Karai, the weekend home was conceptualized to provide an experience of living in the palms of mother earth. Built hands-on this residence located in the serene vicinity of coastal Kuvathur, about eighty kilometers from Chennai, was conceived as a simple experiment with techniques that felt native yet contemporary to the region. Sequestered from civilization, the lashing of the waves and the persistent stillness prevalent on site was an inspiration dictating the design ideal from the early stages. Therefore the built layer intentionally allows exposure to the elements, to achieve an innate presence in the surroundings.
“Grounded by its architectural identity and heritage, this weekend home is an earthy embodiment, extremely respectful towards its natural landscape, architectural elements, and sustainable practices.”- Nishal Sevak(Co-Editor)
The Weekend Home Was Conceptualized To Provide An Experience Of Living In The Palms Of Mother Earth | RAIN Studio of Design
Visit: RAIN Studio of Design
Set within proximity to the sea, the living unit was envisaged to remain hidden within dense verdure and framed by reflection pools. A contemporary take on the traditional ‘naalukettu’ house form, the courtyard breathes life into the home, apart from playing a passive role in adjusting microclimate. The clients’ programmatic requirements included four rooms with attached baths with a guaranteed view of the sea. The rooms and other living spaces such as the dining and kitchen are organized around the linear brick-laid court. The lounge on the upper level sets a stage to gaze at the sea and the horizon beyond. The ‘mutram’ or the court with the corridor hugging its perimeter acts as a multifunctional space, to rest, to pause, to look at the sky above.
Fixtures have been custom-detailed to complement and contrast the space. Items of significance in the South-Indian domiciliary such as the brass ‘kuthhuvilakku’ (traditional oil lamp) and the ‘kudam’ (pot used to transport and hold water) have been transformed playfully to fulfill the same purpose it was originally meant for i.e. the former as a light fixture and the latter as a spout filling water into the lotus pond. In theory, a tapered intricately carved column that supports the roof of the Outram is represented as an abstract Mild Steel version staggered in sections. The ‘vilakkumaadam’ or the mandatory placeholder for lamps, is playfully cast in colored concrete and encapsulated in the tiled walls, creating niches of delight.
The bath areas are illuminated by the natural sun that flows into the space brightening the hues of the pigmented oxide surfaces. The pre-chromed brass faucets have been installed without the factory castored coating, the absence of which allows oxidation and the natural formation of patina. A kitchen utility aluminum vessel replaces the basin which sits on a colored oxide counter, the colors of which vary for each room. The exposed GI (Galvanised Iron) pipes in the shower area and the loose Cudappah rubble flooring further heighten the bucolic feel.
Four-directional sloping roofs composed of the standard interlocking Mangalore tiles cover the rooms extending onto corridors. The sloped ceiling is interspersed by inverted U-shaped flat roof junctions, which are embedded with glass strips forming kaleidoscopic patterns of sunlight. The dining and ante space leading to the staircase allows the breeze to flow through to the upper level and are housed within a filler slab roof with earthen pots as infill enabling passive cooling. The painted Mild Steel columns support the roof connecting to beams that double up as gutters collecting rainwater. Pre-used Mangalore tiles in arbitrary permutations were placed to form the rugged walls. Colored oxides namely red, blue, green, and yellow mark a different tone for each room, which is connected by the central courtyard, and appear to be identical to a ludo board game in the plan.
The tactility of the materials used comes through in the larger sense from the many smaller elements that have been carefully manicured from reclaimed objects. Close to sixty-two window shutters from demolished houses have been repurposed and used as a module in varying combinations to create new doors and windows. Twenty such smaller small wooden shutters make the leading entrance door, each of which is dotted by brass knobs from household brassware. The threshold on the rear is marked by a simplified imitation of the traditional wooden carved door, seen in the typical South-Indian house, but with a dash of blue.
A hand-in-hand process involving the design team and the construction team led to innovation on many fronts. One of the design intentions was to explore regional traditional techniques and reuse of reclaimed construction materials in unconventional ways. A Tetris of old window shutters that form the doors and flooring composed of a mosaic of discarded stone pieces is a testament to this. Consequently, on-site training of local labor in the usage of long-established techniques such as mud mortar, oxide finishes, and Mangalore tile roofing was a mutually beneficial process for the studio as well.
A keen eye was provided to the detailing to showcase the materiality and textures in their raw form. Tessellations of pre-used Mangalore tiles sandwiched together by mud mortar form a majority of the walls, creating earthy volumes that contrast the green lush backdrop. The CSEB (Compressed stabilized earth blocks) procured from Auroville were made to match the height and proportions of the Mangalore tiles. In an attempt to achieve sprinkles of the summer sun into the spaces, cut toughened glass pieces have been used as inserts in portions of the roof.
Fact File
Designed by: RAIN Studio of Design
Project Size: 8200 Sq.ft
Year Built: 2022
Principal Architects: Sriram Adhitya & Vamsi Krishna
Location: Kuvathur, Tamil Nadu
Photograph Courtesy: Yash R Jain, Ekansh Goel
Team Design Credits: Ankita Alessandra Bob, Gokulraj Vijayakuma
Source: ArchDaily
Consultants for the project:
Structure Engineers: Pentalpha Consultants
Project Manager: Vinod
Mep & Hvac Consultants: Pentalpha Consultants
Firm’s Website Link: RAIN Studio of Design
Firm’s Instagram Link: RAIN Studio of Design
Firm’s Facebook Link: RAIN Studio of Design
For Similar Project>>>This Brick Abode Has Been Inspired By The Clients’ Longing For An Earthy Home
Marble house designs in the Indian context constantly change and upgrade with time but never go out of style. Marble a timeless and versatile material, finds its application in various settings ranging from flooring to ornamentation. If you are looking for marble house ideas to add a touch of quality and luxury to your home, […]
In small bathroom layouts, every square inch counts. Without a thoughtful plan, a small space can quickly become cluttered, making it feel even more cramped. The right bathroom layout not only enhances functionality in interiors but also creates a sense of openness. Think about it—how frustrating is it to move around a bathroom where the […]
Creating a TV unit design in bedroom requires the right balance of functionality, optimization, and aesthetics to enhance the space. Apart from cots and wardrobes, TV units in a bedroom play a pivotal role in captivating an individual’s attention. Keeping in mind, the design theme and concept of your home, the TV unit design in […]
In the serene countryside of Vaiyampatti, an Indian retreat nestled amidst the vast expanse of paddy fields stands a humbly placed farmhouse exuding quiet grace and rustic elegance. It is a perfect setting, reminiscent of William Wordsworth’s “Solitary Reaper”. Editor’s Note: “Inspired by the timeless charm of Nalukettu architecture, this Trichy residence is enveloped by […]
Nestled in the serene locale of Banswara, Rajasthan, the exquisite interior design of this 6500 sq.ft. house epitomizes elegance and functionality, which the designer and now the house owners call is “sukoon.” Designed with meticulous attention to detail, this 3 BHK home seamlessly integrates a library, a rejuvenating jacuzzi, a modern gym, and an inviting […]
Ekam Retreat is a renovation project amidst the scenic terrains of Amboori, Trivandrum, Kerala. The project aimed at breathing new life and nature into an abandoned house. The walls of the house had significant damage and were left to the forces of nature. Editor’s Note: “The renovation of this residence in Trivandrum is a harmonious […]
20 MM marble has become the industry standard used by architects, designers, and builders alike, though there are many options for what material to use. It is not an accident that it is rapidly becoming the global number one. This thickness in marble provides special advantages, with 193 of the 195 countries using only 20 […]
This 5,735 square-foot house in Amritsar whispers the timeless grandeur of Indo-British architecture with a quiet yet commanding elegance. The residence and its elegant and subdued design pays homage to a regal past, offering a subtle yet impactful narrative through its carefully curated interiors. The house in Amritsar essence captures the delicate balance between heritage […]
Beautiful interiors blends with the aesthetic and functional house design, creating spaces that are visually appealing and comfortable. Featuring a harmonious colour palette, thoughtful lighting, a mix of textures and materials, and personalised touches. Elegant furniture arrangement and smart storage solutions further enhance the overall design, making each room both inviting and practical. Creating a […]
In this Baroda house project, we bring together a blend of two seemingly different styles – contemporary and ethnic – to create a unique and visually stunning space bathed in understated luxury. Interior design is all about creating spaces that reflect the individuality and style of the homeowner. The client Yashwant bhai Shah came to […]