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An Indian Retreat Nestled Amidst The Vast Paddy Fields Exudes Quiet Grace and Rustic Elegance | UNBOX

In the serene countryside of Vaiyampatti, an Indian retreat nestled amidst the vast expanse of paddy fields stands a humbly placed farmhouse exuding quiet grace and rustic elegance. It is a perfect setting, reminiscent of William Wordsworth’s “Solitary Reaper”.

Editor’s Note: “Inspired by the timeless charm of Nalukettu architecture, this Trichy residence is enveloped by sweeping paddy fields. The open floor plan, anchored by a central courtyard, offers a perfect blend of tradition and contemporary design. Majestic doors and exquisite Athangudi tiles radiate serenity, creating a harmonious balance between the home’s earthy aesthetic and modern functionality.” ~Simran Khare

An Indian Retreat Nestled Amidst The Vast Paddy Fields Exudes Quiet Grace and Rustic Elegance | UNBOX

indian retreat

The low lying and the spread-out nature of the home make it humane and relatable to the surroundings, offering a fitting aesthetic response to the setting.

indian retreat

A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Modernity

While this house is conceived as a classic, straightforward courtyard house, stemming from the client’s memory of their family home, it combines traditional principles and effortlessly blends them with the needs of modern inhabitants.

indian retreat

The Nalukettu Influence

Architecturally, it is a precise 3×3 grid inspired by the traditional Nalukettu house, with strategically positioned walls only where essential to accommodate specific functions, allowing the open plan to function seamlessly otherwise.

indian retreat

The Central Courtyard

The nucleus of the house is the courtyard, which occupies the central grid. Wrapping around it is a corridor with a sloped roof adorned with intricate eaves designed to channel rainwater runoff into the biopond.

indian retreat

indian retreat

The overflow from the biopond gets collected in the rainwater harvesting tank that was functionally planned and integrated during the foundation stages.

indian retreat

indian retreat

A Seamless Transition

The corridor unfolds into a spacious living in the north and dining in the south. To the west, there is a welcoming lounge, while a stairwell is positioned to the east. Notably, the welcome lounge is the first space encountered upon entry, creating an inviting atmosphere right from the start.

indian retreat

indian retreat

Entrance Doors

This entry features a portal inspired by the tall and opulent temple doors of Tamil Nadu that serves as a grand and inviting gesture.

indian retreat

A Connection to Tradition

Positioned on the central axis, the entrance reveals an enchanting view of the pooja room, beautifully framed by the bio pond in the foreground when opened. Meanwhile, this alignment not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also echoes the design of temples, where the deity and the main portal face the rising sun.

The Portal Design

The tall and majestic portal stands out, accentuated by glass windows on either side that seamlessly transitions into a lintel-level brick jali envelope. This design not only forms the striking frontage on the outside but also creates a thermally comfortable sit-out on the inside, allowing filtered light and air to flow through.

Material Palette

The clean geometry of concrete and steel combines with an exquisite material palette. This includes Mangalore roof tiles, bricks, and handmade clay pots for the filler slab. Additionally, the juxtaposition of polished and unpolished granite alongside vibrant Athangudi tiles creates a tactile and soulful experience.

Roof and Window Designs

The exploration of various roofs, ranging from concrete flat slabs to filler slabs and sloped tile roofs, along with window styles such as glass, grills, and louvers. Overall, it achieves an optimal balance for both visual and climatic appeal.

The Design Philosophy

In crafting the Reaper’s house, the designer deliberately avoided the color “white,” which is often perceived as flawless and unnatural. Therefore, this choice reflects a profound respect for the imperfections inherent in nature. As a result, the selection of natural tones creates a genuine, heartfelt character that resonates with its surroundings. Thus, the house embodies the quiet sentiment of “Stop here or gently pass!”

Fact File

Designed by: UNBOX

Project Type: Residential Architecture Design

Project Name: The Reaper’s Retreat

Location: Vaiyampatti, Trichy, Tamil Nadu

Year Built: 2023

Duration of the project: 2021-2023

Built-up Area: 3680 Sq.ft

Principal Architect: Ar. Manoj Sivasubramaniyan

Team Design Credits: Sowmika Elengo & Manoj Sivasubramaniyan

Photograph Courtesy: Studio F/8

Products / Materials / Vendors:  Wallcovering / Cladding – Brick cladding / Facade Systems – Terracotta Jaali blocks / Flooring – Yellow jaisalmer

Consultants for the Project: Civil – Aasirvatham & Team / Interior Contractor – John Praveen / Landscape Architects – Abinaya Ravichandran, Vanchinathan / MEP & HVAC Consultants – Ashrap  Ali Structure Engineers – Kozodynamics

Firm’s Website Link: UNBOX

The Firm’s Instagram Link: UNBOX

Firm’s Facebook Link: UNBOX

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