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Architecture

2024

The rural residence is thoughtfully situated on a 9,000 square foot plot in Pappanadu, a village renowned for its rich communal life and cultural heritage in Thanjavur, Tamilnadu. Designed to accommodate a couple and their mother, the objective was to create a distinctive home that not only stands out aesthetically but also remains accessible to the various offerings of the village's vibrant community life. This project emphasizes the seamless integration of minimalist living with the cherished life that define the village.

The concept underlying this residential design revolves around creating an inviting atmosphere for a multitude of elements—guests, natural light, fresh air, and greenery. This north-facing, two-bedroom dwelling is thoughtfully divided into private zones, comprising the bedrooms, and public areas, which are separated by a central passage.

To the east lies a series of communal spaces, including the living room, dining area, and kitchen, all arranged around a central courtyard. This integration of expansive public areas with direct access to the outdoor environment embodies the essence of traditional village living. The design emphasizes a simple, open layout that fosters a sense of community, allowing residents to engage in daily activities within a large, fluid space.

Generous full-height openings and strategically placed shades within the public zones create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow throughout the day, enhancing the aesthetic while ensuring adequate ventilation. This thoughtful design not only promotes comfortable living but also strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor environments, making it an exemplary model for residential architecture.

Thanjavur,Tamil Nadu,India

Architects	:	Bread Architecture
Area	:	3400 sq. ft.
Year	:	2024
Website	:	https://www.instagram.com/bread.architecture/

Front Elevation of The Lown by Bread Architecture

The architectural form communicates a universal language through its formal geometrical planes, which are arranged in a seemingly informal composition. This irregular arrangement with harmony is one of the organic qualities found in nature. The structure appears to rise from the ground.

Beyond its aesthetic impact on the site, the design serves vital functional purposes, providing shade, creating vantage points, and offering support and platforms for various activities.

One of the defining features of the house is the innovative approach to the car parking slab. A tilted cantilever slab, uniquely supported by a single column at its corner, accentuates the structure's integrity and functionality. This design choice not only enhances the visual dynamic but also reinforces the house's structural narrative.

Parking of The Lown by Bread Architecture

Entry of The Lown by Bread Architecture

Entry Steps of The Lown by Bread Architecture

Entrance Passage of The Lown by Bread Architecture

The entryway to the house features steps that appear to float, complemented by a slanted wall that serves as a railing. This design element is what we refer to as the "dramatic approach." Upon reaching the entry landing, one is greeted by a grand single pivot door, measuring ten feet in height and six feet in width, which serves as a striking welcome into the home. From the entry, the space narrows into a passage that leads seamlessly to a steel staircase ascending to the terrace.

Living Area of The Lown by Bread Architecture

The interior of the residence serves as a harmonious extension of its external environment. The minimalist palette, featuring crisp white walls, a subtle gray ceiling, and gray tile flooring, establishes a serene aesthetic. These design elements create a non-saturated, minimalist theme that invites calmness. Complementing this scheme are walnut-textured wooden doors and sleek black-framed full-height sliding windows, which enhance the overall architectural language.

Throughout the interior, one can observe the interplay of levels and lines, forging a connection between the home's layout and the vibrant life of the surrounding village. This relationship is not only functional but also evokes a deep emotional resonance, tying the inhabitants more closely to their community.

Living Area of The Lown by Bread Architecture

Courtyard Feature Wall of The Lown by Bread Architecture

Central to the design is the courtyard, a vital feature that infuses the interior with greenery, natural light, and fresh air. An exposed brick wall serves as a striking focal point within this space, juxtaposing the pristine white walls and adding a layer of texture that enhances the tranquility and freshness of the home. The courtyard, positioned on the eastern side of the house, features a lawn area that provides an inviting space for morning relaxation.

Dining Area of The Lown by Bread Architecture

Kitchen of The Lown by Bread Architecture

Kitchen Island of The Lown by Bread Architecture

Passage from courtyard to staircase of The Lown by Bread Architecture

One of the key design elements of this residence is the meticulously crafted steel staircase. Its design reflects the overall form of the house, seamlessly integrating into the architectural narrative. This stairway is supported by a single stringer beam, with anchoring points only at the top and bottom, allowing for a strikingly minimalist aesthetic. The interplay of lines and planes creates a formal coherence, giving the staircase a distinctive character that serves as a focal point within the expansive, fluid space of the interior.

The staircase features a raw steel finish, emphasizing its industrial beauty. Above, a strategically positioned skylight introduces natural light, illuminating this sculptural element and enhancing its visual impact within the home.