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Architecture

27-08-2026

Text provided by the Architect

Located in the coastal town of Kaup, Udupi, this three-bedroom residence is a spatial narrative of memory and heritage. Designed for a Rajasthani couple who relocated to the west coast, the home translates their personal journey into a physical sanctuary. It serves as an architectural bridge between two distinct regions by blending the inward-focused traditions of Rajasthan with the airy vernacular style of coastal Karnataka.

The journey begins at the central courtyard with a mango tree, the heart of the home that binds public and private zones that hug it. A verandah extends from this core, acting as a threshold that mediates between the lush landscape and the built form. The deep jagli katte (sit-out verandah) acts as a climatic buffer but has intimately become their daily sanctuary for evening chai.

Drawing inspiration from the traditional haveli typology, the foyer transitions into an intimate living and dining area. Local artisans crafted warm red oxide flooring to provide a grounded base for vibrant soft furnishings and rich furniture. The yellow lime plastered walls with blue windows add colour to the living space. Brass lights sourced from Rajasthan punctuate the rooms, while soft eastern light highlights the textured lime walls of the interior. A passageway connecting the dining area to the kitchen features arched windows that frame views of the courtyard to add rhythm and depth, framed further by black oxide lines on the red floor. The fixed seating areas along the main passageway and dining were carved out specifically as vantage points for them to simply gaze out over the seasonal pond and neighboring green fields.

Kaup,Karnataka,India

Architects	:	From Around Here
Area	:	4,280 sq. ft.
Year of Completion	:	2025
Website	:	https://www.instagram.com/from.around.here/

Exterior view of Thresholds of Belonging by From Around Here

Living room of Thresholds of Belonging by From Around Here

As one moves through the house, the atmosphere shifts from earthy and warm to light and airy. The design integrates the jagli katte with the jharokha of Rajasthan. The private quarters are tucked away at the end of the passage. Shaded by traditional Mangaluru tiles and finished in blue and green lime plaster, these bedrooms remain naturally cool. A shared verandah all around the house acts as a buffer zone, extending the rooms into the greenery of the site edge.

Visually, the project embraces a rigorous, contemporary restraint that frames these daily rituals beautifully. We strictly avoided curved walls and heavy embellishments, allowing the crisp, white, linear geometry of the exterior to stand distinctly against the coastal landscape. Inside, the deliberate absence of wall lights and wooden ceiling elements keeps the spaces incredibly airy, directing focus firmly onto the rich red oxide floors, the furniture and the shifting natural light on the lime-washed wall. The outside stands grounded and minimal, while the inside bursts with colours.

Living room of Thresholds of Belonging by From Around Here

Dining of Thresholds of Belonging by From Around Here

Courtyard of Thresholds of Belonging by From Around Here

Corridor of Thresholds of Belonging by From Around Here

Staircase of Thresholds of Belonging by From Around Here

A steep jack wood staircase, a staple of coastal vernacular architecture, leads to the upper floor. This staircase features handcrafted, intricately detailed balusters that showcase local craftsmanship. The upper study area, bathed in light from the north and east, opens onto an expansive terrace. This elevated retreat offers a panoramic view of the garden and the shifting coastal skies to provide a quiet space for contemplation. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the site prioritizes ecological performance through an integrated rainwater harvesting pond.

‘Thresholds of Belonging’ is more than a coastal house. It is a quiet dialogue between two geographies. By merging the architectural languages of Rajasthan and Udupi, the home creates a space where identity and place converge within a timeless landscape.