Nestled in the outskirts of Surat, the aptly christened Courtyard House is a 920 square-metre farmhouse, set on the northeast corner of an expansive site away from the urban chaos. Inspired by the timeless charm of Chettinad houses, the house is envisioned as a sanctuary for the clients’ family, who sought a tranquil spot for slow living—a place to embrace nature and the rhythms of shared family life.
Editor’s Note: “Rooted in memory and monsoon winds, the Courtyard House is a quiet echo in brick and breeze. Embracing the wisdom of Chettinad traditions, it does not seek grandeur, only grace; not spectacle, but silence. Moreover, courtyards, handmade textures, and vernacular warmth capture the forgotten poetry of tropical homes.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
This Serene Farmhouse in Surat Draws Cues From Chettinad Houses | D’WELL
The planning of the house, while being concentric, revolves around the central 9×9 metre sunken courtyard that acts as both a spatial anchor and a climatic device. One enters the house through a spacious foyer into the primary living space, located on the southeast side, which opens wide to the courtyard—a spatial experience that seamlessly connects the indoors and outdoors, fostering a harmonious fusion.
The family block hosts the secondary living space, dining, kitchen, and powder room, all looping around the courtyard on its northeast and northwest sides, extending into a party lawn and a family sit-out on either side.
The private wing with three bedrooms, each with attached baths and dressing areas, overlooks and connects to a green organic farm patch on the southwest face, capturing natural light and ventilation throughout the day. Semi-open connections throughout the structure passively cool the interiors, creating an atmosphere of comfort in Surat’s otherwise humid climate.
Drawing inspiration from early Chettinad style tropical houses, the centrally aligned axial views extend outward to the landscape, and the sloping roof over the courtyard carefully frames the open sky above, creating a visual connection with nature that feels infinite yet intimate.
As the sun moves across the sky, light filters through the courtyard and textured deep walls, casting shadows and bringing subtle changes in tone and temperature. Hand-applied sand-textured plaster walls match the site’s soil tone, and rough-cut Kota stone mosaic flooring flows seamlessly from interior to exterior, enhancing the silent conversation of the building with its context.
Accents of natural wood are used in furniture and door detailing, adding warmth and contrast. As a result, they lend a unique personification to the otherwise sculptural massing of The Courtyard House. Vintage artefacts, large earthen pots, and handpicked furniture adorn the rustic gathering spaces. Meanwhile, sunbathed landscapes blur the limits between indoors and outdoors.
A single, sloping roof—clad in custom cement tiles—ties the structure together with a contemporary edge. At the same time, it ensures thermal efficiency, enhancing the home’s comfort and performance.
The findings of understated contemporary language to striking traditional building materials effortlessly lend purpose and character to the minimalist spaces. As a result, they help render a quaint aesthetic reminiscent of erstwhile tropical houses.
Meanwhile, the heart of the house, i.e., the Courtyard, quietly stands in the centre. In fact, it holds its head high as a silent witness to all the activities unfolding around the house.
Rooted in the local terrain yet refined in its execution, the Courtyard House discreetly plays with the skyline. As a result, it becomes a thoughtfully crafted abode shaped by land, light, and the quiet rituals of family living.
Fact File
Designed by: D’WELL
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Courtyard House
Location: Surat
Year Built: 2024
Project Size: 9902.8 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Ar. Jhanvi Mehta & Ar. Rakshit Shah
Senior Architect: Sefali balotia
Styling: The nouveau studio
Structural Designer: S&V engineering
Photograph Courtesy: Ishi Sitwala
Source: ArchDaily
Firm’s Instagram Link: D’WELL
For Similar Project >>> This Aesthetic Courtyard House With Lush Landscape Design Offers A Calm Aura To The Users
Located close to the historically-rich South Indian city of Mysuru, Solum embodies the endeavour towards living simply and close to nature. The client hails from a business background and yet harbours a fondness for the modesty and simplicity of an agrarian lifestyle. The young entrepreneur had always dreamt of developing a full-fledged farm self-sufficient in […]
Adorn, a home filled with earthen design and the laughter of a family of four, nestles in the peaceful neighborhood of Selvapuram, Coimbatore. “On one side, it shares boundaries with cozy family homes; meanwhile, the other side opens to expansive fields dotted with tall trees.” The fresh air scented with greenery sets a calming atmosphere […]
What if the simplest object in your home could turn into a design icon? Tectona Grandis Furniture and The Architects’ Diary come together to introduce the Chair Affair. This is India’s first-of-its-kind furniture design competition that dares architects and designers across India to rethink the most essential piece of furniture – the Chair. Beyond function, […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been 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 […]
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 […]
Types of roof materials in India depend on the diverse climate and varied architectural styles. Each of them caters to specific needs, preferences, and environmental conditions. From traditional thatched roofs in rural areas to contemporary green roofs in urban landscapes, the evolution of the types of roofing materials reflects both cultural heritage and modern technological […]
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 […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]