Southern Comfort

The evocatively named Vazhai Alai or Banana Plant House, architect Amritha Karnakar’s recent project in Khopoli near Mumbai, is wrapped in nature and rich in striking features. 

Curated by: Tanaya Pednekar
Photographs: Ishita Sitwala, courtesy Amritha Karnakar Architectural Design

The terracotta-hued living room features one of a kind decor and furniture and artwork by Chandan Dubey.

The brief

Nestled in the hills of the Sahyadri mountains, surrounded by green landscape on all four sides, this holiday home designed by Amritha Karnakar Architectural Design in Khopoli invites its guests to briefly plunge into the atmosphere of tranquility and silence. The brief was to design a home that is rooted in traditional South Indian aesthetics complimenting the modern amenities while keeping the two aspects in mind — comfort and energy. 

A customised green kalamkari daybed near the window offers a view to the lawn.

The design intent

The idea was to design a home away from home, that is culturally rooted yet relaxed and easy. Keeping it simple by letting the green scape be a part of the house, the design works around bringing a South Indian home feel to the residence and, at the same time, keeps the space vibrant with art and elements of nature. ‘Celebrate India’ and all things Indian – was the architect’s mantra while designing this house. 

The dining ensemble is positioned close to the window, overlooking the lovely banana plants in the garden. A collection of antique brass tiffins adds a traditional touch to the space.

The spatial configuration

A wood-carved Ganesha statue with intricate South Indian temple elements accentuated by a long, rustic mirror are placed at the entrance. Simply stepping in whisks the visitor to the serene environs of South India. The open-plan living room with earthy terracotta tones, complemented by a bold, jungle-green sofa, opens up to a lush lawn. A green kalamkari daybed on the other side offers a view of the garden. Brass elements like several pots, a face mask and floor lamps add that Indian touch to the space. 

The central staircase runs between the dining and living room. The dining area is positioned close to the window, overlooking the garden. The wooden dining table is accompanied by alternating wicker and fabric-upholstered chairs, bringing in an element of fun. The green glass and brass hanging lamp over the dining table echoes the lushness outside, as well as connects to the vintage brass South Indian tiffin boxes and pickle jars displayed on the dining table.

The daughter’s bedroom has a special carved South Indian four-poster bed with a dark green wall backdrop.

The staircase walls flaunt a medley of carved frames with artwork and paintings. On the upper floor, the landing is flanked by two bedrooms overlooking the same view. The master bedroom has a dark wooden bed complemented by a South Indian wall-hung mirror and thin, dark wood panels. The banana print fabric on the headboard amplifies the South Indian vibe. The dark forest-green study table overlooks the green landscape outside. The daughter’s bedroom, too, has a pronounced south India flavour with its bespoke traditional four-poster bed beautifully set off against a dark green wall.

The central staircase is accentuated by art and brass elements.

The material and colour palettes

Colours play an important role in this narrative. Throughout the house, one experiences a choreography of earthy yet bright hues. For instance, in the living room, rustic brick-red textured walls are offset by a dark jungle-green sofa and the green kalamkari print of the day-bed. The artwork on the wall enhances the space. Brass elements in every corner bring in the brightness and Indian feel to the space. The dining area is adorned with a dark wooden table and chairs alternated with wicker and light printed fabric. The master bedroom has an all-wood theme complemented with a beautiful dark green study table and drapes while the daughter’s bedroom has a beautiful South Indian carved four poster bed adorned by a dark jungle green back wall.

A traditional wooden swing known as Unjal is used in the garden.

The challenges

Landscaping the garden proved to be yet challenging yet fun, the architect reveals. It needed to be simple and clean, with floral fauna taking the main stage. The big banana trees growing in the corner of the garden are the highlight, and add a South Indian touch to the landscape.

The highlights

The key highlight of the house is how every space, when viewed individually, is different and yet cohesive because of the materials and colours. While everything is designed keeping in mind the view of the garden, each space stands out in its own unique way. 

Fact file

Project: Vazhai Alai (Banana Plant) House
Location: Khopoli, Maharashtra
Area: 2,500 sq ft
Principal architect: Amritha Kharnakar