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Brick & Compass crafts a comfortable and accessible home — using locally-sourced materials — which caters to specific needs and preferences of two senior citizens.
Curated by: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Ravi Varma Photography; courtesy Brick & Compass
The site
Kuteeram is a 3,000-square-foot, three-storied residence designed by Brick & Compass for an elderly couple in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The site, a rectangular plot is surrounded by urban development which is characterised by concrete structures without significant greenery — this played a huge factor in crafting an inward looking plan for the structure. “At the time of assessment, the plot itself did not feature natural vegetation. Despite the absence of green elements on the plot and its immediate surroundings, the generally flat topography allowed for straightforward construction. It is conveniently accessible from the main road, allowing for easy connectivity,” informs Aishwarya Somisetty, principal architect, Brick & Compass.
The brief
The clients requested a vastu influenced floor plan which considered their age and allowed accessibility and ease of movement through the various areas of the house. They sought a warm and inviting ambiance with exposed brick, locally sourced materials, and teak wood. A clutter-free, minimalist, easy to maintain interiors with complementing artwork were also key requirements.
The design intent
Aishwarya intended to craft an intimate sanctuary that not only reflects the clients’ unique personalities, but also pays homage to local heritage through vernacular elements and art. weaving cherished memories with vastu principles and modern functionality. By incorporating elements like exposed brick, locally sourced tandoor stone, teak wood furniture, filler slab… the design embraces a heritage-inspired aesthetic.
“In a relatively small space, art needed to make a big impact and bring joy to the client. Integration of filler slabs not only reinforces sustainability but also adds character. This holistic approach aided in creating a space that resonates with the personal journey of the clients,” says Aishwarya.
The spatial configuration
The ground floor has the parking, home office, servant quarters, and a small lotus pond overlooking the opposite greenery. This floor also contains a staircase and lift leading to the residence above. Upon entering the first floor, one is greeted by a double-height living area. Traditionally referred to as a brahmasthana, this definitive heart of the home dictates the flow of positive Vaastu energy. To the left, a spacious kitchen, dining, and puja room provide a perfect space for family gatherings and spiritual rituals. On the right, the master bedroom suite offers an intimate retreat. Staircase tucked in the living area leads to the second-floor housing two bedrooms with attached toilets, one towards the right and the other towards left. Further, this same staircase leads to the terrace above.
The design and material details
The living room is a captivating double-height space that commands attention and brings in a sense of grandeur and volume. The elevated ceiling creates an airy and open atmosphere, allowing natural light to cascade throughout the space. The layout is carefully planned to maximize the visual impact and functionality of this expansive area. A filler slab ceiling, oxide wall, exposed wire-cut brick with herringbone pattern and vertical stack bond (which serves as a backdrop to the TV wall) and tandoor stone with brass inlay provide a rustic yet elegant ambience in this area. Teak wood accents are incorporated in custom furniture and detailing. The neutral-toned upholstery complements the natural materials. While the chandelier lighting which adds an element of drama to this space is sourced from Purple Turtles, the curtains were customised from D’décor. Bricks are brought from Kerala, while the pots for the filler slabs came from Aurovile.
The three bedrooms are designed with a serene and restful ambience in mind. It includes a comfortable bed, wardrobes and study area. Ribbon windows are added to bring in improved ventilation and enhanced aesthetics. The beds are consciously placed against the wall in one of the bedrooms to create more floor space, enhance visual simplicity, allowing easier access and movement within the room.
The bedrooms continue the theme of exposed brick, oxide finished walls, and tandoor stone, creating a consistent vernacular aesthetic. Teak wood is used for furniture, adding warmth, while soft textiles and muted colour palettes contribute to a calming atmosphere. Rattan wardrobes bring in rustic charm and complements the vernacular design style. Wardrobe knobs are customised, few were hand-painted by local artisans while other few were handcrafted in teak wood. The attached bathrooms display a fun play of colours through ceramic tiles of various sizes and shapes.
The kitchen swings between traditional and contemporary design and has an efficient layout planning, ample storage, and modern appliances. American Oak from GreenLam is used on the top shutters to balance the vibrant bottom shutters. At the bottom, the client’s fondness for lord Krishna is celebrated in its Paichwai themed painted cabinets. Green forest marble was the perfect choice for counter slab which also continuous to serve as a backsplash.
Fact file
Project: Kuteeram
Client: Prasad Reddy
Location: Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
Area: 3,000 sq ft
Principal architect: Aishwarya Somisetty
Contractor: Vivek Reddy, Affine Spaces
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