An elemental stand for the art of design, ‘The Courtyard House’ shows immense commitment to valuing habitable spaces.

The Courtyard House in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, India, stands as a testament to contemporary design. It seamlessly blends with the local context while prioritizing the values of family and togetherness. This architectural gem spans 8000 square feet of super built-up construction on a 6000 square feet double corner plot. Completed with meticulous attention to detail, it exemplifies a harmonious fusion of aesthetics and functionality.

The project’s genesis lies in the concept of creating two separate yet interconnected homes for two brothers. The central courtyard, a key element of the design, serves as the heart of the project. Uniting the two dwellings and symbolizing the deep bond between the two families.

Editor’s note: Though the courtyard house shows innate characters towards its central strip, there are innumerable notable considerations for takeaways. The curated spaces have an ethereal sura which makes us feel honored to be in its presence. The sublime interconnection of divine black and pure white hosts the spaces as meditative, being in a presence greater than everything. ~ Nishal Sevak

The Courtyard House has a Definitive Dialogue with Slow Living | Atelier Varun Goyal

The given narrative of The Courtyard House

The clients, two brothers from a joint family, articulated their vision for distinct homes while preserving their strong familial connection. Thus, the design aimed to create a series of living pavilions surrounding the central courtyard, facilitating seamless interactions between 0the two households. To shield the interiors from the intense summer sun while ensuring natural ventilation, careful consideration was given to the positioning of openings.

Each individual home was meticulously planned to cater to the needs of a modern family. Both homes feature separate formal drawing areas, informal family spaces with living and dining sections connected to open kitchens. The kitchen areas extend into a store room and a utility mud kitchen, which leads to washing and parking areas with back entrances for both homes.

The flow between spaces

The functional layout comprises three master bedrooms with dressers, one guest room, and one kid’s room, all equipped with attached washrooms. The design language is defined by the interplay of geometry and materials, creating a harmonious fusion of form and function. The result is a contemporary living environment that fosters a sense of togetherness and connection between the two families while allowing for individual privacy and independence.

Approaching The Courtyard House, its double corner positioning immediately commands attention. The carefully designed elevation showcases clean lines and harmonious window arrangements, providing a glimpse into the contemporary and contextual design that awaits within.

The crafted landscape

The lush front garden, adorned with diverse plant varieties and towering old trees, greets visitors with captivating dappled shadows, hinting at the tranquil atmosphere inside. As one ascends the meticulously crafted steps, they are guided towards the entrance door, symbolizing the journey into the heart of the home. Upon entering, a foyer with white marble flooring sets the stage for artistic aesthetics, while the living area’s black-painted walls and large windows create an intimate ambiance with views of lush greenery.

To the left, the formal drawing room is further connected with the garden, while on the left side is the living room, featuring family seating and a dining table. The minimalist charm of this family cum dining space invites gatherings, seamlessly merging with an open-concept kitchen.

The central court

Passing through the dining area, the central courtyard unfolds—an oasis of tranquility connecting the two homes and intertwining their stories. The courtyard serves as a shared space embodying togetherness, symbolizing familial bonds, and contributing to the overall sense of unity. Venturing into private retreats, bedrooms coexist with spacious dressers and elegant washrooms, embodying comfort and luxury. Attached washrooms feature opulent Indian marble cladding, complemented by teak wood accents and quirky handles.

Mastering design philosophies

The essence of individuality and privacy is preserved through thoughtful design, with distinct main and back entrances for each home. Main entrances beckon exploration, offering glimpses into distinctive character, while back entrances connect utility areas and parking spaces, emphasizing practicality and convenience. Dedicated service entrances discreetly accommodate staff movement.

The journey through The Courtyard House encapsulates unity, transcending physical boundaries. Each step unveils a design philosophy rooted in aesthetics, functionality, and a deep connection to the environment. The central courtyard unites two homes through a shared space embodying togetherness, while interstitial spaces contribute to the sense of unity and play of light and shadow.

Merging design principles

The Courtyard House project masterfully stays true to the architectural trend of embracing interconnected spaces and fostering unity within family homes. Its central courtyard, inspired by traditional stepwells, transforms into a waterbody during summers and a bonfire place during winters, adding versatility and seasonal charm to the space. Moreover, the design thoughtfully integrates interstitial spaces like corridors, staircases, and verandahs, enhancing the overall ambiance and providing an inviting living environment.

Contemporary and contextual arena of The Courtyard House

The project’s theme can be summarized as “Contemporary and Contextual.” It blends modern aesthetics with the local context, prioritizing movement patterns and connectivity between the two homes while ensuring privacy for each family. The material selection revolves around locally available, earthy, and natural materials, contributing to sustainability and complementing the environment.

The design narrative, known as the “Story in Black and White,” features a minimalist and monochromatic color palette that adds elegance and sophistication, creating a timeless backdrop for architectural elements and furnishings. Fenestration and skylights are thoughtfully placed to maximize natural light, minimize the need for artificial lighting, and promote energy efficiency.

The Courtyard House embodies contemporary living with a strong sense of contextual design. It showcases minimalism, a seamless connection between living spaces and kitchens through the central courtyard, and a strong connection with nature through strategically placed windows. The design’s versatility is evident in the blend of contemporary and traditional materials, promoting cultural values and heritage.

The minimal color spread

The color and material palette of The Courtyard House is a masterful play of contemporary and minimalist aesthetics. The integration of black and white tones, along with the strategic use of textures, reflects a contemporary design approach. The clean lines and absence of excessive ornamentation align with minimalism, emphasizing a less-is-more philosophy. This aesthetic choice emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and a focus on essential elements.

The black and white color palette epitomizes minimalism, creating a timeless and serene backdrop. This choice not only provides a cohesive visual identity but also allows the interplay of light and shadow to take center stage. The usage of white and black local marbles, along with terrazzo flooring, underscores the contemporary feel while also introducing textural richness.

The material palette

The blend of materials, such as reclaimed teak wood, Indian marble, and terrazzo, reflects a balanced mix of tradition and modernity. While contemporary design often features sleek and modern materials, the incorporation of reclaimed teak wood adds a layer of history and warmth. This balanced mix of materials bridges the gap between the past and the present, creating a nuanced and inviting interior space.

Distinct lighting selections

The lighting elements in The Courtyard House add a unique touch of elegance to the contemporary design. Art deco lights and lamps introduce a vintage flair while still aligning with the minimalist design ethos. These lighting elements create an intriguing contrast against the backdrop of black and white, adding depth and character to the spaces.

The custom mid-century furniture collection curated by Varun Goyal, the Principal Architect, further contributes to the space’s uniqueness. These pieces emphasize individuality within the minimalist framework, showcasing a personalized design approach that values both aesthetics and functionality.

The oath of minimalism followed by The Courtyard House

The Courtyard House’s design philosophy centers around minimalism and contemporary aesthetics, with an emphasis on thoughtful space planning. The signature style of Atelier Varun Goyal is showcased in the seamless connection between the living spaces and kitchens of both homes through the central courtyard. This design feature fosters interaction and togetherness among family members, promoting an open and harmonious atmosphere within the interconnected spaces.

An appeal lasting beyond time

The design concept for The Courtyard House was driven by the idea of creating a contemporary living environment rooted in aesthetics, functionality, and a deep connection to the environment. While the design maintains a cohesive theme of minimalism and contemporary aesthetics throughout, it also incorporates various decor ideas that enrich the space without overwhelming it. It is visually captivating, culturally resonant, and timeless in its appeal.

Fact File

Designed by: Atelier Varun Goyal

Project Type: Residential Architecture Design

Project Name: The Courtyard House

Location: Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, India

Year Built: 2022

Plot Area: 6000 Sq.ft

Built-up Area: 8000 Sq.ft

Principle Architect: Varun Goyal

Team Design Credits: Deepshika Khatri & Kamal Agrawal

Photograph Courtesy: Pankaj Anand

Landscape Architects: Dragonfly Farms by Anuja Cambatta

Structural Engineers: BSBK | Mr. R K Chaurasia

Carpentry: Niwas & Amit Suthar, Durg

Civil Finishing: Makrana Marble, Raipur

Project Managers: Vinay & Mukul Goyal

Acoustics: 8mm Raipur

HVAC: GREE

Intern Architect: Dolly Chandrawanshi

Intern Architect: Vivek

Products/Materials/Vendors: Cement: Ambuja Cement, Locally available red terracotta bricks / Structural Steel: Goyal TMT / Wood: Reclaimed teak wood / Hardware: Hettich and Hafele / Glasses in windows & skylights: Saint Gobain / Plywood & Veneers: CP Veneers / Laminates: Archidply / Kitchen Appliances: KAFF / Kitchen Surfaces: Kalinga CMC Quartz / Sound System: BOSE / Sanitary & Toilet fittings: Kohler India & GESSI (fcml) / False Ceiling: Saint Gobain gypsum panels / Light Fittings: Wipro, Orient, Lafit, IKEA, Hybec, Arjun Rathi / Switch Boards: Norisys / Architectural Software: Autocad & SketchUp

Firm’s Instagram Link: Atelier Varun Goyal

Firm’s Facebook Link: Atelier Varun Goyal

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