Situated a mere 10-minute drive away from the international township of Auroville, this weekend getaway offers an ideal opportunity to escape the bustling atmosphere of Pondicherry and Auroville. The architectural design of the residence aims to exhibit and celebrate the surrounding environment and the distinct Indo-French architectural style prevalent in the region. It has been tailor-made to meet the specific requirements of our client from the United Kingdom, presenting an elegant contemporary abode infused with a touch of natural allure.
Project Name: The Brick Abode
Studio Name: Architecture_Interspace
The design of the house is influenced by two primary factors: the context and the climate. In terms of the context, the bountiful red earth soil abundantly nourishes the landscape, enhancing the character of the site and the lifestyle of its inhabitants. Moreover, since the plot of land does not offer external views, the focus lies in creating captivating vistas within both the surrounding landscape and the interiors. We extensively studied the climate control techniques employed in traditional Indian and French courtyard houses, which greatly influenced the layout of our design. By seamlessly integrating the house with the landscape and optimizing the arrangement, we achieved a sense of spaciousness that surpasses its actual size.
Access to the house is granted through the courtyard, which serves as the primary entrance. The house, designed in an L-shape, envelops a rectangular courtyard in such a way that all rooms overlook this central space. This design provides an open ambiance for the living and entertainment areas while ensuring privacy for the bedrooms. The jaali-walls of the courtyard act as filters, shielding against intense sunlight and hot air during the peak of summer. Additionally, a separate side entrance leads to the pool and party lawn, facilitating small gatherings in the courtyard and larger events near the pool and lawn area.
Both the interior and exterior of the house are thoughtfully crafted to foster lively conversations. For instance, the breakfast counter adorned with granite and a suspended chandelier creates an inviting setting for quick meals while also functioning as an indoor bar counter, encouraging casual conversations. The spacious private pool features a swim-up bar accessible from the lawn area, becoming a central element for social gatherings.
The entrance to the villa, characterized by a pathway adorned with checkered bricks, intentionally maintains a modest appearance, drawing attention to the green spaces within the courtyard against the backdrop of the house. The ceilings and floors are deliberately understated, allowing the focus to be on the living spaces, human interactions, and the natural elements that surround them.
Inspired by the unique feature of the village—the red earth soil that nurtures agriculture and horticulture in the area—the exposed brick walls boast a reddish hue. These bricks are locally sourced, while the flooring is crafted from polished natural Cuddapah stone.
We firmly believe that this house will leave an indelible impression on visitors, even after they have departed. It exudes an understated yet magnificent presence, where functionality enhances artistic expression and vice versa.
