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Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift

Architecture

16-07-2025

Photographer : Shamanth Patil Photography

A group of young entrepreneurs briefed us with an idea to serve traditional regional cuisine with a modern twist in their ambitious F&B venture. In a series of brainstorming sessions, this idea translated into a ‘celebration of older ways of life in today’s context’. 

The site, bordered by commercial buildings on both sides and a community park at the rear, occupies 6700 sq.ft. on Jubilee Hills, the sought after address in the city of Hyderabad. The challenge lay in crafting an architectural language by using vernacular construction materials in modern techniques and forms. 

The architectural journey commences at an entrance defined by imposing walls, guiding towards a 25' pitched roof, creating a strong visual anchor. The canopy itself, supported by the tree-like fragmented steel columns, holding the roof at multiple points creates an immersive welcoming experience. This volume transitions seamlessly into a 12-foot flat roof that houses the reception area, revealing a 40-foot-high space characterized by mezzanine levels. It concludes in a serene semi open backyard, housed under a 28' high pitched roof. A careful orchestration of sequence fosters a smooth and seamless flow, allowing one to appreciate the architectural composition. The square glass inserts into the terracotta tile roofing in the front and rear canopy-a modern twist to a conventional design feature-creates a dynamic light and shadow patterns throughout the day, much like the shifting colors of a sunset. 

Hyderabad,Telangana,India

Architects : 23 Degrees Design Shift
Area : 6700 sq. ft.
Year of Completion : 2024
Website : https://www.instagram.com/23degreesdesignshift/?hl=en

Semi-Open seating of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


Semi-Open seating of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


Semi-Open seating of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift

Inside, the split-level dining experiences, allows guests to marvel at the views into the dramatic 40-foot volume, while catching glimpses of the first-floor kitchen. The centre-piece of the space is a sculptural installation, featuring fabric cubes that highlight the rich traditional crafts of the region, including Kalamkari, Pochampally and leather puppetry. The mezzanine level, complete with an inviting bar counter beneath it, flows seamlessly through glass walls into the semi-open rear canopy, creating an organic connection between the backyard and indoor spaces, creating a dynamic and visually engaging architectural composition. 

The backyard of the property features guest seating and a live kitchen. Each seating module is elevated at different levels, providing a sense of privacy without the need for physical or visual barriers—a space within a space emerges without solid barriers, using landscape elements to create private areas. These seating modules are interwoven with landscaped pockets and water bodies to create functional areas that maximize interaction with the natural elements. 


Semi-Open seating of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


Semi-Open seating of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


Semi-Open seating of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


Outdoor Seating of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


Outdoor Seating of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


Outdoor Seating of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


Indoor Seating of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


Indoor Seating of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


Indoor Seating of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


Indoor Seating of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


Bar counter of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


Bar counter of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


Staircase to first floor of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


First Floor Indoor Seating of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift

The project combines traditional materials like handmade bricks and terracotta tiles, symbolising heritage, craftsmanship, and endurance, with contemporary techniques—such as concrete and steel framing—to stabilize and complement their historic integrity. A balance between past and present is created through textures and finishes that evoke nostalgia, paired with the precision of modern construction. The result is a minimalist aesthetic that draws strength from uniformity, yet introduces intricacy through the careful detailing of brick patterns. This combination creates a unique spatial identity that makes the space feel both a wistful remembrance of ‘good-old-days’, whilst embracing modern sensibilities.


First floor view of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


First floor semi-open seating of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


Mezzanine floor indoor seating of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


Mezzanine floor view of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


Dusk light exterior view of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


Ground Floor Plan of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


First Floor Plan of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


Second Floor Plan of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


Roof Plan of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift


Section AA of Forefathers by 23 Degrees Design Shift



Tags
cafes
architecture
2024
india
telangana
hyderabad
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