The initial goal of this modern brick house was to restrict the design to a set budget and maximise the use of the plot boundaries. Located in a dense residential neighbourhood of Gadag, this detached corner brick house sits on a plot of 50×40 feet. Roads flank on the east and north. Despite the small plot size, these converging roads provide an open foreground, allowing ample natural light to enter the building. Large openings are on the east façade to take advantage of this openness. The owners, a retired couple, had only two main suggestions.
Editor’s Note: “This brick house in the neighbourhood of Gadag has a spacious interior within a compact site and a limited budget. The warm, earthy interiors visually connect spaces despite the solid three-tired exterior, inviting nature through the courtyards and openings. The exposed brick jali adds a unique touch to the form that considers the conscious choice of materials.” – Gopika Pramod
This Modern Brick House Restricts The Design To A Set Budget | Jacob + Rathodi Architects
The house stands out from its surroundings due to its contrasting hue and form. While the building is a solid form from the outside, the interior contradicts this perception, revealing that the outer form is merely a shell encompassing a large volume within.
The interior feels more voluminous compared to its footprint. The design of the house have two main aspects: spatial volume and the choice of building materials.
Volume, being the central axis, is curated by a large triple-height void that also connects all levels of the dwelling. The sleeping spaces are the only enclosed rooms, while the rest are fluid spaces that blend into the void at various levels.
This void is further subdivided by bridges that span the two upper floors, transforming the volume into transparent, visually connected spaces nested within a concrete shell.
Moreover, a residual garden court at the side anchors the dining space, forming the base of this high volume. The dining space also serves as a vantage point from any level of the house.
The other design consideration was the conscious choice of materials, specifically exposed brick and mild steel. However, the colour palette for the house was primarily derived from the natural hues of these materials, including bricks, steel, wood, and granite.
Both the interior and exterior are dressed in exposed bricks arranged in various patterns to create natural texture and colour. A steel plate trellis that rises from ground level envelops the double-height garden court and extends to the skylight in the roof.
Designed as a security feature, this trellis also serves as an architectural element, integrating the garden with the interior while addressing security concerns. The screen wall at the staircase is composed of bricks framed by mild steel I-sections, forming a key feature of the triple-height void.
Steel is also used for railings, car porch roof trellis, window framing, roof edging, and built-in cabinetry, contributing to a minimalist aesthetic. These materials are exposed in their true form to create an intentional character in the building.
Skylights, large windows, and wall openings with glass blocks allow natural light to penetrate deep into the interior spaces, merging the dwelling into a burst of light, shadow, and brightness.
Fact File
Designed by: Jacob + Rathodi Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Corner Brick House
Location: Gadag, Karnataka
Year Built: 2019
Duration of the project: 18 Months
Plot Area: 2000 Sq.ft
Built-up Area: 3100 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Ar. Girish Rathodi & Ar. Vineetha Sara Jacob
Photograph Courtesy: Sudheer Hegde
Civil: Rabani Nagral
Products / Materials / Vendors: Wallcovering / Cladding – Exposed Brick / Lighting – Hybec / Sanitaryware – American Standards / Windows – My Windows / Paint –Asianpaints
Firm’s Instagram Link: Jacob + Rathodi Architects
Firm’s Facebook Link: Jacob + Rathodi Architects
For Similar Project>> The Beautifully Designed Central Court Is The Soul Of The Monolithic House
Vault House is conceived as a contemporary tropical residence that balances raw materiality with warmth, openness, and family-centric living. Designed for a multi-generational family comprising a couple, their daughter, and parents, the house responds to a clear client vision: a home that is unique, user-friendly, and deeply connected to natural light, ventilation, and greenery. This […]
Tucked into a corner of a lush 2 acre plantation off the Kanchipuram highway, this farmhouse is a quiet ode to sustainability and serenity. Surrounded by thriving groves of coconut, mango, and orange trees, the site offered a natural canvas for a home that would dissolve gently into its surroundings of rural landscapes—grounded in place […]
Located in Udaipur– Rajasthan, this residential project enjoys a unique setting with panoramic views of Roop Sagar on one side and surrounding hills on the remaining three sides. The design brief focused on creating a modern and minimalist residence that exudes serenity and understated luxury. “The designers thoughtfully planned the house to include premium lifestyle […]
This residence is a sincere exploration of how architecture can remain simple, climate sensitive, cost-effective, and emotionally grounded, without compromising on spatial quality or design intent. Conceived as a 3BHK modest home for a small family, the project stands as a testament to what is possible when thoughtful planning, craft-oriented construction, and material intelligence come […]
Located in HMT Layout, Bangalore, Isha_Srinidhi Nilaya stands as a multi-generational home designed on a compact 60×40 ft (2400 sq. ft) East facing plot, with a total built-up area of 8000 sq. ft. East Facing a lush public park, the residence responds to its urban setting through a layered design that balances privacy with a […]
Architecture font choices go beyond style—they shape how your work is perceived. From portfolios to presentations, the right architecture font instantly communicates clarity, precision, and personality. As architects, we design not just with space but with every detail, including typography. Selecting a strong architecture font shows your commitment to visual storytelling and design consistency. In […]
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 […]
Inclusivity, inequality, gender bias, and pay gaps—are just a few of the challenges women continue to face. In a country where goddesses are worshipped, the question remains: when will true equality become a reality? When will society embrace inclusivity for all? To spark these conversations and drive change, The Architect’s Diary presents a groundbreaking list […]
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 […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]