The country blue house design is a retrofit extension to a 30-year-old building in Maruthur South, a remote village in the district of Nagapattinam. The extension adds a new kitchen while converting the existing kitchen to dining on the ground floor and adding a bedroom with an attached bathroom on the first floor. Apart from these spatial additions, existing compound wall replacement and terracing came along.
Editor’s Note: The Country Blue is a home that unfolds gently, where time-worn warmth meets quiet renewal. Light drifts through open courts, balconies reach for the sky, and blue lingers like a familiar memory. It’s a space that doesn’t demand attention but invites you in—calm, effortless, and deeply rooted in its place. ~Isha Bora
This Country House Design Is A Retrofit Extension To A 30-year-old Building | Architecture RIFF
After transiting around the region, shades of blue were the cue for us to start with the materiality of the house. This pinch of blue was seen in a few elements that the house already had, like an old door, a broken wooden chair that was unusually painted blue, etc.
The main intent is to blur the difference between the existing old house and the retrofit. Retaining the existing staircase while protecting it from the weather with a canopy made a major architectural impact on the built form.
The metal lattice covering the staircase creates oneness between the existing and the new. To tackle the challenge of matching the finish level of existing flooring and the newly added kitchen, an indoor garden court was introduced, which also brings ample sunlight and acts as a buffer between the structures. The introduction of the court breaks the linearity of the house and floods it with natural light and enhances ventilation.
The material palette is kept subtle, simple, and frugal to retain the country vibe of the house. This includes leather-finished Kota stone, blue-pigmented wall putty, terracotta, ocean-white granite, jute, and basic paint finishes.
Multiple terraces on the first floor open the spaces to the existing and borrowed landscapes all around the house. The tall white textured wall facing the east becomes a canvas for the coconut trees to cast their shadow.
The inbuilt bed on the first floor is a result of the existing inverted beams on the terrace. The bedroom opens towards the north and south with deep balconies that cut off the direct sun and glare. This keeps the bedroom cozy and softly lit throughout the day. A house in the countryside reflecting the regional influences of blue as its accent color makes up “The Country Blue.”.
Fact File
Designed by: Architecture RIFF
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: The Country Blue House
Location: Marudur, Tamil Nadu
Year: 2024
Built Up Area: 1000 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Sindhuja Balasubramanian & Karthik Karikalvalavan
Photograph Courtesy: Studio f/8
Civil Consultants: Craft wise
Engineering & Consulting: V.P.Engineering works
Structural Consultants: Bala Structural Consultants
Manufacturers: Asian Paints, Fenesta, Hafele, Hybec, Jaquar, Kaff
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Instagram Link: Architecture RIFF
For Similar Projects >> A Climate Responsive Courtyard House In Kerala With An Earthy Palette And Natural Materials
This rustic farmhouse for a family aims at re-defining tradition to blend in modern thought. Make it contemporary but traditional, was a brief given to the Architect by the client to redesign and build a century-old farmhouse sprawling across 3500 square feet on a 3-acre site in Morbe, Panvel. Editor’s Note: The redesigning of this […]
This high ceiling house in a quiet, leafy corner of Sushant Lok, Gurgaon, was built to respond to the presence of a beautiful Alstonia tree. The home’s form steps back from the ground upwards to create decks and terraces that overlook the garden and tree on every level. Editor’s Note: “This home, with Alstonia trees […]
Tiny house designs are very exciting and intimidating in themselves. Moreover, they come with their benefits and challenges as well. To know and understand tiny house designs, one must have enough knowledge about the challenges one can face. It can be individual or separate entities and also can be shared living spaces. The following are […]
This luxury residential farmhouse, designed in a contemporary farmhouse style, has a total covered slab area of 14000 square feet and a plot area of 24000 square feet, is located in the Sultanpur Patti region, about 39.8 kilometers from Corbett National Park. It has been designed to add a sense of the local environment in […]
Aquant, with nearly two decades of experience, leads India’s premium bathroom solutions market, offering a wide range of stylish bath fittings, faucets, and spa concepts in multiple PVD finishes. Collaborating with global OEM partners and top Indian designers, Aquant ensures innovation, quality, and luxury across 52 cities with 300+ dealers. In this exclusive interview at […]
The project involves the design and construction of a modern residential villa that emphasizes functionality, comfort, and contemporary aesthetics. Contextualized in the suburbs of Ahmedabad city, the house balances open and semi-private spaces organized through thoughtful volumes and a grid system. The central open space serves as the heart of the design, connecting transitional spaces […]
In the heart of every home, the Angan stands as a sacred court. It is a personal yet public space that witnesses the playful childhoods, festive celebrations, gatherings, and even tranquility for one. This project makes an honest attempt to reintroduce the idea of a court in the design, amalgamating it with modern needs, embodying […]
This five-floor residential building in KUKATPALLY showcases thoughtful planning and modern functionality. This vertical house is tailored to meet the evolving needs of a multigenerational family. Designed for a client with two sons, the home seamlessly blends shared spaces, private retreats, and clever spatial planning. This Vertical House Offers the Perfect Balance of Privacy and […]
Mr. Rajesh Vadgama reached out to Ar. Jay Thakkar through a mutual acquaintance after purchasing a residential plot. Following an initial meeting and several site visits, a concept for a compact yet luxurious Luxury House was developed. The final design featured an expansive, well-planned layout with a spacious living room, a double-height dining area that […]
When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]