An Exposed Brick House Which Coexists With Nature | PG Associates
Trees are some strongholds of nature, symbol of growth, strength, and nurture. Owing to this, it has always found constant interpretation through art and design since ancient times. It is no surprise to see its influence in architecture too.
Visit : PG Associates
Located in the scenic town of Coimbatore in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, the project “Treehouse” serves as a conjunction and response to its immediate surroundings and conditions. It serves as a beautiful connection between nature and manufactured, showcasing the world how the two can perfectly coexist in harmony. Seated perfectly in a vibrant residential area filled with lush greenery and civic activities, the Treehouse is a conglomeration of old and new, by retaining the old existing structure and infusing it with the new building and features.
Concept – An old mango tree at the center of the site proved to be a decisive factor for the conceptualization and design of the new house. In a careful move to preserve the mango tree along with the existing structure, a simple plan that combined various ideas into one singularity has been devised; nature and man-made, former and newborn. It also comprehends the diverse programmatic concerns of its inhabitants; formal and informal, transparency and privacy, individual and collective.
Design – The layout of the house is conditioned by the centrally located tree encompassed by a garden space that splits the site into two halves. The double-height space has a pergola roofing which allows for radiant summer light to flow through it. The two halves of the house are connected by a bridge on the first floor which also provides for picturesque views. While from the outside, the house resonates as a strong terrain feature with its singular block; the interior has its fair share of interconnected and free-flowing spaces; rendering it as a porous nature. It has been designed in such a way that the interactive spaces flow intermittently from one to another while maintaining a sense of privacy.
Materials – The catalogue of materials used which involve exposed Porotherm blocks, polished concrete, natural stones, and jali screens render the house a rustic and warm outlook. Not to forget, it doubles up to make the building environmentally friendly. Using these materials in its modernity also makes for a clever contrast of the newly built structure from the old existing one. While the old one is given a makeover with white, the new structure shimmers in red, giving a sense of rawness. The exposed brick construction used in walls provides for an uninhibited connection between the interior and exterior while also conveying a rich earthy feel to the architecture. The polished concrete on the other end serves to complement the earthy red blocks with the jali breaking the monotony. The roofing serves as a modern interpretation of the ‘Madras terrace roofing’ which is prevalent in the region. The idea of Madras terrace has been retained but the materials are replaced with Porotherm blocks and steel sections.
Interiors – To maintain a pleasant micro-climate; the inner garden, the Porotherm blocks for roofing, and walls are used. Having calculated openings on all 4 sides of the building maintains cross ventilation. Porotherm blocks, which by nature of the air gaps present within, provide for perfect insulation from the harsh heat of tropical weather making the interior cool. The interior of the house is dictated by simplicity and conventionality. Adorned with classical décor items, traditional furniture made from mango wood, and Jali, the ambiance is further complemented by harnessing natural lighting to create experiences and simple spaces the family can identify with and cherish. In conclusion, The ‘Treehouse’ as its name suggests truly represents the growth and nurture of its inhabitants.
Fact File :
Architects: PG Associates
Area: 2000 ft²
Year: 2019
Location : Coimbatore , Tamil Nadu.
Architect In Charge: SrikrishnanDesign
Team: Pandurangan, Sasikumar
Engineering: PG Associates
Consultants: Metis Structures
Text: Prashant Chavan, Noora Ismath
Photographs: Srikrishnan
Source : Arch Daily
“Viraam,” a 4000 sq ft house design that embodies its literal translation: “a pause.” The vision is to create a sanctuary for relaxation, introspection, and to escape from the constant demands of daily life – an urban void for personal retreat. Editor’s Note: “Viraam is not just a house, it’s a pause. A place to […]
The facade of this Indian contemporary house design strikes a careful balance between solids and voids, with sculpted forms that reveal the inner workings of the space. The design plays with light and shadow, creating visual depth and intrigue from the exterior. The form resembles a cuboid that has been scooped out, while the outer […]
This 5 storey building takes inspiration from ancient haveli architecture. “Hailing from north India, the family held deep nostalgia for haveli, large residences with communal courtyards called chowks, projecting balconies called jharokhas and intricate brick or stone lattice screens called jaalis, vernacular to many western and northern regions of India,” said SJK Architects partner Vaishali […]
Set in the serene landscape of Nashik, the Dabholkar Residence by GDA is a home, embracing stone clad walls. Here, tradition and contemporary design exist in harmony. Designed to reflect the family’s deep connection to tradition and art while embracing the style of contemporary living, it is a space where architectural details, heritage furniture, artwork […]
This remodelling project aimed to revitalise a load-bearing house while respecting its original integrity and adapting it to contemporary needs. The design approach prioritised minimal structural intervention, allowing the existing framework to guide spatial reconfiguration. Careful consideration was given to preserving the load-bearing walls, which formed the backbone of the original construction. Openings were strategically […]
Redefining Indian temple architecture, the relocation of the existing shrine due to a new residential project presented an opportunity to design a space that seamlessly integrates tradition with contemporary needs. The given 400 sq. ft. site was envisioned not merely as a shrine to Lord Datta, a local deity, but as a vibrant community space, […]
Nestled within a 30×40 ft plot is the compact house design in Banashankari 6th Stage, Bengaluru. This residence for the Ellappans, reimagines traditional Indian living in a contemporary, spatially dynamic form. Designed for a family of three- Mr. Ellappan, his wife, and their teenage son- the house expresses a deep connection to vernacular roots while […]
This multi generational home is a testament to the ability of the design practice to blend aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. Keeping environmental sustainability and the welfare of the community at the forefront, Bhowal designed a home that was truly ahead of its time. His visionary approach and the Design Consortium’s expertise in providing a […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]