The proposed house is in the village of Dhotre near Kopargaon, Maharashtra. This house started with studies on the rural economy of Maharashtra, where studies show a great fall in rural economic growth for many years. Farmers don’t get an assurance of earning after harvesting. This house handles an issue of rural economy and a house that aptly describes the phase, half is more – a house in progress, of development and promises.
Half is More – A House in Progress | Atelier Shantanu Autade + Studioboxx
Visit : Atelier Shantanu Autade + Studioboxx
Editor’s note : “Amid lush green fields stands a house where Architecture transcends hierarchy. Embraced by two triangular walls, the house springs to life, featuring a captivating central courtyard and rooms gracefully stacked one atop another. Its unconventional design brings a modern touch to the serene rural landscape with simplicity. While the minimalist shell is as inspirational as functional, it prompts a thought-provoking question: “Why is good affordable living lacking in India, especially in the rural sectors?” ~ Venessa Thomas (Co-Editor)
The proposed built form is an experiment to explore the idea of expanding the house. This resembles with farmer’s attitude, where he compromises on essential things because of uncertainty and tends to complete them partly.
The proposed house is composed of two built forms connected by a covered passageway. Out of these two, one block is built using the cost-effective experimental approach to construction which includes:
The house is a prototype capturing the realities of a lifestyle, at the intersection between traditional and modern, neither rural nor urban.
This project proposes strategies for an accommodative, adaptive, and innovative built form, following up research on incremental approaches to building, to demonstrate an apt rural response. This house looks closely at the life of an agriculturalist and narrates his idea of living life, “HALF IS MORE!!!!”
Talking about a proposed block shows a transition from a diverse social space to a singular private space which resembles the house form of old Havelis from the north to Chettinad houses in the south of India. As this house is meant for the agriculturalist, who seeks a pleural space that accommodates many things.
In the rural context, the threshold/ verandah plays an important role where it is connecting with the outside world. Verandah is a key kinetic space of the house because of its multiple uses throughout the daytime.
The courtyard in the house, allows the house to breathe and make way for daylight inside. It provides an additional room size in a cramped dwelling space, which is used for stacking grains, seating or talking with friends, sleeping at night, etc.
The opening of the courtyard from the top is covered with recycled glass which traps the heat at the top, while the parallel wall on both sides is perforated which allows heated air to flow. A tree placed in the court provides shade and keeps the space moist.
Beyond the courtyard, on the upper floor of the house have two bedrooms, which sit on top of the cooking, and sleeping space below. The bedrooms above extend to the terrace, which is open to the sky. This terrace forms an important plural space, especially for women to conduct various activities like making various dried foods, pickles, etc.
Terrace allows a cool breeze to enter the house during the night from the west. This house discusses the idea of a progressive rural house model with limited resources and passive techniques for climate control. The space-making exercise attempted to make a place for all, realizing the lifestyle of the owner.
Fact File
Designed by: Atelier Shantanu Autade + Studioboxx
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Half is More – A House in Progress
Location: Dhotre, Maharashtra
Year Built: 2023
Project Size: 2000 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Shantanu Autade & Rahul Dabir
Team Design Credits: Harish Niranjan, Pooja Pingle, Diganti Phadol, Lakshita Singh, Akhil Vardhan Bura, Sheetal Kashyap, Rucha Nargund & Simran Shaha
Photograph Courtesy: Abhijeet Ghospurikar
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Website Link: Atelier Shantanu Autade + Studioboxx
Firm’s Instagram Link: Atelier Shantanu Autade + Studioboxx
Firm’s Facebook Link: Atelier Shantanu Autade + Studioboxx
For Similar Project>>> This Aesthetic Courtyard House With Lush Landscape Design Offers A Calm Aura To The Users
The design of Coexistence House is rooted in the philosophy of living in harmony with nature. The site, located in Perungudi—a rapidly urbanising neighbourhood of Chennai—held a unique character with its mature mango and coconut trees, remnants of an older garden deeply tied to the memory of the place. The client’s deep emotional connection to […]
There are countless options when designing a home; each story is distinct to the person who creates it. “When we were asked to craft a home that revolved around the idea of practicality and modern materials, we decided to create a space that felt contemporary and brought in the idea of nature”, says Ar. Saumya […]
In the dense rhythm of Noida, where homes rise in the hustle of chaos and silence is rare, a slender home offers a pause. The land set its own terms — a north-east-facing house orientation, a mandated front garden, and trees that had stood tall long before the first drawings took shape. Instead of overwriting […]
Editor’s note – Rarely do we encounter homes where a strong story and context come together so seamlessly. Studio Bardo takes on this challenge with great sensitivity, redesigning an abandoned Himalayan house in the Himalayas into something far more than just a residence. Here, every intervention is rooted in culture, memory, and place—reviving the character […]
Editors’ Note – This colonial house in Delhi carries an ambience of grandeur, infused with the elegance of Victorian-style colonialism. Expansive living, dining, and kitchen areas open into light-filled spaces framed by large glazing that connect seamlessly to the surrounding landscape. Inside, tropical interiors with bold geometry add a contemporary layer of comfort. The residence […]
“Hilltop House” is envisioned as a contemporary yet context-sensitive residential project that harmonizes architecture and interior design to create a sanctuary perched on a scenic elevation. The design will respond directly to the topography, climate, and panoramic views, while delivering a highly functional, comfortable, and aesthetically refined living environment. This Hilltop House in Indore Is […]
This southwest-facing bungalow, with golden accents in its interiors, is a refined expression of contextual and climate-responsive modern architecture. The home embraces its orientation with an intelligent façade design that balances aesthetic appeal and environmental performance. With the sun’s harshest rays hitting the structure in the latter half of the day, the architects incorporated 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 […]
Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]