrant green landscape and naturally positioned boulders. Set in the scenic village of Shoolagiri within the Sanctity Ferme community in Tamil Nadu, Winterfell offers an idyllic retreat from urban life—a place to live close to nature.
Editor’s Note: “Winterfell house rises from the land as if it has always belonged. Built to dwell rather than to dominate, it lets nature, earth, and light speak in harmony, crafting a life out of it. Here, living becomes an act of listening, and architecture becomes a gesture of belonging in its purest form.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
This Organic House Rolls into the Vibrant Green Landscape Naturally | Prithvi Architects
Winterfell’s design philosophy emphasizes authenticity and accessibility. Each component, while practical, complements the overall harmony of the house’s design. Following the Universal Design Principles, the structure accommodates the site’s undulating terrain while making all spaces accessible.
The natural rocks and abundant trees on the site inspire the building’s organic form, seamlessly integrating the structure with its environment.
The structure is elevated to preserve natural drainage and to ensure a minimal environmental footprint. Winterfell offers sweeping panoramic views through its seamless curved glass, mesh windows, open decks, and terraces, which extend outwards.
At the North-east corner, existed a valley-like terrain, which was strategically converted into swimming pools with two levels, providing a safe and shallow area for children and a separate section for adults.
The walls, constructed from mud, evoke the earth’s warmth in habitable spaces, while the service zones, such as toilets and staircases, are finished in gray tones that echo the tint of the natural rocks of the area. Sustainable building techniques bring this vision to life.
Builders use techniques like poured earth or raw earth concrete, containing a small proportion of cement, to create resilient walls with minimal ecological impact. They also use lightweight materials like ferrocement to complement these walls.
Landscape incorporates native tropical plants in addition to the existing trees. The hard-scape materials are categorized by function; for example, locally sourced cobblestones form the pathways and ramps, while waste granite stones from a nearby quarry create the car parking area.
The interiors of Winterfell emphasize minimalistic elegance, featuring built-in furniture such as beds, wardrobes, seating areas, and kitchen counters. Durable terrazzo flooring adds a clean finish, while the concrete roof slabs display unaltered shutter marks, preserving the material’s raw beauty.
This seamless blend of modern design and nature creates a living space that respects the land, elevates organic design, and embodies a holistic connection to its environment.
Fact FileDesigned by: Prithvi Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Winterfell
Location: Tamil Nadu
Year Built: 2023
Built-up Area: 1700 Sq.ft
Design: Ar. Archana M & Arun Kumar V S
Photograph Courtesy: Syam Sreesylam & Jino Sam
Project Management: Arun Kumar V. S
Site Supervision: Sreerag K S
Landscape Design: Ar. Nimmy Zacharia
Civil Labor Consultant: Shibu M V
Plumbing Contractor: Shimjith
Manufacturers: Asian Paints, EBCO, Saint Gobain India
MEP Consultant: Shanavas V K – ELMEK SOLUTIONS
Source: ArchDaily
Firm’s Instagram Link: Prithvi Architects
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