A Madurai home built to age gracefully

The Brick Veedu, designed by Onebulb Architecture, uses natural materials and passive architectural techniques to tackle the extreme climatic conditions of the region.

Curated by: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Little Attic; courtesy Onebulb Architecture

The design intent

The Brick Veedu, designed by Onebulb Architecture, is set in the urban residential fabric of Madurai and stands out from its neighbouring dwellings thanks to its subtle yet bold character. The design intent was to give life to the client’s requirements in the form of open volumes that are visually connected — embodying bricks. The spaces are a conscious reflection of the studio’s imagination and ideals, and constantly strive to break stereotypes like heavy plasterwork, gilded metal grills for the purpose of security and even the idea of ‘elevation design’. The richness in architectural vocabulary and cultural elements is felt as one explores the elements designed within.

The spatial configuration

The entry into the house is through a rich and ornate Chettinad door which is set on an exposed concrete and brick wall framed by landscape on either sides — reminiscent of traditional entrance ways. The layout of the house was planned to create volumes upon which spaces were added to create openness. The various areas and rooms are placed in a hierarchy that invites the family to come together and interact.

The living room opens into a double-height courtyard with a central staircase which feature stone and wooden treads with a small built-in seating. It leads to an interesting common foyer on the first floor level. The bedrooms and the dining space has a long built-in seating overlooking the tranquil garden outside. The master bedroom has a stepped foyer which also serves as seating along the courtyard.

A simple but elaborate extension of the staircase landing space is used as an open meditation area with a Mexican dome as its crown, and a bridge with skeletal steel frame which lend interest. The minimal handrail along the bridge maintains the permeability and visual connectivity within the house. As the spaces are planned to look inwards to the central double-height area, they exude an innate sense of openness without compromising on functionality. As one steps onto the bridge, a long articulated window adorns the entire northern and eastern facade — with variations in transparency and materiality. It leads to a well shaded and landscaped terrace.

The material palette

Each space is a conscious amalgamation of natural finishes like exposed brickwork and rubble masonry for walls, textured exposed concrete, filler slab and brick-dome for ceiling. The use of colourful handmade Athangudi tiles and oxide flooring creates a luxurious ambience and a sense of nostalgia as it ages gracefully over time. A fine balance of natural finishes, metal, traditional elements along with minimal decor defines the character of the house.