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
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