The planning entails an introverted spatial relationship blurring the boundaries of the eternal world. The dynamic screenplay of light created by the terracotta skin and the funicular slabs on the ceiling enact a sundial.
Editor’s Note: A woven tale of intricately detailed façade with the earthy brown amidst the white background of residence strikes as a bold feature of this abode in Puducherry. The minimal material palette of brass, wood and natural stones transports one to a timeless era as a reminder of Indianness within. The combination of space planning with passive cooling strategies enhances the user experience in this abode. ~ Simran Khare
The Planning Entails An Introverted Spatial Relationship That Blurs The Boundaries | STO.M.P
A woven epoch, vividly evoking its tale of authenticity yet nostalgic, porting the experience to interact with the innate memories of the past. Strolling through the streets of Pondicherry, rejoicing the intriguing blend of French and Indian influences, the colonial French Riviera paints in ornate boulevards, decorative half-timber facades, and elegant grill details. At the same time, the bask in golden rays and the cultural diversity in celebrating life answer the core intent of The House of Two Realities: a rejuvenating escape from the hustle.
Acknowledging the reminiscence, the state of mind through architecture. Amidst the intricate urban setting, The House of Two Realities evocates an everlasting glimpse of existence with its architecture and craftsmanship.
The facade is a delicate skin and bone-knitted fabric pictured to combat solar radiation and facilitate cross-ventilation throughout the spaces. The proportion of the exterior is manipulated parallel with the horizon by blurring the floor slabs, conceived as a transcending facade outlooking a seamless frontage.
The first threshold, an ornate wooden piece glittering with the novelty of transition, opens up a mythic reality. The solitary central core from within emphasizes hierarchy and spatial connectivity to foster togetherness, while the private spaces weed out as distinct serene sanctuaries washed by their own brief. Configuration of the central corridor with interlinked volumes fabricates the sense of space within a space.
The common spaces are perceived as multifaceted entities, be it the cast-in library, the floating inbuilt seater, the puja, the sprawling dining unfolding both vertically and horizontally, and the other living spaces that can either coexist or function on their own.
The staircase, as a metaphoric spine, creates a paradoxical interaction with the spaces. The synergy in fusing the innate and processed material with the detailed intricacies dignifies the mood and emotions to revel in the roots with their earthing layers.
A minimal palette containing brass, wood, and natural stones used, adds up to the timeless era with the flavor of Indianness. The intentional rat trap cavity walls on the west and south and lime-based flooring regulate maximum thermal comfort and maintain an average habitable zone from the exterior.
Channeling wind through diverse typologies of window systems and the solitude chunk of volume ensured cross ventilation and stack effect, utilizing passive cooling strategies throughout the house.
The Jaisalmer yellow marble imprints in the flooring mimic the configuration of rays captured through the carefully curated fenestrations. The touch of amber personifies the splashes of light and adds a tinge of drama to the whole ambiance.
The House of Two Realities is a Kernel of a dream to create a momentum of the past, pouring in the memories we heard, cherished, to be paused, relished, and elated. Remembrance to pull out the string of memory charm to be stuck for a while. The home for us to embrace living with balanced and meaningful contentment, pursuing itself as an artifact for generations together. A Space as an Epoch. A Reminder for you, me, and us.
Fact File
Designed by: STO.M.P
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: House of Two Realities
Location: PUDUCHERRY
Year Built: 2023
Built-up Area: 3500 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Vignesh Sekar
Team Design Credits: Shamini Vignesh, Karthik Vasuki, Raji Annamalai & Abishek
Photograph Courtesy: Prithvi M Samy
Text: Abinaya Somasundharam
Interns: Retu Rajesh, Sivaranjani, Varshini
Client: Mohan Sathyanarayana
Firm’s Website Link: STO.M.P
The Firm’s Instagram Link: STO.M.P
Firm’s Facebook Link: STO.M.P
Source: Archdaily
For Similar Project >>> A Striking Brick House with Hints of Traditional Design and Essence of Reformed Living
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 […]
In the layered urban grain of Manjeri, the Timeless House reimagines a 1970s sloping roof residence through careful transformation. It’s a home that doesn’t shout for attention, but quietly repositions itself within its time and place, a sensitive reinterpretation of memory, material, and movement. Originally built in 1972, the house was structurally sound, featuring load-bearing […]
Editor’s Note: There’s something truly special about homes crafted with thought and care—where every corner and detail speaks to its users, becoming part of their memories. For siblings Akhila and Kaushik, Sona Reddy Studio brought this vision to life in One Summer House, a rustic farmhouse tucked within the vibrant city of Hyderabad. Designed with […]
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 […]
This North Facing villa opens towards the East to always soak in the cool and diffused light. Its orientation is mindful of the adjoining clubhouse and its expansive garden. The planning allows the villa’s private lawn to visually merge with it, creating a larger and cohesive space. With a connection to the open space at […]
An Urban Sanctuary Woven with Craft, Warmth, and Light Explicitly tucked into a quiet residential pocket, this home with a jaali facade is a thoughtfully layered expression of calm, character, and craftsmanship. Every surface and corner is rooted in intention — where light, material, and memory meet. The Jaali Design in this Layered Home Exudes […]
Set in the serene landscape of Nashik, the Dabholkar Residence by GDA is a home, embracing stone clad walls. Here, tradition and contemporary design exist in harmony. Designed to reflect the family’s deep connection to tradition and art while embracing the style of contemporary living, it is a space where architectural details, heritage furniture, artwork […]
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 […]