The “Courtyard House/Thotti Mane” represents a harmonious blend of contemporary living and traditional Indian architecture, where cherished childhood memories find a place alongside modern comforts. Nestled in a tranquil environment, this sustainable 3-BHK dwelling places utmost importance on the central courtyard, the soul of the home. By seamlessly integrating their cultural heritage into a modern residence, the client’s vision has given birth to a captivating reinterpretation of the timeless Thotti Mane design. This sustainable architectural endeavour encapsulates the essence of tradition and innovation, pushing the boundaries of contemporary design while making it a true embodiment of responsible and eco-conscious living.

The client’s brief expressed the desire for a modern home that honoured their cultural heritage through the integration of traditional elements. Understanding their strong inclination to create a space reminiscent of their grandparent's home and their openness to new ideas, we invested significant time in optimizing the house’s layout to maximize space and natural light. Taking the liberty to bring a unique and meaningful element to their modern residence, we suggested incorporating a fresh interpretation of the traditional internal courtyard, known as “Thotti Mane” in Kannada, that truly resonated with their vision. 

Bangalore,Karnataka,India

Architects : Alkove-Design
Area : 3788 sq. ft.
Year : 2023
Website : https://www.instagram.com/alkovedesign

Exterior view of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Exterior view of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Entrance Porch of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Entrance Porch of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Courtyard of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design

To ensure privacy amidst neighbouring houses, we ingeniously created an outdoor space using the internal courtyard. This provided a serene and secluded outdoor area that seamlessly blended with the rest of the house. However, the project presented planning constraints, primarily due to the limited plot area. We adapted by designing a downscaled courtyard, effectively maximising space utilization and encouraging increased activity within the confined area. 

The project employs various strategies to maximize reuse, minimize waste, and reduce carbon footprints. The house maintains a naturally cool living environment by incorporating exposed brick and compressed earth blocks, even in the hottest months. A skylight ceiling floods the courtyard with abundant natural daylight, creating an inviting space for diverse activities while optimizing ventilation and energy savings throughout the day.


Entrance view of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Courtyard of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Courtyard of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Living of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design

In line with sustainability goals, we integrated solar-powered energy systems and strategically designed cross ventilation, minimizing the building's environmental impact and offering long-term cost savings. These sustainable systems significantly contributed to minimizing the project's operational carbon footprint. 

In addition to its environmental considerations, the "Courtyard House/Thotti Mane" project embraces the principles of inclusive design. The entire woodwork of the house has been expertly crafted using reclaimed wood sourced from the local area. Meticulous attention to detail is evident in the on-site crafting of all wooden furnishings, including the four-poster bed, sofa, dining table, and courtyard swing, ensuring they perfectly complement the home’s aesthetic. 


Living of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


View from living room of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Dining of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Kithcen of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Kithcen of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Staircase of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


First floor view of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Master Bedroom of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Master Bedroom of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Bedroom of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Bedroom of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Covered Terrace of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design

Throughout the house, a captivating blend of traditional handmade tiles showcases the artistry of the Chettinad region. The Attangudi tiles, artfully interspersed with yellow Jaisalmer tiles and green marble, create a stunning and distinctive finish. The courtyard also boasts local Sadarahalli stone and Athangudi tiles, establishing a beautiful and enduring outdoor space.

The project skilfully weaves together traditional and modern elements through a thoughtful selection of bold patterns, varied textures, and a wide range of materials. This approach achieves the desired traditional look, supports sustainability, and highlights the project’s innovative approach. Through this harmonious blend of styles, the project not only brings people together to celebrate their cultural heritage but also serves as a testament to how sustainable design can play a pivotal role in shaping a more eco-friendly and culturally vibrant future.


Covered Terrace of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Open Terrace of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


East Elevation of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


North Elevation of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


South Elevation of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


West Elevation of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Ground Floor Plan of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


First Floor Plan of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Terrace Plan of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Section A-A of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Section B-B of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design


Section C-C of Courtyard House by Alkove-Design




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