The client is the dreamer of their house, and this home we designed is their personal sanctuary. It tells the inhabitants’ story while impressively balancing functionality and aesthetics, all within a sustainable framework. This is a G+1 residence that is rooted in traditional South Indian architecture and elevated by thoughtful spatial planning. Nested between the farms, this home is a stunning example of timeless tradition.
Project Name: Uthayadurga residence
Studio Name: Design Thoughts Architects
Project location: Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu
Site area: 42’ x 42’ home
Built-up area: 5000 sq. ft. approx.
Spatial planning
The green farms of Kallakurichi, with a dimension of 62’ x 225’, invite us to a welcoming ambience, home at the centre. As the plot for the house is a perfect square, we were able to follow Vastu principles efficiently. Elements like a courtyard in the Brahmastana that opens to an east-facing entrance, a south-east kitchen and a south-west master bedroom were fit into perfect squares inside the home.
The clients liked a home with a traditional touch, which was also why we brought in the courtyard. Other aspects that the clients were particularly interested in included an outdoor kitchen and a dedicated Puja room with enough space around it for walking, similar to the circumbulatory path in temples.
The Puja area, thoughtfully tucked in a serene corner of the residence, resonates with spiritual intention. It is surrounded by soft lighting and traditional wooden elements and offers a peaceful retreat for daily rituals. Its proximity to the courtyard ensures a constant connection with nature, an essential aspect in Vastu-compliant home design.
The entrance is greeted by a large verandah, a transitional area that lowers heat gain and creates a welcoming threshold. The focal point in the east-facing home is the open-to-sky courtyard, which attracts light, air, and spiritual energy. Additionally, it acts as an anchor around which the remainder of the house develops naturally.
In the planning, semi-public features like the formal living room, foyer, and courtyard lounging areas are mixed in with more private spaces like the family lounge, bedroom suites, and puja area on the ground floor.
A special highlight of the first floor is its transition space: a semi-public lobby that connects the bedrooms and opens to a generous terrace. This fluidity of circulation encourages relaxation and informal interactions among family members.
In addition to its aesthetic and spatial strengths, the G+1 residence is naturally ventilated and daylight-optimised. Deep overhangs protect the interiors from heat gain, allowing sunlight to softly filter in. Using terracotta tiles, brick masonry, and shaded courtyards reduces the need for artificial cooling, making the home environmentally sensitive and cost-effective in the long run.
Developing the exterior elevation
To develop the final elevation concept of the home, we showcased two different options for the clients in the same style.
The final elevation concept stands out with its striking Kerala-style sloping rooflines adorned in terracotta tiles, a visual tribute to regional architectural heritage. Every element, from the intricately designed wooden columns to the tiled gables and jaali detailing, has been curated to evoke a sense of nostalgia. The architecture honours timeless traditions, yet feels light, airy, and relevant to today’s family needs.
