In the heart of a bustling urban setting, where space is at a premium and every square foot is coveted, PRIYAM, a landscape house, emerges as a testament to minimalist design and strategic spatial planning. Landscape architect Sowmya Lakhamraju of Kiasma Studio, alongside the international architectural firm A01 Architects and interior designer Aamir Sharma of Aamir and Hameeda, has crafted PRIYAM as a striking example of how thoughtful design can transcend geographical and stylistic boundaries.
Editor’s Note: Situated in an urban setting, ‘PRIYAM’ perfectly integrates minimalist style with nature through its landscape design. The house embraces local materials and sustainability while preserving century-old trees, minimizing design interventions. The house connects indoors and outdoors through a thoughtful blend of natural features, handcrafted elements, and privacy barriers while maintaining openness and functionality. ~ Anusha Sridhar
This Landscape House Transcends Geographical Boundaries | Kiasma Studio & A01 Architects
This residence began its journey in 2011 and weathered the interruptions of the pandemic. It showcases a seamless integration of form and function, where the landscape serves not merely as a backdrop but as an integral component of the home’s identity.
Kiasma Studio’s design philosophy for PRIYAM is deeply rooted in the principles of minimalism. However, it navigates the challenge of creating functional outdoor spaces with remarkable finesse. The client’s brief was clear: maintain a minimalist aesthetic while preserving the expansive feel of the plot, situated in a densely populated neighborhood. This requirement posed a dual challenge: ensuring the outdoor spaces could accommodate social gatherings without compromising the minimalist ethos.
The landscape design achieves this balance by focusing on the natural elements of the site rather than imposing additional structures. The high-density context necessitates a thoughtful approach to space utilization. Thus, leading to the creation of versatile outdoor areas that serve multiple functions.
The design integrates zones for relaxation and socialisation, including areas for yoga, brunches, and informal gatherings. These all within a framework that respects the site’s inherent constraints.
One of the most distinctive features of PRIYAM’s landscape is the integration of outdoor seating under 100-year-old trees. These mature trees not only provide a canopy of shade but also guide the zoning of the landscape.
The design team’s approach was to let the existing trees dictate the layout, avoiding the need for additional structures such as pergolas. This decision aligns with the clients’ appreciation for nature and their desire to keep the outdoor spaces unobstructed.
A clean, multifunctional deck complements these trees, offering a flexible area for yoga sessions, family gatherings, and social events. A custom-made service counter enhances the deck’s functionality, allowing for easy food service during gatherings.
This design approach exemplifies how nature and functionality can coexist within a minimalist framework, creating a space that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
The handcrafted stone bench, designed to reflect the sky, is a standout feature in PRIYAM’s landscape. This unique element emerged from Kiasma Studio’s passion for creating reflective sculptures that add depth and dimension to outdoor spaces.
The bench’s surface captures and mirrors the surrounding environment, including the trees and sky, introducing a dynamic and ever-changing visual element.
This reflective quality not only enhances the bench’s aesthetic appeal but also enriches the overall outdoor experience.
As visitors interact with the space, they engage with a living artwork that shifts with the changing light and weather, creating a constantly evolving interaction with nature.
The integration of invisible metal screens as privacy barriers is another innovative aspect of PRIYAM’s landscape design.
Traditional privacy screens, whether walls or dense foliage, would have disrupted the minimalist aesthetic and the open feel of the space. Instead, Kiasma Studio opted for a subtle metal screen that becomes almost invisible at certain angles.
This design choice serves multiple functions: it provides necessary privacy between the garden and the parking area while maintaining an open and airy feel.
The screen’s ethereal quality makes it a conversation piece and a visual delight, aligning with the timeless and unobtrusive nature of the overall design.
The courtyard space beneath the 80-year-old cannonball tree is a masterful example of how design can enhance the natural beauty of its surroundings. This area not only highlights the striking structure of the tree but also creates a serene environment for contemplation and relaxation. The tree’s unique characteristics, including its fragrant flowers and textured bark, add sensory dimensions to the space.
The courtyard is designed to be a multifunctional area where residents can enjoy a morning coffee, read a book, or simply savor the fragrance of the cannonball tree. This thoughtful integration of the natural elements ensures that the courtyard serves as a tranquil retreat, seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor experiences.
The design and execution of PRIYAM faced significant challenges due to the pandemic, which introduced disruptions and constraints. Originally initiated in 2011, the project resumed work during the pandemic, requiring adaptations in materials sourcing and construction practices. Kiasma Studio’s response involved using local materials and working with existing palettes to mitigate supply chain issues.
This period of uncertainty underscored the importance of flexibility and resourcefulness in design. The team’s ability to adapt and work with local resources not only ensured the project’s continuation but also reflected a commitment to sustainability and resilience.
Sustainability is a core value reflected in PRIYAM’s landscape design. The use of locally sourced materials and the preservation of existing trees underscore a commitment to environmental responsibility. By integrating these elements into the design, Kiasma Studio adheres to a broader philosophy of minimal intervention and maximum impact.
The landscape complements the house’s architecture by creating a harmonious environment that enhances the overall experience of the property. The design emphasises wide open spaces and selective foliage to provide privacy while maintaining the sense of scale and openness. This inward-looking approach ensures that the landscape serves as a retreat and a complement to the architectural form, offering a serene and private haven within the urban context.
Fact File
Designed by: Kiasma Studio & A01 Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Priyam
Location: Hyderabad
Year Built: 2024
Built-Up Area: 12001.76 Sq.ft
Landscape Architect: Ar. Sowmya Lakhamraju
Architect: A01 Architects
Interior Designer: Aamir and Hameeda
Photograph Courtesy: Vivek Eadara
Client: Mr. Prasad
Swimming Pool: Mission Pools
Lighting: Love of light
Windows: Odaville
Firm’s Website Link: Kiasma Studio & A01 Architects
Firm’s Instagram Link: Kiasma Studio & A01 Architects
For Similar Project >>> This Aesthetic Courtyard House With Lush Landscape Design Offers A Calm Aura To The Users
Nestled within Prakriti Farms, this residence epitomizes rustic farmhouse interior design charm and a deep connection with the natural world. Its elegance lies in its emphasis on elemental materials and its seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. With three bedrooms and a spacious living area, the home was strategically designed in an L shape to […]
House of Heights: How design shapes relationships and well-being? “A house can transform its people. The living room, the tallest space in my home, is where we socialize, express our feelings, and spend the most time—an open arena for life’s conversations. The impact of front elevation design on home and harmony further emphasizes how thoughtful design […]
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 […]
Located in Bangalore, opposite a large neighborhood park, a set of 4 houses was to be built—one of which was to be the personal house for the client, and the others were to be let out. The intent of these Bangalore homes was to create a quiet presence on the street and evoke a sense of […]
The modern residence integrates contemporary architecture with biophilic design principles, offering a luxurious and nature-connected living experience. The exterior features clean lines, landscaped lawns, and vertical green walls that soften the structure while promoting sustainability. The minimalist contemporary interior designs of this are designed with an open-plan layout, double-height ceilings, and large glass openings, ensuring […]
Some homes are big on square footage but don’t maximize space—and then some compact ones make the most of precious space at a premium. Located in Bangalore, this 3,000 sq. ft. villa interior design exemplifies this residential project, exploring staggered volumes that led to creating spaces at multiple levels, including a mezzanine floor. As per […]
In the heart of Gurugram, where the city’s energy pulses with both hard work and hard play, a 2600 sq. ft. rooftop terrace design has been transformed into the ultimate hangout spot. Designed for the young and the young at heart, this terrace captures the spirit of a city that knows how to balance the […]
In the vibrant town of Kannur, Kerala, the contemporary house design of this residence is more than a home—it’s a sanctuary designed to nurture both body and soul. Built for a family of five, it blends minimalist elegance with everyday comfort, creating a space that feels alive, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature. Editor’s Note: […]
The one-acre site of Saukhya Farm is nestled in the lush valley of Beze Village, on the outskirts of Nashik. Surrounded by small farms, it offers sweeping views of Beze Dam and the surrounding hills. The clients’ brief was to transform the site into a farmhouse and to cultivate part of it into an orchard. Work […]
Nestled on the bustling Karnavati Road in Ahmedabad, this modern residence spans over a 10,881 sq. ft. corner plot, seamlessly integrating form, function, and tranquility. The house is thoughtfully planned in an L-shaped configuration of this house design, with its entry oriented to the east and a lush garden strategically placed in the southwest corner […]