Amidst a vernacular rhythm

Staying true to the ethos of this eco-conscious home, which places aesthetic hygiene and being in tandem with nature at the core of its design language, the home’s layout embraces the idea of responding to and opening up toward the east sun—tracing its movement through the tile roof skylights step by step, without diluting the essence of starkness and minimalism. The architects’ favourite space in the house is the expanding open plan volume of porch, living and dining framed by arches. This tight space is experientially spacious and voluminous, contrasting city living, allowing for a small footprint to enlarge magnanimously and look larger than life.

“We often think of the facade as the ‘front face’ of a building showcasing all that is within. In this case, the west is the facade on road, and climatically responding to the west meant closing it up and protecting from the harsh sun,” mentions Sharanya, who also worked with Keerthana Priya, Junior architect, UMAI on this project.

Unsurprisingly, this farmhouse grows out of its surroundings by taking cues from the setting for views, responding to climate by filtering heat, bringing in natural light, and catching the breeze—all while meeting the practical needs and the aesthetic vision of the homeowners. “The visual language of the space is understated elegance blending contemporary clarity with a natural surrounding exploring a vernacular style but with restraint,” shares Sharanya.

Although it doesn’t directly mimic Indian vernacular design through wooden columns or stone details, the residence celebrates an unadorned, raw and authentic interpretation of an Indian vernacular home, well-expressed through a contemporary, minimalistic lens.

Read more: This 120-year-old family abode by Doro wraps an intentional emptiness