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
This edition, TAD Architecture Magazine celebrates the powerful women of India. “Breaking the Boundaries”—a phrase often used to celebrate women’s achievements in their respective fields. But were there ever boundaries to break? The answer is Yes. The most commonly spoken one remains gender inequality—an issue addressed year after year, yet still far from being fully […]
In the heart of every home, the Angan stands as a sacred court. It is a personal yet public space that witnesses the playful childhoods, festive celebrations, gatherings, and even tranquility for one. This project makes an honest attempt to reintroduce the idea of a court in the design, amalgamating it with modern needs, embodying […]
This five-floor residential building in KUKATPALLY showcases thoughtful planning and modern functionality. This vertical house is tailored to meet the evolving needs of a multigenerational family. Designed for a client with two sons, the home seamlessly blends shared spaces, private retreats, and clever spatial planning. This Vertical House Offers the Perfect Balance of Privacy and […]
Mr. Rajesh Vadgama reached out to Ar. Jay Thakkar through a mutual acquaintance after purchasing a residential plot. Following an initial meeting and several site visits, a concept for a compact yet luxurious Luxury House was developed. The final design featured an expansive, well-planned layout with a spacious living room, a double-height dining area that […]
The trend of weekend or second homes has grown in the post-pandemic era, reflecting a shift in lifestyle and aspirations. People have become more conscious of their surroundings, seeking opportunities to pause, reconnect with themselves, and immerse in nature. Pushpam Farm embodies this perspective, offering a serene retreat in an organic modern style while contrasting […]
In the burgeoning area of Vadodara, this house, Namasya, is nestled amongst the upcoming high-rise residential buildings enclosed with the beautifully crafted landscape around it. As the sun rises on the horizon, the day of Nehulji (client) begins with the Munias and parakeets chirping, awaiting their breakfast. During his daily morning routine, he shares the […]
How often are irregularly shaped plots dismissed when buying land? In many towns, the land is subdivided into perfect rectangles for construction, leaving plots with unconventional shapes—sharp angles and awkward dimensions—undesirable and in low demand. However, the architecture studio Tropical Tones, has set an example by tackling this challenge. This Tropical Modern residence house design […]
When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]
SASWATHA, the residential architecture project by GVQ Design Studio, is located in Thrissur, Kerala. This thoughtfully designed home caters to a joint family consisting of two brothers, their families, and their parents. Spanning approximately 2,700 sq. ft on a 15-cent plot, the residential architecture is meticulously crafted to meet the diverse needs of a multi-generational […]
This simple farmhouse design is a humble residence that responds to the climate and site. It is a fun fact that the house is both an inward and outward looking house at the same time. One of the USPs of the simple farmhouse design project would be that it connects well with the most playful […]