Ayana by From Around Here

Nestled in the bustling temple town of Udupi, a place that draws people with its quiet charm, a couple envisioned their three-bedroom apartment as a spacious sanctuary. Deeply rooted in the town’s culture and customs, they embraced its spirit, allowing the essence of Udupi to guide their home design. Their affection for the surrounding farms, the temple, and the town’s revered Rathabeedi, which is the path along which the chariot moves in reverence to the presiding deity - is profound. Beyond its religious significance, the Rathabeedi is a cultural and social spine where daily life, gatherings, and celebrations naturally unfold. The clients see themselves as akin to the chariot, moving in alignment with the town’s rhythm, which perhaps explains their deep connection to this place.

The home greets the morning sun through its east-facing balcony. This space, adjacent to a quiet area, was reimagined to create a warm living room and spacious dining area, allowing sunlight to fill the core of the home. The west-facing spaces, on the other hand, are kept cool and shaded. In refining the layout to reflect the spirit of Rathabeedi, we encountered a prominent structural column - an element we knew had to be central to the design. This column became the connective axis of the home, with the pooja space marking the first point of arrival. From this center, the living, study and dining areas flow around the column. Framing the far end of this axis are Dashavatara paintings, a long-desired feature by the clients, transforming the column from a mere passage into a focal point - a space where movement and daily life naturally converge. The use of neutral colors and earthy tones throughout the home evokes the warmth and grounded ambiance reminiscent of a temple square.