The site of this south east facing house is next to an old house of the client’s parents. There are few farmlands and plenty of trees – neem and tamarind trees, surrounding the site area.

Editor’s Note: “Enveloped by a thick blanket of bricks, this residence in Tamil Nadu is a fusion of aesthetics and thermal comfort. Its gently curved facade instils a profound sense of tranquillity and serenity. The earthy jali wall encircling the dwelling orchestrates a captivating interplay of light and shadow while ensuring its inhabitants’ comfort.” ~Simran Khare

This South East Facing House Is Next To An Old House Of The Client’s Parents | RP Architects

Design Strategy

Aadhi residence is located in the very hot and dry climatic region of Tamil Nadu. The architects planned the house to minimize the influx of hot air, thereby reducing heat gain, while ensuring ample natural ventilation and diffused light.

Compressed Stabilized Earth Block (CSEB) jaali on the south façade achieves this, which opens up into a double-height semi-covered courtyard.

Additionally, this space works as on stack effect letting the hot air escape and letting the cool air from jaali wall to enter into the building.

This is the first space we see when we enter the house. However, residents utilize this space as an informal dining area as well.

Living Room

The living room is designed with a built-in oxide finished bench seating in a traditional way. The living connects to the garden sit-out verandah and windows over look into the rear side trees and garden. Moving further from here we can walk into the old parent’s house and cow shed as well.

Kitchen

Moreover, the kitchen is placed near the entrance with a breakfast counter connecting the courtyard and the kitchen space. It connects to the side sit out area, thus providing access to the kitchen garden and the old house.

Staircase

The staircase leads to the first floor and opens up into a balcony overlooking into the large canopies of trees and the side garden area. This balcony also allows residents to overlook the old house area and facilitates easy chitchat between houses.

Courtyard

This courtyard further seamlessly connects into the living area. The design of these two spaces incorporates a unique curved layout, thus serving as a distinctive feature of the house.

There are 2 bedrooms similar to the ground floor for the son and uncle in the first floor. Each with separate attached bathrooms.

The front side of the first floor however, has a small library cum work space. This has a inbuilt reading corner with large windows with greenery view and also a in built work table and a large book shelf.

Natural Materials

The low carbon emission construction techniques are used in the building like rammed earth walls, mud plasters, compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB), oxide flooring and walls. Thandur and Cuddapah are the natural stone flooring used. Reclaimed old kalimaruthu wood are used for all doors and windows.

With all these measures, the built space becomes a earthy, healthy and happier space for the user.

The entire house is placed in such a way, good cross ventilation and natural light is there, yet indoor spaces does not get heated up.

Fact File

Designed by: RP Architects

Project Type: Residential Architecture Design

Project Name: Aadhi residence

Location: Andoorani, Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu

Year Built: 2023

Duration of the project: 1 Year

Plot Area: 7000 Sq.ft

Built-up Area: 2182 Sq.ft

Project Cost: 54 lakhs

Principal Architect: Ar. Ramya Prasad

Photograph Courtesy: Aswin Yegappan SP

Products / Materials / Vendors: Finishes – Natural stones / Wallcovering / Cladding – Oxide walls / Construction Materials – Compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB), Rammed earth / Doors and Partitions – Reclaimed wooden doors and windows / Sanitaryware – Parryware, Jaquar / Windows – Reclaimed wooden doors and windows / Furniture – In built concrete furniture / Flooring – Natural tandur and cuddapah stones Kitchen – Parryware / Paint – Asian paints

Firm’s Website Link: RP Architects

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