Sited on the outskirts of Bengaluru, the aptly christened Villa Maati is an ode to vernacular architecture and embraces the serene beauty of the surrounding coconut plantations. The clients sought a tranquil haven that would offer solace from the relentless chaos of city life. Vijay Narayanan and Appachu Nanjappa, co-founders and principal architects at Studio 4A, were entrusted with the task of designing an ecologically sensitive home that relied on natural light and ventilation.
As per the client brief, the architects looked towards traditional climatic responses, embracing elements like wide-open courtyards, inter-connected verandahs and natural building materials. The duo collaborated on an eco-friendly design to manifest the client's vision of a retreat farmhouse near Bengaluru for family and friends. They strived for a spatial experience that seamlessly connects the indoors and outdoors, fostering a harmonious fusion.
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Sprawling across 8,150 square feet, the habitable spaces of this farmhouse near Bengaluru are strategically spaced between existing chikoo and mango trees, forming courtyards and pathways around a central pool. The entertainment block hosts the living, dining, kitchen and powder room, while the five-bedroom private spaces are placed around the pool with careful articulation of volumes and spatial relationships. Three bedrooms are on the ground floor, while the other two are on the upper level. Pitched tiled roofs, deep verandahs as shading devices, courtyard-centric planning for good ventilation and similar design interventions describe the home’s architectural narrative.
“The main entrance opens into the entertainment block, providing direct access to the living room. One of the standout features of this home is that the facade and the roof have fully expandable fenestrations. This thoughtful design choice allows for a seamless integration that invites the natural surroundings into the living spaces. Semi-open connections throughout the structure passively cool the interiors, creating an atmosphere of tranquillity and comfort,” says Appachu Nanjappa.
“Architecture finds a contemporary language to traditional building materials. We have ensured that all the spaces have something special to experience. The central courtyard has a 2,000-square-foot pool to which the verandahs open up,” says Narayanan.
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All the spaces open on multiple sides to incorporate natural light and ventilation into the building's design. The verandahs offer shade, helping mitigate the impact of direct sunlight and providing a comfortable outdoor space that can be used in various weather conditions. The house is a testament to the revival of cultural roots within any environment and is thoughtfully crafted in harmony with its context, resulting in a tranquil abode sensitive to its environment.
Styling by Ananya Sampath and Pooja Satish
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