Minimal Rectilinear House | Sudaiva Studio
To keep pace with the rapid urbanization of the tier 2 city in which the residence is located, the client aspired to upgrade to a modern, luxurious lifestyle while still living as a traditional joint family. Within the relatively compact floor area, the design had to accommodate the needs of a large family, providing a sense of spaciousness while maintaining the right balance of connection and privacy.
For a narrow plot measuring only 28 feet wide and 45 feet long with a common wall at the rear, and narrow setbacks of 1.5 feet along the width, the house had to depend only on the north face and overhead light for daylighting and natural ventilation.
Eschewing all embellishment, the building form was constructed as an exercise in restraint with only strong proportions defining the design intent. The folding planes of the staircase volume with an exposed concrete finish stand counterpoised against the white plastered minimal rectilinear mass housing the living spaces.
Glass, exposed concrete finish and white plaster form the minimal material palette for the external form. The Golden Rectangle was used to determine the scale and proportion of the building elements.
Facing north, the front façade features tall windows scaling two floors allowing sumptuous natural light to penetrate deep into the open layout of the house. Mild steel vertical louvers clad with Fundermax outside the windows serve as adornment for the building façade, act as a security device and also a shading device.The sky-lights above a double heightened internal court, together with the tall expanse of windows makes the home self-sufficient in natural light regardless of the shade from future property developments around it. The skylights also have a built-in provision for hot air to vent out of the building through perforated metal sheets.
Commissioned as both architects and interior designers for this residence, considerable effort was put into optimizing the modest floor area of 2000 square feet to make it work for a large, traditional joint family. Within the layout, several devices were marshaled to expand the perceived measure of space – a fully open plan, double heights, large north-facing windows, suspended ceiling planes, metal jaali screens, thin metal shelves, and uninterrupted long diagonal interior views.
Every interior artifact was conceived to perform double duty – screens define distinct areas within the layout while also serving as a bold decorative accent; sleek metal shelving framing the television allows display of objet d’arts while cordoning off the staircase; the dining table within the kitchen also becomes an extended preparation counter while cooking; the dropped ceiling planes conceal sunken slabs, beams and lighting devices, while it is shaped to echo the functions below, acting as a subtle orienting device within the open plan.
FACT FILE:
Architects:Sudaiva Studio
Location:Bellur, India
Category:Houses
Lead Architect:Vinay Mavinakere
Area:2700.0 ft2
Project Year:2018
Photographs:Geeth Gopinath
Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL) blurs the boundaries between structure and nature with the conceptualization and design of the elemental villas at Ananta Spa and Resort, Ajabgarh. Nestled amidst the majestic Aravalli ranges, the design of the resort draws inspiration from the vastness of its surroundings and natural elements. Each villa type, including Earth, Lagoon, […]
The design of Habitat 0 begins with the central concept of a vacation home community organized around a circular form. This layout places individual spaces radially around a central circular courtyard, creating a communal space where every area has access to expansive views of the surrounding greenery. The circular design is essential in fostering a […]
Nestled in the tranquil village of Thenipalam, Malappuram, Aman is a 2,800 sq. ft. residence, manifesting its Urdu namesake, meaning peace, sanctuary, and security. Designed by Vaktra Architects, this traditional Kerala home is a testament to simplicity, blending Kerala’s tropical ethos with contemporary elegance. This Traditional Kerala Home is Rooted in Simplicity and Modern Elegance […]
Pranjali – The Doctor’s Bungalow is a peaceful and practical modern bungalow design located in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The name Pranjali, meaning “a graceful offering” or “a gesture of respect,” reflects the spirit of this residence—a calm, humble, and thoughtful space created for a doctor couple seeking balance in their busy lives. The design goal […]
The contemporary style architecture house is located in the lively urban context of Thaltej, Ahmedabad nestled within a private cluster of four bungalows. Though the home enjoys the benefits of community, it also maintains a high degree of privacy and seclusion. This is achieved through a carefully considered spatial arrangement, despite the proximity of a […]
Screenwriter and director Megha Ramaswamy approached Fractal Chaos to design an organic home as a weekend retreat in Pasli Gaon, Velhe—a village about 150 km from Pune. The site is located between the Deccan Plateau and the Western Ghats, which gives it a unique ecology with 4 seasons. Drawn to the land by a bordering […]
Situated in the bustling residential neighbourhood of Koorkenchery, Thrissur, Dr. Lakshmi’s residence stands as a refined architectural response to a narrow 15.53 cent plot. The 4214.07 sq ft home is a seamless blend of modern traditional kerala house, with an Indonesian inspired grey white exterior that exudes sophistication. The design strategically employs linear planning, integrating […]
Imagine a home that breathes with the breeze, where sunlight filters through lush foliage, and the vibrant hues of nature are an extension of your living space. Tropical houses are architectural marvels; a profound dialogue between human habitation and the natural world, born from centuries of adapting to warm, humid climates. Far from rigid structures, […]
Kerala style homes have courtyards surrounded by rooms on each side. Traditional Kerala-style homes have a central courtyard known as Nadumuttam surrounded by rooms. These homes promote natural light and ventilation according to the region’s climate. These homes, due to the feature of courtyards as their core spaces, offer beautiful opportunities for social gatherings. This […]
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 […]