Perched in Kurumbagaram, a quaint little village in India, ‘House on a Farm’ is a vacation home for city dwellers. The design by Architecture Interspace strives to satisfy the client’s wish for tranquility and reflection. Thus, snuggled amongst the shade of sandalwood trees, fruit orchards, and paddy fields, the house provides a place far away from the bustle and hustle of urban life for weekend getaways. 

The final composition takes shape as two concrete cuboids linked with a transition space, establishing multiple escapes to nature. Therefore, the house embraces rustic aesthetics using timeless design and materials but also adopts contemporary finishes to enable comfortable work from home at weekends.  

the two cuboids host the living and cooking space on one side, and the bedrooms on the other

all images by Architecture Interspace

For this project, the architects’ primary idea was to create a space that allows its residents to connect not only with its surroundings but also with their inner souls. Designed for a newly married couple and their parents, ‘House on a Farm’ respects the raw natural beauty of this tiny village while framing its amazing lush views. The house also harbors ancestral ties, capturing the emotions and energies of the land, which once supported a family of ten brothers and their mother’s meditation practices.

The core idea of the project was to revive the rural way of life that the ancestors had interpreting it into a present-day culture and context. Within this concept, set far back from the street, the house allows for a beautifully landscaped buffer breathing space that gives only a sneak peek of the residence. Meanwhile, the building footprint is kept at 140 sqm to minimize the impact on local vegetation and for an efficient microclimate.

the minimalist architecture of the building uses concrete with Corten steel framing the windows

The architectural plan follows the primary aspects of the Indian Vaastu shastra mandala (referring to energy, power, and soul). The resulting building consists of two cuboids hosting the living and cooking spaces with bedrooms separated for privacy. The connecting transition space accommodates the dining area serving as the heart of the house. From there, the residents can enjoy views of the open court on one side; and the outdoor deck and plunge pool on the other.

The infinity plunge pool overlooks the fruit orchards and the 100-year-old artesian well from which it draws water. The semi-outdoor spaces and open courts give a contemporary touch to the traditional courtyards. They regulate the microclimate and create a dialogue between the indoor and outdoor environment slightly blurring the boundaries between them.

a variety of greenery partially conceals the building from view

Locally sourced Corten-effect steel boxes near Karaikal port bring modern pops to the concrete envelope and accentuate the window frames. The plinth of the entire house is tucked inside to give the building a raised look off the ground and thus reducing the heaviness of concrete and creating a sense of tranquility in and around the place.

As for the interior, the architects opted for a simple color palette of black and white in combination with earthy wood accents. Lime-based polished grey oxide walls and black vitrified tile flooring set a monochrome and minimal background with bright colored furniture and décor acting as a contrast. The landscape has been recreated using locally available fruit and vegetable bearing plants and shade-providing trees that complement the already existing flora. The resulting architecture and landscape help the user experience the Zen mode of farm life adapted to the present-day culture.

the dining area overlooks the open court on one side and the outdoor deck and plunge pool on the other side

the dining area acts as the central focal point of the house

the adjoining open kitchen is brightened by handmade Athangudi tiles that feature on the dado. The cabinetry here is made with waterproof plywood clad with polyurethane-coated natural grain veneer

the interiors see a material palette of polished grey oxide walls and black vitrified tile flooring

the outdoor deck is set close to the swimming pool and doubles as a family gathering space during festivals

name: House on a Farm designer: Architecture_Interspace

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edited by: christina petridou | designboom

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