Nestled on a 380 sqm plot in Nhavi Sandas, a riverside village with deep agricultural roots, this project draws inspiration from local architecture. Historically, the village was dotted with brick and stone courtyard homes, locally called Wada. As time passed, these were replaced with modern structures that were less sustainable, energy-intensive, and poorly suited to the local climate. This project aspires to reconnect with that timeless charm, adapting traditional forms to meet modern lifestyles.
Editor’s Note: Rooted in the rhythms of the land, this home unfolds like a quiet conversation between past and present. Open verandahs, dappled light, and a central courtyard shape a space that feels lived-in, effortless, and deeply connected, where every breeze carries a memory, and every corner invites pause. ~Isha Bora
Inspired From Local Architecture, This Home Reconnects With Timeless Charm | Studio PPBA
Inspired by the spatial arrangement of Wada houses, this design integrates a central courtyard and verandah. Moreover, it serves as the heart of the home. It divides the home into public and private spaces. Meanwhile, it enhances natural light and ventilation across 2-bedrooms, a living area, dining area, and a kitchen.
Designed with a hidden entrance to create a sense of discovery, the building seamlessly integrates it into the overall form, leading directly into a central verandah and courtyard. On one side, the open living, dining, and kitchen areas encourage social interaction, while on the other, two bedrooms and a toilet offer a private retreat.
In this design, circulation is reimagined as a semi-outdoor transition space in the form of a verandah, seamlessly linking rooms with nature. Thus, optimizing spatial flow, utilizing space efficiently, and enhancing climate responsiveness, all while maintaining the functionality of the design.
The house’s exterior presents a bold, monolithic form, rooted in the traditional Wada aesthetic, where a solid stone base protects the brick structure above. Reinterpreting this, the design uses raw concrete as a strong foundation, with brickwork above to celebrate materiality and geometric simplicity.
Small courtyards with planters along the boundary enhance cross-ventilation, contributing to privacy and a calming, green atmosphere. Inside, light filled interiors in fresh white tones, paired with wooden furniture and black basalt flooring create a serene and introspective ambiance.
Ultimately, the design of this house is a sincere effort to bring the living spaces closer to nature while harmoniously blending traditional roots with modern-day living needs.
Fact FileDesigned by: Studio PPBA
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Verandah House
Location: Nhavi Sandas, Maharashtra
Year Built: 2023
Project Size: 1614.59 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Pallavi & Pankaj
Team Design Credits: Pramit, Sakshi, Pallavi, Pradeep & Pankaj
Photograph Courtesy: Hemant Patil
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Instagram Link: Studio PPBA
For Similar Project >>> This Villa In Satirje, Alibaug Is A Scattered Collection Of Simple Forms
Gurgaon’s architecture reflects the rapid transformation of a once-sleepy suburb into one of India’s most dynamic urban centers. Characterized by its striking skyline of glass-clad towers, corporate parks, and luxury residences, the city embodies a blend of modernism and global urban aspirations. Contemporary architecture in Gurgaon emphasizes verticality, smart technology, and sustainable design, with green-certified […]
Architecture in Goa is an ever-evolving dialogue between tropical modernism and cultural heritage. Known for its scenic coastline, Portuguese influences, and laid-back charm, Goa carries an architectural identity that seamlessly merges history with contemporary living. In recent years, architects in Goa have been redefining the state’s built environment by blending vernacular wisdom with innovative, sustainable […]
Nestled in the vibrant urban setting of Balaji Nagar, Sangli, The Red Abode with a terracotta facade redefines contemporary living with its seamless integration of modern design and nature. Designed for an IT professional seeking tranquility and inspiration, this project exemplifies how architecture can foster harmony between the built environment and the natural world. A […]
This bungalow in Udaipur, Rajasthan, designed for the Gandhi family, exemplifies a refined blend of modern contemporary architecture with subtle regional sensitivity. The zoning and design is grounded in clean lines, bold geometric volumes, and a sophisticated interplay of materials. The façade combines natural travertine, matte black cladding, and warm wood for contrast and harmony. […]
Nestled in the serene surroundings of Swarnabhoomi, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Ivory Courtyard is more than just a residence—it is an architectural statement that harmoniously blends Indian traditional values with modern contemporary living. With its pristine ivory colour exterior symbolising purity and sophistication, this home stands as a beacon of elegance and comfort for the two families […]
“Even within the smallest green lies all the purity and freshness of Eden.” This idea became the seed for Eden Moss, a home nestled in an ecological environment and imagined as a breath of freshness, evoking the scent of mud after rain, and seamlessly intertwined with nature while still embracing comfort and contextual charm. Nestled […]
Nestled in what was once a coconut orchard, Sanctum serves as a sanctuary for a retired couple. Their daughter & a feline companion join them to offer a tranquil environment for everyday goings-on. The site is a 60’ x 90’ portion of land with six coconut trees. Two teak wood & silver oak trees, each […]
Tucked into the calm, tree-lined lanes of Nagarbhavi in Bangalore, Avani Residence rises as a poetic response to the chaos of the city, a vertical sanctuary where light dances, materials breathe, and space unfolds in gentle rhythms. Designed by Archemist Architects for a family of four, the residence is a nuanced interplay between constraint and […]
Adorn, a home filled with earthen design and the laughter of a family of four, nestles in the peaceful neighborhood of Selvapuram, Coimbatore. “On one side, it shares boundaries with cozy family homes; meanwhile, the other side opens to expansive fields dotted with tall trees.” The fresh air scented with greenery sets a calming atmosphere […]
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 […]