House That Disappears (WIP)

Thotti Mane House on a lush sloping terrain

Scope
Architecture, interior design
Details
Carpet area: 2440 sft
Location: Vadarahalli, K'taka
Status: Design stage
About
Year: 2023-24
A contemporary take on South Indian traditional architecture with the 'House that Disappears'-a joint family's 'Thotti Mane' house nestled on a sloping terrain by the Suvarnamukhi river. The architectural design draws inspiration from the region's rich cultural heritage and blends traditional elements with modern design features to create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. With a focus on sustainability and contextual design, the house seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, creating a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the landscape.
The Site
The House that Disappears is situated in a breathtaking location, perched on a sloping terrain by the Suvarnamukhi river. The site's stunning natural landscape, including mature trees and lush vegetation, presents a unique opportunity for innovative and sustainable architecture. The river provides a source of water and a sense of tranquility that enhances the overall quality of life for the occupants of the house. The site's potential lies in its ability to inspire a new generation of architects and designers to embrace sustainability and context-specific design principles. Working with the natural environment and responding to the unique characteristics of the site, we can create architecture that not only enhances the beauty and functionality of the built environment but also protects and celebrates the natural world.
Sketching in the design process
Sketching is an essential part of the architectural design process, allowing designers to explore ideas and create a visual language that guides the project's development. At the core of our design philosophy is a deep understanding of the importance of sketching in the creative process. Sketching enables us to understand the spatial connection between different levels, the context in which the project sits, and provides an informed basis for design deliberations and the resultant architecture.
The Process
The House that Disappears presents a unique opportunity of creating contemporary design inspired by South Indian traditional architecture. The design process was focused on creating a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the natural surroundings, resulting in a dynamic and multi-level space that is both functional and beautiful. The use of locally sourced materials, such as natural stone and wood, and the incorporation of courtyards and verandas reflect the principles of traditional architecture, while the contemporary design features provide a unique and innovative space.
The House that Disappears represents a powerful example of how contemporary design can pay homage to tradition while creating spaces that are functional, beautiful, and environmentally responsible. By incorporating the principles of sustainability and context-specific design and embracing sketching as a core element of the creative process, we can create architecture that reflects our deep respect for the past while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Team
Architects: Netra Ajjampur, Murtaza Dhilawala, Rahul Chandrashekar
Management & construction: Suryalaya Associates
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