search

The Courtyard Design Is A Reminder Of The Authentic Vernacular Architecture | 23 Degrees Design Shift

Spacious, inviting, and intimate, courtyards have an integral place in the vernacular architecture across India. Beyond their climatic purposes, courtyards assume the role of a social space, a space for contemplation, and a space where something happens. Their presence in various forms, proportions, and sizes has been a ubiquitous feature in Indian vernacular architecture. The courtyard house—located in Mansanpally village, 40 km away from Hyderabad—is a modern twist on the local Manduva house. Designed for contemporary living, the courtyard design house is a reminder of the simplicity and authenticity of vernacular architecture. It creates spaces that are as functional as they are serene.

Editor’s Note: “The Courtyard House incorporates traditional concepts of Manduva houses into a modern design, in perfect balance with nature. Using natural materials such as wood and stone, this design seeks an equilibrium among other factors of privacy, social space, and climatic comfort. The central courtyard integrates community and tranquility, reflecting vernacular architecture, to provide a calm and functional home.” ~ Anusha Sridhar

This Courtyard Design Is A Reminder Of The Authentic Vernacular Architecture | 23 Degrees Design Shift

courtyard design

The brief provided by the client envisioned the expansion of a single-bedroom farmhouse into a place where his extended family could live in the tranquil company of nature. This called for the addition of six bedrooms along with a fully functional kitchen and dining area and expansive areas for communal living.

The need for privacy and socializing further required the design to provide green areas for each room, along with seamless connectivity to communal open spaces. This requirement of the brief was resolved by reinterpreting the traditional ‘Manduva house.’

Courtyard

The courtyard, an integral part of the Manduva house, has been reinterpreted to accommodate the elements of modern rural living. By strategically detaching the four blocks around the central courtyard, as opposed to a traditional courtyard layout, the design allows natural ventilation from all directions, enhancing airflow and overall comfort.

courtyard design

Spatial Organization

This spatial organization also prioritizes the client’s need for solitude, and social interaction whilst retaining the connection with nature. Moreover, to achieve a unified look, the roof has been fragmented into four smaller sections contained under a single roof.

Use of Natural Materials

Constructed entirely in wood, without the use of metal structural members, the structure highlights the essence of rural architecture—a building that harmonizes with the environment, and responds to local climatic conditions whilst relying on its use of natural materials.

courtyard design

As one approaches the farmhouse through a narrow passage, set within a mango orchard, the inviting building with expansive semi-open verandas greets them.

Entrance Waterbody

The journey continues across an entrance waterbody onto an entrance veranda, offering a view into the living and dining blocks. The verandas, sheltered by the extended wooden roof, provide much-needed shelter while transitioning from the outdoors to the indoors.

courtyard design

courtyard design

courtyard design

Living Room

Large glass panels and operable wooden-framed doors in the living room invite one to explore the courtyard. Brimming with greenery, the central courtyard provides a space for communal activities. Additionally, a small water feature with a wooden suspended deck adds to the space’s versatility and functions as a climatic regulator.

courtyard design

courtyard design

Bedrooms

The central courtyard provides access to the bedrooms and other private spaces. Each bedroom opens onto a rear veranda, which ensures the privacy of its residents by avoiding direct visual connection to the courtyard. Moreover, this layout also offers private open seating areas for each bedroom. Furthermore, the design maintains the courtyard’s integrity and sanctity.

The interior follows the minimalist theme, expressing simplicity and functionality through its use of natural materials and an earthy color palette. Single leather-finish Kota stone renders the semi-open and closed spaces into a unified look, while civil walls, painted with a white microtopping finish, add a sense of austerity befitting the rural house.

Visual interest in the design is generated by cladding feature walls with brown sandstone at strategic locations. Bright pops of colors and contrast are introduced through furniture. Natural timber roofs and Spanish terrace tile establish the connection to the site’s rural context. Furthermore, large glass openings provide unobstructed views of nature outside. This scheme, devoid of embellishments, allows the real beauty of materials to remain exposed and celebrated. Thus, ensuring that the architecture becomes a part of the natural scenery rather than standing out against it.

Essence of Rural Architecture

The courtyard house celebrates the essence of rural architecture and engages in a dialogue between tradition and modernity through contemporary design. Additionally, every element of the design, from the central courtyard to the exposed roof. Thus, reflecting a commitment to creating spaces that honor its heritage without compromising the needs of today. By tactfully combining natural materials to meet the spatial needs of a modern house, the architecture creates a home that feels both timeless and relevant. Thereby, an extension is a true embodiment of modern rural living that remains deeply connected to its roots.

Fact File

Designed by: 23 Degrees Design Shift

Project Type: Residential Architecture Design

Project Name: Courtyard House 

Location: Rangareddy, Telangana

Year Built: 2023

Built-up Area: 14,000 sq. m

Principal Architects: Srikanth Reddy, Neelesh Kumar & Raghuram

Photograph Courtesy: Ishi Sitwala

Manufacturers: Hunsur, Magari, Ritika woods

Source: ArchDaily

Firm’s Website Link: 23 Degrees Design Shift

The Firm’s Instagram Link: 23 Degrees Design Shift

Firm’s Facebook Link: 23 Degrees Design Shift

For Similar Project >> A Nuanced Fusion of Minimalism and Scandinavian style, this Home is a Testament to Balance of Simplicity

Ananta Spa And Resort: A Retreat Rooted in Nature and Luxury | Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL)

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, […]

Read More

Habitat 0 Creates A Communal Space Anchored by A Community Club House | RA Design Studio

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 […]

Read More

This Traditional Kerala Home is Rooted in Simplicity and Modern Elegance | Vaktra Architects

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 […]

Read More

Pranjali is a Modern Bungalow Design Rooted in Calm and Humility | Samast Design Studio

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 […]

Read More

The Stone-Crete House Is A Brutalist Ode To Contemporary Style Architecture | MPA Design Studio

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 […]

Read More

This Retreat in Velhe Shows How Organic Homes Connect Deeply with Nature | Fractal Chaos

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 […]

Read More

This Modern Traditional Kerala House Stands As A Refined Architectural Response | i2a Architects Studio

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 […]

Read More

10 Tropical Houses in India: A Symphony of Design and Nature

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, […]

Read More

Kerala Style Homes: 15 Must-Know Projects In India

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 […]

Read More

This Tropical Home Design Features A Striking Sloped Terracotta Roof In Kerala | Vriksha Architects

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 […]

Read More
  • This Pavilion House Crafts a Dual-Purpose Space | UA Lab (Urban Architectural Collaborative)

    The Curved Ceilings Of This Office Stands As A Testament To Unconventional Design | SGA +IKS