The rural residence is thoughtfully situated on a 9,000 square foot plot in Pappanadu, a village renowned for its rich communal life and cultural heritage in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Designed to accommodate a couple and their mother, the objective was to create a distinctive home that not only stands out aesthetically but also remains accessible to the various offerings of the village’s vibrant community life. This simple contemporary house emphasizes the seamless integration of minimalist living with the cherished life that defines the village.
Editor’s Note: With the harmonious adaptation of the vibrant community life of a village in Thanjavur, this contemporary house puts functionality at its core. By including simple design approach along with contextual architecture, the house blends seamlessly into the rich communal spaces. By emphasizing an open layout thoroughly, this house cherishes the simplicity of countryside living. – Ar. Rajvi Dedakiya
The concept underlying this residential design revolves around creating an inviting atmosphere for a multitude of elements—guests, natural light, fresh air, and greenery. This north-facing, two-bedroom dwelling is thoughtfully divided into private zones. It comprises the bedrooms, and public areas, which are separated by a central passage.
This Simple Contemporary House Emphasizes Minimalist Living | Bread Architecture
To the east lies a series of communal spaces, including the living room, dining area, and kitchen, all arranged around a central courtyard. This integration of expansive public areas with direct access to the outdoor environment embodies the essence of traditional village living. But, the design emphasizes not only a simple, open layout that fosters a sense of community but also allows residents to engage in daily activities within a large, fluid space.
Generous full-height openings and strategically placed shades within the public zones create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow throughout the day. Additionally, it enhances the aesthetic while ensuring adequate ventilation. This thoughtful design not only promotes comfortable living but also strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor environments. Thus, making it an exemplary model for residential architecture.
The architectural form uses formal geometrical planes arranged in a seemingly informal composition to communicate a universal language. This harmonious yet irregular arrangement mirrors the organic qualities of nature. The structure appears to rise from the ground.
Beyond its aesthetic impact on the site, the design serves vital functional purposes, providing shade, creating vantage points, while offering support and platforms for various activities.
One of the defining features of the house is the innovative approach to the car parking slab. A tilted cantilever slab, uniquely supported by a single column at its corner, accentuates the structure’s integrity and functionality. This design choice not only enhances the visual dynamic but also reinforces the house’s structural narrative.
The entryway to the house features steps that appear to float, complemented by a slanted wall that also serves as a railing.
This design element is what we refer to as the “dramatic approach.” A grand single pivot door, ten feet tall and six feet wide, greets visitors at the entry landing, offering a striking welcome into the home. Furthermore, from the entry, the space narrows into a passage that leads seamlessly to a steel staircase ascending to the terrace.
The interior of the residence serves as a harmonious extension of its external environment. Moreover, the minimalist palette, featuring crisp white walls, a subtle gray ceiling, and gray tile flooring, establishes a serene aesthetic.
These design elements create a non-saturated, minimalist theme that invites calmness. Complementing this scheme are walnut-textured wooden doors and sleek black-framed full-height sliding windows, which enhance the overall architectural language.
Throughout the interior, one can observe the interplay of levels and lines, forging a connection between the home’s layout while bringing the vibrant life of the surrounding village. This relationship is not only functional but also evokes a deep emotional resonance, tying the inhabitants more closely to their community.
Central to the design is the courtyard, a vital feature that infuses the interior with greenery, natural light, and fresh air. An exposed brick wall serves as a striking focal point within this space while juxtaposing the pristine white walls and adding a layer of texture that enhances the tranquility and freshness of the home.
Additionally, the courtyard, positioned on the eastern side of the house, features a lawn area that provides an inviting space for morning relaxation.
One of the key design elements of this residence is the meticulously crafted steel staircase. Its design reflects the overall form of the house, seamlessly integrating into the architectural narrative.
This stairway, moreover, is supported by a single stringer beam, with anchoring points only at the top and bottom, allowing for a strikingly minimalist aesthetic. The interplay of lines and planes creates a formal coherence while giving the staircase a distinctive character. It also serves as a focal point within the expansive, fluid space of the interior.
The staircase features a raw steel finish, emphasizing its industrial beauty. Above, a strategically positioned skylight introduces natural light, illuminating this sculptural element while enhancing its visual impact within the home.
Fact File
Designed by: Bread Architecture
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: The Lown
Location: Thanjavur, Tamilnadu
Year Built: 2024
Duration of the project: 2023-2024
Plot Area: 9000 Sq.ft
Built-up Area: 2900 Sq.ft
Project Size: 3400 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Ar. Vimal John
Project Managers: Ar. Siva Balan
Photograph Courtesy: Bread Architecture
Structure Engineers: KAARVENS Structural Consultancy
Products /Materials / Vendors: Wallcovering / Cladding – Exposed Brick / Lighting – Led Lum / Doors and Partitions – Greenlam doors, Trichy / Main Door – Manivasan Saravanan / Sanitaryware – Jaquar / Windows- Jindal Aluminium windows / Flooring- Somany ceramics / Paint – Asian apex
Firm’s Instagram Link: Bread Architecture
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