K.N. associates’ brick + RCC home infuses indian heritage with contemporary design

This article explores seven Indian homes that showcase the timeless charm and versatility of bricks in their architectural design. Bricks are presented not merely as a construction material but as a medium for artistic expression, blending tradition with modernity across various residential projects, from urban apartments to lakeside retreats. Each featured home demonstrates how architects and homeowners have embraced exposed brickwork to create unique, aesthetically pleasing, and often sustainable living spaces. The first home, a weekend retreat in Gujarat designed by Vaissnavi Shukl, exemplifies a red brick wonder. The owners specifically requested exposed brick, which also functions as a load-bearing superstructure. The design incorporates features like long slit windows, pergolas, and clerestories to manage sunlight, complemented by an RCC brise-soleil to minimize western glare. Interior elements include plywood finishes, leather-finish Kota stone flooring, and wooden furniture, creating a low-maintenance and inviting atmosphere where the natural light and brick aesthetic are central. In Delhi, Shonan Purie Trehan's design for her parents' home utilizes brick to weave personal memories into the architecture. This residence, hidden behind trees in Golf Links, integrates elements of Art Deco, intricate inlaid floors, handcrafted tiles, and personal photographs, all crafted in collaboration with artisans. The sculptural handmade brick exterior, with each shifting brick meticulously placed, creates a fluid and poetic spatial experience, dynamically connecting gardens, patios, and a pool with the interiors. Bengaluru's 'The Garden House,' designed by Nayanika Natesh of NNAD Studio, focuses on biophilic flourishes for an elderly couple passionate about environmental sustainability. This 1,800-square-foot bungalow features numerous open and green spaces, utilizing upcycled and refurbished architectural components and furniture. The brick-clad exterior and interior showcase a minimal color scheme, with decor and soft furnishings breaking the monotony. Clerestory windows and intricate iron filigree allow natural light to filter in, while a sunken seating area with brick-based benches enhances the airy and flexible milieu. Amit Khanna of Amit Khanna Design Associates highlights the enduring appeal of brick, concrete, and stone in a three-level villa in Gurugram. The design intentionally restricts itself to these three materials, creating a timeless aesthetic reminiscent of ancient monuments. One wing features an inscrutable brick façade, partially perforated by a 'jaali' (screen) that filters light during the day and creates a shimmering effect at night. The use of locally sourced, thin 'nikki' bricks from Sinauli, Uttar Pradesh, emphasizes sustainability and allows for elegant, narrow horizontal apertures in the 'jaali' design. In Kerala, architect Srijit Srinivas designed a minimalist home for Rajnath R and Preetha B, focusing on exposed brickwork and eco-sensitive results. Faced with a challenging 2,178-square-foot plot in a busy neighborhood, Srinivas opted for a simple platonic cuboid form with a slanted front. A stunning brick lattice treatment on the front façade ensures privacy for living and sleeping areas on the upper floor while allowing for unhindered airflow, creating a private oasis amidst the urban bustle. Ankleshwar, Gujarat, features a multigenerational courtyard home by Tarun Patel of MISA Architects, designed to be 'inside out' while maintaining privacy. Patel crafted an alternating brick pattern for the façade, welcoming light but deterring prying eyes. He meticulously calculated the smallest brick-to-cement ratio and even demonstrated the brick bond technique to contractors. Concrete bands along window sills and lintels were integrated to stabilize the brick walls and fortify the structure, enveloping it in the beauty of bricks while ensuring seclusion. Finally, Jitendra Sabalpara of Design Work Group in Surat designed a light-filled bungalow where brick is integral to the design, reflecting Louis Kahn's philosophy on material use. The four-storey, five-bedroom home features a façade of brick, black granite, and concrete, giving it a distinctive identity. The exposed brick wall, large arched opening, and contemporary metal screen (jaali) provide a breathable, climate-responsive skin, with granite stone cladding complementing the earthy tones of the brick. #IndianHomes #BrickArchitecture #RusticDesign #SustainableHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #Materiality #ModernTraditional #EcoFriendly

The article details the design of a multi-generational family house in South Delhi by RKDS, headed by principal architect Martand Khosla. This project represents RKDS's first complete building design encompassing both exterior and interior elements, allowing for a cohesive vision of openness, modernist aesthetics, and the integration of raw materials throughout the structure. The house is characterized by a sophisticated composition of exposed brick, concrete, and steel, augmented by teak louvers that provide both aesthetic pattern and functional privacy. The structure is delineated into three distinct volumes: a narrow front block faced with stone, teak louvers, and steel frames; a middle block built from brick and concrete; and a concrete structure preserved from the original house on the site. This original, poorly built, and awkwardly shaped house prompted a decision to construct an entirely new residence, while strategically retaining one block to serve as a service core, housing generators, water tanks, and staff quarters. This retention allowed the architects to open up the front of the new house to the street, a departure from typical residential architecture in New Delhi, and to preserve an existing Gulmohar tree by slightly setting back the volumes from the street. The design successfully balances interaction with the street while ensuring privacy for the interior spaces. The ground floor accommodates living areas, while the upper floors contain four bedrooms connected by a double-height family room. This central family space was conceived to foster interaction between siblings and across generations, counteracting the trend of cellular living by providing common social areas that support both autonomy and collective engagement. Inside, the house maintains the raw material aesthetic of its exterior with exposed concrete ceilings, exposed brick, and plaster walls. These elements are complemented by refined finishes such as white marble chip flooring with brass inlay grid patterns and mild steel and brass railings, which introduce an element of subtle elegance. The interior design further explores modernist principles through the use of primary colors—red, green, and yellow—in communal areas. The furniture selection pays homage to iconic modernist architects like Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier, Gio Ponti, Eileen Grey, and Eero Saarinen, reflecting the influences on RKDS's work. The house's distinctive use of teak louvers for shading also contributes significantly to its unique identity. #ModernistArchitecture #BrickHouse #NewDelhiDesign #RKDSArchitects #MaterialPatchwork #MultiGenerationalHome #TeakLouvers #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture

The article showcases a collection of six distinct brick houses across India, each celebrating the enduring appeal of brick as a building material and its integration with vernacular design principles. These homes demonstrate how brick's timeless texture, rich colors, and inherent strength contribute to spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and exceptionally durable, while also being climate-responsive. The first featured home, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, was designed by Srijit Srinivas for a family of four. This 8000-square-foot residence utilizes exposed, load-bearing bricks not only for their traditional aesthetic but also for their ability to keep the interior cool in the local climate. The architect emphasized brick as a beautiful material with properties that reduce heat, and the desire for the house to be an "art piece in brick" by embracing its natural imperfections. Next, the article highlights the ancestral home of Gurmeet Sangha Rai in Nawanpind Sardaran, Punjab. This 125-year-old haveli, built by her great-great-grandfather, has been undergoing renovations and additions for 17 years. Its design incorporates elements from the vernacular architectural vocabulary of rural Punjab, evident in the exposed brick, absence of cladding and plaster, and the presence of large verandas, corridors, and arches, reflecting the architectural style of the Lahore region. In Solapur, an ancestral home was replaced with a new structure designed by Avinash Ankalge and Harshith Nayak of A Threshold. The family desired a new building that would retain the spirit and memories of its predecessor. The architects responded by integrating a contemporary framework and materiality with traditional wisdom, ensuring the new home seamlessly blends with its tightly packed neighborhood of traditional exposed basalt and brick houses, while also addressing the harsh regional climate. The fourth example, Villa Maati, is a farmhouse on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Designed as an ode to vernacular architecture and brick houses, it aims to provide a tranquil retreat amidst coconut plantations. The architects responded to the client's brief by incorporating traditional climate-responsive elements such as wide-open courtyards, interconnected verandas, and natural building materials, fostering a harmonious connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. RLDA's design for a 4,365-square-foot farmhouse in New Delhi, named The Brick House, returns to fundamental architectural principles. The house’s primary material and aesthetic element is brick, rooted in the native craft of brickmaking. The architects, particularly Rahoul B. Singh, sought to explore space and light through this classical material, creating an interplay of light and shade with interior courtyards and expansive views. The material palette is simple, featuring brick, gravel (bajri), and concrete, with white cement tiles for the interior flooring. Finally, the article presents a ship-inspired villa in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, designed by Vignesh Sekar and Karthik Vasuki of Studio f/8. Drawing inspiration from Thoothukudi’s maritime heritage, the design features an exposed brick facade sculpted into wave-like parametric projections. The interior continues the nautical theme with marble plaster walls, metal columns, and handrails evocative of a steamship. The flooring uses Kota, Kadapa, and yellow Jaisalmer marble to mimic a tilting tide, and seashells adorn the roof as a metaphorical homage to the coastline. #BrickHouses #VernacularDesign #IndianArchitecture #ClimateResponsiveDesign #ExposedBrick #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeInteriors #TraditionalCraftsmanship

The 'Safdarjang Residence' in New Delhi, India, designed by AKDA studio, features a distinctive facade characterized by a grand circular aperture set within a square brick screen. This architectural approach draws significant inspiration from the works of Louis Kahn, known for his monumental yet serene monolithic style and the use of geometric voids in large brick and concrete structures. AKDA's design aims to blend fore-going modernity with traditional craftsmanship and sustainability, creating a sense of calm amidst the urban environment. The residence is situated on a quiet residential street, flanked by neighboring properties. It comprises four apartments elevated above a parking level. The interior layout is thoughtfully planned: one longitudinal side of each apartment accommodates the bedrooms, kitchen, three bathrooms, a staircase, and an elevator, while the other half is dedicated to expansive living spaces. On the uppermost level, an open atrium is connected to a terrace via a staircase, offering additional communal space. A key design element is the brick screen on the facade, which is elevated off the ground to frame a perfect square encompassing a prominent circular void. This intricate brickwork is supported by stainless steel frameworks, specifically angles at the top and bottom of the screen and a ring within the circular void, ensuring both structural integrity and aesthetic precision. The choice of materials and construction methods reflects a commitment to high performance, robustness, and energy efficiency. The structure incorporates double-glazed aluminum windows for insulation, and the terrace is covered with inverted pots overlaid with terracotta tiles, contributing to thermal regulation. For climate control, the residence employs a variable refrigerant volume (VRV) air-conditioning system that actively monitors indoor usage to optimize energy consumption. Inside the apartments, exposed brick walls create a striking contrast with the board-formed concrete of the slab, emphasizing the raw beauty of the materials. The flooring throughout the house uses locally sourced paving slabs, with a touch of mustard yellow stone in the atrium and bathrooms, adding subtle pops of color and texture. The open kitchens feature blue handmade tiles as backsplashes, further enhancing the bespoke feel of the interiors, while LED lighting is integrated throughout to provide efficient and ambient illumination. This project by AKDA exemplifies a harmonious blend of historical architectural influences, modern living requirements, and sustainable design principles. #ArchitecturalDesign #BrickArchitecture #IndianArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #SustainableArchitecture #LouisKahnInfluence #ModernCraftsmanship #EnergyEfficiency #AKDAStudio

This article explores eight distinct Indian homes, each characterized by their eclectic interior designs, showcasing a fusion of contemporary and vintage elements and a rich tapestry of materials and craftsmanship. Eclectic design, defined by its blend of diverse styles and objects, is a prominent feature in these residences, drawing from India's extensive history of artisanal traditions. The homes are presented as part of a lookbook series, offering visual inspiration from Dezeen's archives, alongside other themed collections focusing on kitchen islands, London basements, and Art Deco interiors. The first featured home is Pennyroyal Tea in Tamil Nadu, designed by Multitude of Sins. This family residence in Chennai exhibits a maximalist approach, incorporating a wide array of materials. Over 200 artisans contributed to its creation, featuring a 400-kilogram chandelier made of wooden beads and a lilac mural designed to evoke draped fabric. Toy Storey, located in Kerala by Wallmakers, demonstrates an innovative use of recycled materials, with approximately 6,200 discarded toys adorning its perforated circular walls. This unusual detail is complemented by Japanese-style shoji screens, glass, and timber accents, promoting light and ventilation through the perforations. Next, the House of Concrete Experiments in Maharashtra, by Samira Rathod Design Atelier, showcases sculptural concrete walls cast from on-site waste in Alibag. The interior blends concrete flooring inlaid with black stones, vibrant furnishings, and distinctive geometric skylights. Also in Alibag, Asmalay by Blurring Boundaries is a curvaceous home designed to integrate with its natural surroundings, wrapping around mango trees. It features natural and recycled materials such as locally sourced bricks, glass bottles, and stone, with benches made from grey rocks and curving blue mosaics on the floor. Hybrid House in Rajasthan, by Sketch Design Studio, is distinguished by its rammed-earth walls in Alwar. The interior walls are coated with lime plaster, complementing an eclectic collection of items gathered by the clients during their travels. Terracotta floors are patterned with kolam, a traditional inlay made from rice flour. The Infinite Rise, another project in Tamil Nadu by Earthscape Studio, is a holiday home near Anaikatti camouflaged with large local rocks suspended within its gabion wall. Inside, these rocks create a constellation effect, set against green oxide-painted floors and custom furniture made from scrap wood. The House of Gond in Maharashtra, by Renesa, is an apartment in Pune designed for a fashion designer with a passion for traditional Kerala crafts. The living room boasts an intricate tiled floor inspired by Chettinad mansions, alongside a curated collection of artworks, including paintings, pots, antique masks, and statues. Finally, Karai in Tamil Nadu, by Rain Studio, is a holiday home in Kuvathur that utilizes clay tiles, earthenware pots, and compressed earth bricks. Its eclectic flooring is made from discarded stone and pre-used Mangalore tiles, harmonizing with timber furniture, colorful artwork, and unique features like a courtyard swing seat. These projects collectively highlight the diverse and innovative approaches to interior design in India, emphasizing the use of local materials, traditional craftsmanship, and a creative blend of styles to create unique and functional living spaces. The article reinforces India's position as a hub for eclectic design, where tradition meets modernity in inspiring ways. #IndianHomes #EclecticDesign #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #ArchitecturalInnovation #SustainableMaterials #Craftsmanship #DesignInspiration #ModernIndianInteriors

The Courtyard House, situated in Mansanpally village, approximately 40 km from Hyderabad, India, represents a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Manduva house. This architectural design, completed in 2023 by 23 Degrees Design Shift, integrates the classic concept of a courtyard, a prevalent feature in Indian vernacular architecture, into a modern living space. Courtyards traditionally serve multiple purposes beyond climatic regulation, acting as social hubs, spaces for contemplation, and venues for various activities. The project emphasizes the simplicity and authenticity inherent in vernacular architecture, aiming to create spaces that are both functional and serene for contemporary inhabitants. The project covers an extensive area of 14,000 square meters. Key architectural elements and materials utilized include wood for various structural and aesthetic components, large windows that maximize natural light and views of the surrounding garden, and open-plan living areas that foster a sense of spaciousness and connection with nature. The design prioritizes the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, with the courtyard at the heart of the residence. The use of natural materials like wood contributes to the aesthetic appeal and sustainability of the building, while also resonating with traditional Indian building practices. Photographs by The Fishy Project document the completed structure, showcasing its interior photography, including living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas, and exterior views featuring gardens and patios. The design team was led by Srikanth Reddy, Raghuram, and Neelesh. Manufacturers such as Hunsur, Magari, and Ritika woods contributed to the material palette of the house. The emphasis on a modern twist to vernacular architecture suggests a thoughtful approach to design, balancing heritage with contemporary needs and sensibilities. The Courtyard House aims to provide a comfortable and culturally resonant living environment, reflecting a harmonious blend of past architectural wisdom and present-day demands. This approach highlights how traditional architectural forms can be adapted to suit modern lifestyles without losing their essence or functionality. The integration of the courtyard into the residential design provides natural ventilation and lighting, which are crucial for energy efficiency and occupant comfort in the local climate. The central open space also serves as a private oasis, offering residents a direct connection to nature within their home. The layout of the house revolves around this central feature, ensuring that most rooms benefit from the views and natural elements of the courtyard. This design strategy not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the home but also contributes to a sense of well-being and tranquility for its residents. The project exemplifies a successful fusion of traditional architectural principles with modern design, creating a unique and responsive living environment. #ResidentialArchitecture #CourtyardHouse #IndianArchitecture #VernacularArchitecture #ModernDesign #SustainableDesign #NaturalMaterials #InteriorDesign

Architectural Digest India highlights six unique Indian homes that push the boundaries of conventional design, showcasing a blend of creativity and surprise. Each residence presents a distinct narrative, transforming into a canvas for architects and designers. These homes draw inspiration from unexpected sources, ranging from soft pastel hues to intricate chakra vibrations and natural landscapes. The first featured home in Gurugram, a 2,800-square-foot apartment, is conceptualized by Rohan Gera and Nishtha Duggal of The Concreate Story. Inspired by the homeowners' global travels and a desire for urban rawness, the design pays homage to sand dunes and deserts. It incorporates natural sand-based plasters and lime wash for a cooling effect, along with textured paint called 'ghibli' in the main bedroom. Extensive use of teak as a backbone material and rustic finishes, achieved with the help of local artisans, imbue a brutalist desert aesthetic throughout the space, which includes two bedrooms, a study lounge, four bathrooms, and staff quarters. In Bengaluru, a bungalow designed by The Drawing Board takes inspiration from the sport of golf. Principal designers Meera Rajendra and Akhila Kumar incorporated an eight-degree slant in one wall, symbolic of a golfer's stance, aligning with the home's proximity to a golf course and the owner's passion. This slanted shear wall, finished in blue oxide, connects to a parabolic roof. The wall's tilt also serves a functional purpose, providing extra carpet area on the upper floors due to zoning regulations, while strategically placed punctures maintain connectivity between spaces. A minimalist dwelling in Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla Complex, designed by Jesal Lodha of The Little Details, is a sorbet-inspired oasis. Created for a couple with contrasting preferences for colors and neutrals, the design successfully integrates pastel shades like beige, mint green, and ballet slipper pink. Textured consoles, cabinets, and sleek brass frameworks complement the delicate decor, emphasizing understated luxury. Ample storage is achieved through textured cabinet facades and wicker accessories, with Michelangelo marble slabs validating the home's intrinsic beauty. The Petal Villa in Alibaug, designed by Shivjit Sidhu of Apostrophe Architecture + Urban Design, draws formal inspiration from flower petals. Envisioned as a residential retreat for a family to connect with nature, the villa's layout metaphorically unfolds like a petal. Each wing is strategically placed in the landscape to optimize shade and ventilation and create private courtyards, resulting in a free-flowing design that blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment of sea and mountains. In Raipur, a family home by Studio Lotus, led by Sidhartha Talwar, is inspired by old rice granaries. The exterior features two barn-style volumes on a solid stone base with pitched zinc roofs, reflecting the local granaries. The interior, however, is understated, with carefully considered elements based on Vastu principles. The design incorporates a central green space flanked by residential blocks and a blueprint with intersecting axes that divide the house into four functional areas, emphasizing natural elements and privacy. Finally, a luxury penthouse in Nagpur, designed by Sagar and Leena Bhadbhade of Ferroart Interiors, is inspired by chakra and vibration theories. The 3,200-square-foot 3BHK residence consciously integrates the four tenets of energy laws, drawing on Sagar’s training in the law of attraction, theory of vibrations, and saptachakra healing. This approach offers a distinct design philosophy, contrasting with traditional Vastu, to create an oasis of calm that embodies a deeper spiritual connection within the home. #IndianHomes #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #InteriorDecor #VastuCompliant #ChakraInspiredDesign #MumbaiHomes #BengaluruHomes #GurugramHomes

Houston-based interior designer Ryia Jose of Kin and Kasa undertook the design of her parents' new Kochi home, aiming to create a serene and soulful space that would evoke the essence of their former bungalow, which had been demolished. The project presented a unique challenge as the parents, Joseph Karukapally and Sherly Jose, were accustomed to bungalow living and found apartment life unfamiliar. Their preference for traditional and wooden elements led to an initial disagreement with Ryia over a black front door, which they eventually embraced after Ryia assured them of its suitability. The design philosophy centered on honoring the past while integrating modern elements. A significant aspect of the renovation involved salvaging and repurposing materials from the old bungalow. Wooden floorboards from the former courtyard were relaid in the new bedroom, discarded rosewood logs were transformed into a dining table, and Ryia's baby crib was converted into a daybed for the balcony. An eight-foot-tall engraved pillar, assembled from two smaller salvaged pillars, became a focal point in the living room. Doors for rooms and wardrobes from the old home were retrofitted and repainted, contributing to the home's sense of continuity and history. This approach ensured that the new apartment felt lived-in and deeply connected to the family's past, rather than appearing cold or impersonal. The balcony was envisioned as the home's centerpiece, inspired by a friend's apartment that felt more like a house due to its integrated outdoor space. Ryia and her father aimed to recreate the feeling of their previous home's courtyard, which had often been underutilized. In the new apartment, the balcony was strategically designed to be a prominent feature, influencing the layout of the surrounding areas. Ryia consciously avoided an open-plan concept, preferring that the living room, dining area, family room, and foyer maintain distinct identities while seamlessly connecting to the central balcony. The presence of balconies on all sides further supported this vision. Ryia's design process, conducted largely from Houston, necessitated collaboration with local designer Lyla John of Lyla John Interiors for on-site execution and vendor coordination. Despite the geographical distance, this arrangement allowed Ryia to develop a broader vision for the home, blending Indian traditions with modern aesthetics. Examples include the chequerboard flooring in the balcony, reminiscent of Chettinad mansions, and barn-style beams in common areas, inspired by her grandparents’ Kerala home. The powder room was a bolder departure, featuring Sabyasachi wallpaper and a deep brown ceiling, along with vintage lighting and antique mirrors. Throughout the home, meticulous attention to detail, including mouldings, exposed brick, transoms, pillars, bamboo ceilings, antiques, and various traditional artifacts, ensured the home reflected the distinct personalities of her parents. After a year, the black front door, initially a point of contention, has become a cherished element. The balcony, fulfilling its role as the home's core, serves as a daily gathering spot for Joseph and Sherly. This design narrative highlights a successful integration of sentimental elements from a bygone home with contemporary living, culminating in a space that is both personal and timeless. #KochiHome #KeralaHomes #InteriorDesign #TraditionalElements #ReclaimedWood #VintageDecor #ArchitecturalDesign #FamilyHome #IndianDesign

TropiBox, a residential project located in Kochi, Kerala, India, designed by the local firm Tropical Architecture Bureau (TAB), exemplifies a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary architectural elements. The design philosophy behind TropiBox draws heavily from tropical modernism, an architectural style that emerged in the late 1940s, integrating European modernist principles with indigenous building techniques prevalent in tropical regions. This approach was specifically chosen to address Kochi's hot climate, creating a dwelling that offers both comfort and aesthetic appeal. The exterior of TropiBox is characterized by smooth, rounded layers of cement plaster, a design choice inspired by traditional stone-carved architecture. These curved walls enclose a series of internal courtyards and planters, which are central to the home's climate-responsive design. The strategic placement of these elements promotes natural ventilation and provides pockets of lush greenery, enhancing the living experience within the tropical environment. Uvais Subu, the founder of TAB, notes that the design aims for a futuristic feel through its smooth, flowing curves and layered cement plaster, while simultaneously incorporating minimalist carvings that acknowledge and celebrate the region's rich cultural heritage. Upon entering TropiBox, residents are greeted by a covered porch that leads into a living room. The layout then descends into a double-height kitchen and dining area, which forms the central hub of the home. This expansive space is naturally illuminated by a circular skylight, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The design facilitates an open flow between indoor and outdoor spaces; sliding glass doors to the south connect the dining area to a small patio and swimming pool, while the north and west sides open up to planted courtyards partially covered by metal canopies. These interconnected spaces are intended to foster family interaction while maintaining privacy for individual inhabitants. The internal journey continues to the first floor via a black staircase, accented by a section of rough stone-clad wall. The upper level houses three bedrooms, all arranged around an upper living area that offers views down to the ground floor from an L-shaped balcony. This multi-level arrangement ensures a dynamic interplay of spaces and viewpoints throughout the home. In terms of interior design, TropiBox consistently fuses tradition with modernity. The flooring exhibits a contrast between irregularly-paved areas and smooth stone, creating varied textures underfoot. Similarly, rough-plastered walls are juxtaposed with crisp metal window frames and canopies, highlighting the blend of natural and manufactured materials. Custom-built features, such as a stone-clad, steel-topped kitchen island, are thoughtfully integrated alongside vintage and repurposed furniture pieces. This eclectic mix contributes to what Subu describes as the home's unique charm, successfully merging "old-world charm with the modern." The choice of materials, from wood and stone to concrete, is deliberate, enhancing the natural textures and minimalist lines that define the tropical modernist aesthetic. Photography for the project was provided by Turtle Arts Photography, capturing the essence of this thoughtfully designed Keralan residence. #TropicalModernism #KeralanArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #CementPlaster #InternalCourtyards #SustainableDesign #ModernIndianHome #ArchitecturalInnovation #ClimateResponsiveDesign

This article explores a unique Coimbatore home, designed by Bricks & Beams, which masterfully blends the rich heritage of Chettinad villas with contemporary elegance. Located on Racecourse Road, this 12th-floor apartment, born from the fusion of two individual apartments, spans 3,300 square feet. The design concept was to create a space that emulates the grandeur and maximalist spirit of traditional two-storeyed Karaikudi Chettinad villas, known for their opulent interiors and the Chettiars' extravagant lifestyle. Dinakar Manie, founder and principal designer, and Ram Krish, principal interior designer of Bricks & Beams, drew inspiration from the Chettiars' historical practice of showcasing wealth and unique collectables, incorporating elements from traditional Tamilian Chettinad, Keralan, and colonial aesthetics. The designers began by reconfiguring the internal layout of the merged apartments to ensure a cohesive flow. This involved eliminating bottlenecks and repurposing rooms to create a spacious central hall that connects the kitchen, dining, drawing, and living areas. A key feature borrowed from traditional Chettinad homes is the dual entry points, with extravagant Burma teak doors, finished with a rosewood stain, serving as both primary and secondary entrances. These doors are intricately carved, including the 'ashtalakshmi' motif, setting a tone of regality and inviting exploration into the home's rich details. While the walls are kept white to allow other elements to shine, the ceilings and floors serve as primary canvases for the design. A traditional Chettinadu color palette of greens, blues, golds, reds, and yellows complements the warm wood tones throughout the house. Delicate patterns adorn walls and mouldings, guiding the eye, while intricately patterned tiles on the floor reinforce the curated maximalism. The home's walls are also brought to life with vibrant art, including handmade murals and custom commissions, echoing the Chettiars' impressive art collections that often featured works by Raja Ravi Verma and Tanjore paintings. A 70-year-old Burmese 'ratna kambalam' rug, historically used for auspicious family celebrations, takes pride of place on a drawing-room wall. Ceilings are a significant design element, with a vaulted ceiling connecting the two entryways, adorned with sculptural details and frescoes incorporating glass sourced from Sweden and London, reminiscent of Chettiar traditions. The mirrors are intentionally smoked to lend an antiquated feel, and the frescoes draw inspiration from Kerala and Tamil Nadu temple designs. The furniture selection also pays homage to heritage Chettinad homes, with most pieces—couches, stools, consoles, chairs, beds, and cots—being repurposed authentic antiques from Karaikudi. Exceptions include a custom-made, hand-painted crockery hutch that introduces a colonial touch. Chandeliers are a striking feature, particularly in the living and dining areas, where antique glass chandeliers sourced from Kolkata create distinct zones and color themes. The kitchen, cloaked in warm wood tones, boasts a patterned backsplash and a vintage chandelier of repurposed wood over the central island, echoing teal accents. The master bedroom features a majestic hexagonal poster bed, custom-created to evoke Chettiar royalty, and a ceiling with concentric rectangular layers of vibrant artwork surrounding a delicate central chandelier. The second bedroom highlights wood and patterned tiles. This Coimbatore home by Bricks & Beams stands as a testament to their signature style, seamlessly blending vintage and traditional Chettinad flavors with European influences, resulting in a design rich in vibrant color and ornate carvings, with meticulous attention to detail. #CoimbatoreHome #ChettinadVilla #HeritageInspired #ContemporaryDesign #IndianArchitecture #LuxuryInteriors #MaximalistDesign #BricksAndBeams #TraditionalCraftsmanship

This article highlights the design philosophy and personal home of Katie Kath, an interior designer and partner at Jkath Design Build + Reinvent. Kath embarked on building her dream home with her husband, Jesse, on a double-wide lot along Minnehaha Creek, aiming to create a space that prioritizes timeless interiors, exceptional quality, and impeccable craftsmanship, moving away from a standard builder-grade aesthetic. The vision for their 4,000-square-foot home was to incorporate customized features tailored to their family of five, ensuring every detail was intentional and thoughtfully chosen. The construction of the home, which commenced during the pandemic, was completed in a swift eight months. Despite the rapid timeline, design decisions were meticulously made, with Katie acting as both the manager and client. This dual role necessitated careful attention to both major and minor details to ensure the home's enduring appeal. Key design elements on the main floor include reclaimed wood beams from Manomin Resawn Timbers and alder accents in the cabinetry, island, and built-in banquette, which together create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The cast stone fireplace surround, matching the kitchen cabinetry, serves as a contemporary focal point in the living room, with white oak flooring extending up to its base for a seamless look. The home's modern design is enhanced by black-frame windows, which are balanced with gold tones to maintain a comfortable and clean feel. The baseboards and millwork are intentionally taller than standard, adding a traditional touch. Unlacquered brass cabinet hardware from Armac Martin in London provides a desired contrast in the kitchen. Beyond the physical design, the article emphasizes that the true essence of Kath's home lies in the traditions she shares with her family, especially during the holiday season. These traditions transform the house into a cozy, safe, warm, and inviting home, fulfilling her original vision of a timeless, traditional abode with festive flair. Kath also shares practical tips for incorporating seasonal spirit into home decor without overwhelming the space or compromising on timelessness. She advises decorating for the season rather than specific holidays to allow decor to remain relevant for longer periods. Sticking to neutral earth tones for the main color scheme, with bright accents, is another recommendation. Kath suggests focusing decorating efforts on main entertaining areas, like the ground floor, and involving family in the decorating process to make it an enjoyable event. Finally, she advocates for investing in high-quality, reusable decor pieces, such as garland, and taking advantage of end-of-season sales to build a collection of timeless decorations that can be cherished year after year. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #TimelessInteriors #HolidayDecor #CustomHome #JkathDesignBuild #Renovation #FamilyHome #SeasonalDecor

This article highlights seven remarkable home renovation projects across India, demonstrating how designers and architects are thoughtfully preserving the heritage and nostalgic charm of old structures while integrating contemporary functionality and aesthetics. These projects range from revitalizing 30-year-old apartments to restoring 150-year-old villas, showcasing a commitment to mindful redesign. One featured renovation is an apartment located in a 1950s Portuguese villa in Bandra, Mumbai. Here, the design firm Jetsons modernized the ground-floor rental for a young couple, emphasizing the preservation and highlighting of the original architectural hallmarks. The aesthetic focused on warmth and comfort, alongside high functionality. The 12-foot-high ceilings were retained, and original teak wood doors were refinished. Contemporary materials and forms were juxtaposed with existing elements, and the original window openings and walls were left undisturbed, dictating the new design. Refurbished old solid wood furniture from the couple’s collection was integrated to add warmth and acknowledge the home’s past. In Bengaluru, a 60-year-old dilapidated house in Whitefield was transformed into a serene weekend abode by Studio4A. Spanning 3,750 square feet, the house retained its colonial-era character, including a gable-tiled roof, wooden decor, and antique furnishings, amidst a large garden with mango and tamarind trees. The architects avoided overly ornamental facades, instead focusing on architectural features like thick masonry, double-height spaces, colonnades, and symmetrical organization to evoke the essence of the old structure. A 40-year-old ancestral home in Pune underwent a modern yet timeless makeover, led by Alok Kothari Architects. The 1,700-square-foot space was refurbished to be inviting, functional, and aesthetic, with the ground floor designated for daily use and the first floor for guests. The structural framework of the first floor and an external staircase were retained. The ground floor was wrapped in brick for warmth, with horizontal black stone slats and vertical aluminum fins adding visual interest and breaking monotony. A key aspect of this renovation was the seamless integration of the interiors with the existing outdoor landscape. In Kottayam, Kerala, a 100-year-old residence called Pullolickel Veedu was mindfully renovated by architect Anupa Kurian, focusing on sustainability and environmentally conscious design. The project, spread over 3,000 square feet with a courtyard, emphasized the reuse of old materials. For instance, an old wooden kitchen door was repurposed to shade a veranda, and a dining table was converted into bedroom seating. Waste materials from carpentry were transformed into artwork and mirror borders, and bricks from a demolished garage were reused elsewhere in the house. A 90-year-old Mangalore-style villa, owned by architect Apeksha Naik’s family, was restored to its former glory. Naik traveled to Athangudi village for iconic handmade tiles for the flooring and walls and sourced green flora glass, typical of old Chettinad homes, for the facade's grill design. Traditional and heirloom furniture pieces were preserved. In Goa, the 132-year-old Casa Gracia, a family legacy, was transformed into a heritage bed-and-breakfast by Studio Praia, led by Rochelle Santimano, in collaboration with Acaso Living. The challenge was to modernize the shell while retaining its distinctive architectural features and heritage charm. While the balcão, verandah, and main living hall remained intact, two new bedrooms were added. The design drew inspiration from the original architecture, incorporating elements like segmental arched niches mirroring colonial doorways and built-in cement oxide seats referencing the traditional sopo or balcão. Finally, a 30-year-old duplex in Indira Nagar, Bengaluru, was converted into a sunlit paradise by Neha Sapre of Studio Taan. The ground-floor apartment, previously lacking natural light and offering unappealing views, was redesigned to be an extension of the clients' personalities. The renovation addressed the aging finishes and poor visibility, creating a space that resonated with the clients' distinct style while enhancing natural light and views. #HomeRenovations #IndianHomes #HeritagePreservation #ArchitecturalDesign #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #NostalgicSpaces #Modernization

This blog post explores five unique rustic kitchen designs across India, highlighting natural finishes, unostentatious details, and a bucolic design sensibility aimed at promoting disconnection, unwinding, and mindful engagement with food. Each featured kitchen showcases distinct architectural approaches and material palettes that contribute to a charming and refreshing aesthetic. The first example is a bungalow in Karnataka's Kundapur, designed by Hiraya Design Studio. This kitchen incorporates vernacular techniques, local materials, and humidity-resistant treatments, drawing inspiration from traditional Mangalorean homes. Key features include lime plaster walls, terracotta lights, and a gabled ceiling, with bamboo pendants from Habere India adding to the setting. The clients preferred simple layouts and minimal decor, emphasizing natural light and spacious kitchen and entertainment areas. Next is Soumya Keshavan's light-filled home in Coonoor, nestled in the Nilgiris’ Shola forests. Designed by Coimbatore-based Fiore, this modernist two-level house is integrated into the mountainside. The kitchen offers views of tea gardens, with its pared-back design allowing the natural vista to take precedence. Backsplash tiles from Floor n Decor, Chennai, introduce an element of visual interest. Divya Thakur's home in Colaba, Mumbai, features an all-teak kitchen that celebrates old Colaba and functions as a creative space for the interior architect. Vintage pots, utensils, and a Samovar adorn the kitchen cabinets, echoing rural Indian traditions. Natural light enters through a skylight, and monstera deliciosa tendrils bring the outdoors inside. Art Deco stools from Chor Bazaar provide seating at the breakfast island, complemented by old kansa glasses from Sitamarhi, Bihar, and hardware by Nest Studio Hardware. A charming Bengaluru home, designed by Anisha Chandy Design Studio, emphasizes light, space, and nature. The original kitchen layout was transformed by removing dividing walls and doors to create a spacious island kitchen, a separate working kitchen, a functional utility room, and a coffee nook. A red travertine island counter stands out as a striking element, with the overall palette providing a subtle backdrop for carefully chosen decor. Finally, an earthy villa in Tamil Nadu, a 2,800-square-foot two-storey structure by Srinath Gowtham and Vinoth Kumar of Bhutha Earthen Architecture Studio, showcases earthen materials and terracotta tones. The design prioritizes ecological sensitivity and timeless aesthetics, fostering a warm and tranquil atmosphere. The kitchen exemplifies rustic charm through elements like reclaimed wood, Kota stone, terracotta tiles, and lime wall plasters. #RusticKitchens #HomeMakeover #InteriorDesign #IndianHomes #VernacularArchitecture #SustainableDesign #KitchenDesign #Cottagecore #ArchitecturalDigest

In Fishers, Indiana, Daniel and Lucy Neely embarked on a significant home transformation, ultimately deciding to demolish their 1970s residence and build a new, contemporary home. Their inspiration came from Höweler + Yoon Architecture’s Bridge House in McLean, Virginia, which they discovered in Dwell magazine. Impressed by the design, they met with Eric Höweler, co-founder of Höweler + Yoon, and, after touring the Bridge House, engaged his firm to design their new home. The Neelys' six-acre parcel in Fishers' Forest Knoll neighborhood presented natural features, including mature trees and an existing pond, which they wished to integrate into their new home's design. Functionally, the family of five needed individual spaces for their three daughters and a design that would allow for comfortable aging in place. The Höweler + Yoon team proposed a cruciate, or plus-shaped, form for the house, intended to organize the surrounding landscape. Each of the four wings of the plus-shaped home is aligned with a cardinal direction, with the western exposure offering dramatic two-story views of the property's pond. The design ensures that each wing has its own orientation and views, effectively framing the landscape. The kitchen is centrally located where the two intersecting volumes of the 'plus' overlap. The first floor accommodates a living room, dining room, primary bedroom suite, and an entry foyer with a powder room and gym. The upper floor contains three en suite bedrooms for the daughters. While the home’s form was quickly decided, selecting the exterior cladding required more consideration. The Neelys sought a material that was low-maintenance, durable, and visually striking. After exploring options like limestone, corten steel, fiber cement panels, and stucco, the architects introduced yakisugi, a charred wood siding. Although unfamiliar with it, the Neelys were drawn to its natural protective qualities and dramatic aesthetic. They chose Nakamoto Forestry for its sustainably sourced, heat-treated wood, known for its resistance to fire, fungi, and water, its rich texture, and reliable lead times. Nakamoto Forestry's authentic Japanese yakisugi, made from sugi, appealed to the team due to its deep heat treatment, distinguishing it from cosmetically charred or chemically treated alternatives. The project utilized a combination of Nakamoto Forestry’s Suyaki® Tung Oil Black, and Gendai® in both Alkyd Light Gray and Alkyd Black, to create subtle variations in texture and color. The Suyaki, an unbrushed yakisugi, features a tung oil finish with black pigment, enhancing its color saturation and contributing to a bold, 'blacker-than-black' appearance. The architects noted that the material's availability in North America from Nakamoto Forestry simplified the construction process. The Neelys have since appreciated how their home interacts with its environment. The jet-black exterior creates a striking contrast that accentuates seasonal changes, from the vibrant green of spring and summer to the autumnal hues and the brilliant white snow of winter. The home's design, particularly the massive living room window, provides a constant connection to the evolving natural landscape, fulfilling the Neelys' desire for a contemporary home deeply integrated with its site. #ModernArchitecture #YakisugiSiding #CharredWood #ContemporaryDesign #HöwelerYoon #NakamotoForestry #SustainableMaterials #IndianaHome #CruciateDesign

The article highlights the enduring appeal and versatility of brick as a building material, challenging its perception as merely utilitarian. Despite being one of the world's oldest building materials, dating back to 7000 BC, brick is showcased through 15 diverse Australian homes as a timeless design element capable of inspiring and exciting. The discussion emphasizes brick's strength, versatility, and durability, which have contributed to its historical and contemporary popularity. Key advantages of using brick in Australian homes are outlined, including its low maintenance requirements, as it does not fade, rot, or rust, eliminating the need for frequent upkeep. Brick houses are noted for their energy efficiency, providing natural insulation that keeps interiors cool in summer and warm in winter. Furthermore, brick, being made from eco-friendly clay and shale, is presented as a sustainable choice. Its exceptional durability is underscored by the fact that many old brick homes continue to stand strong over a century after their construction. The article also touches upon some disadvantages, such as the potentially high cost due to demand and a limited color palette. The mortar used with bricks may also require repointing over time. However, these drawbacks are considered to be outweighed by the numerous benefits and aesthetic possibilities brick offers, particularly when incorporated into thoughtful designs. The main body of the article presents a curated selection of 15 beautiful Australian brick homes, each demonstrating a unique architectural style and approach to using brick. These examples range from a 1970s time capsule designed by Melbourne architect Nicholas Day, featuring original slate floors and exposed brick walls, to a Perth home by Gavin Hestelow and Tony Ricciardello that uses a mix of smooth and textured bricks in a geometric pattern. Another highlight is an 1890s manse on NSW's South Coast, celebrated for its classic heritage brick facade. An Edwardian-era stunner in Melbourne, conceived by BayleyWard, retains original exposed brick walls in its contemporary extension, maintaining a sense of history. Mid-century modern homes are also featured, with one situated in a high bushfire zone, where slender, off-white bricks were chosen for their non-combustible and low-maintenance properties. Modern farmhouses, such as one designed by Jillian Dinkel, show how traditional red bricks can be elegantly paired with parquetry flooring. A renovated period home in Melbourne, designed by Albert Mo of Architects EAT, incorporates dusty-purple brick flooring in its new wing, drawing inspiration from the original red-brick structure. The article showcases a renovated workers' cottage in Adelaide, where Benjamin Edwards of Ply Architecture utilized low-maintenance dry-pressed bricks to create a striking solid-to-void relationship with color and texture. An Italianate villa designed by Telly Theodore celebrates brick as a defining element of its extension, featuring handcrafted Danish Petersen Tegl bricks. Chyka Keebaugh's manor-style home exemplifies old-world charm with its ivy-clad brick facade. A reimagined Queenslander features a cantilevered living area with new brickwork referencing an original chimney. A post-war home in Maitland by Kennedy Nolan uses a simple palette of white painted brick and saw-cut travertine for consistency between old and new sections. A brutalist terrace extension by Inglis Architects utilizes handmade Danish bricks for a starkly modern exterior. A 'hit-and-miss' home by Clare Cousins Architects contrasts recycled red bricks with 'Chillingham White' bricks, while an industrial-inspired home in Mount Lawley blends seamlessly into its heritage suburb with reclaimed red bricks from demolished local buildings. These examples collectively illustrate brick's adaptability to various architectural styles, from Hamptons to industrial and contemporary, establishing its status as a versatile and iconic building material. #BrickHouses #BuildingMaterials #AustralianHomes #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalStyles #Renovation #HeritageHomes #ModernArchitecture #SustainableBuilding #InteriorDesign