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Architecture

05-01-2026

Photographer : Shamanth Patil Photography

Text provided by Architect

Set in the semi-urban landscape of Gokak, The Skylight Villa is a climate-responsive residence designed to harmonize with the region’s hot and dry conditions. The architectural layout emphasizes clear zoning, sustainability, and a strong connection with nature, making it both functional and comfortable.

The ground floor is organized with a distinct separation between public and private spaces. Towards the front of the house lie the foyer, living, dining, puja, and kitchen areas—spaces meant to be accessible and welcoming for both residents and guests. In contrast, bedrooms and a family lounge are tucked into the rear corners, ensuring privacy and tranquillity. At the heart of the layout is a central courtyard, which serves as a spatial and visual anchor. This open-to-sky feature improves cross-ventilation, brings in natural light, and facilitates fluid movement throughout the house.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the villa makes full use of passive cooling strategies. Large openings in each room offer visual access to greenery and promote airflow, while shaded sit-outs and landscaped gardens on both the north and south sides extend the living space outdoors. These design choices not only reduce dependence on mechanical cooling but also foster a close relationship with nature.

Belgaum,Karnataka,India

Architects	:	Ar. Yuvaraj Chougule & Associates
Area	:	10000 sq. ft.
Year of Completion	:	2023
Website	:	https://www.instagram.com/ar.yuvarajchougule/

Exterior view of The Skylight Villa by Ar. Yuvaraj Chougule & Associates

Aerial view of The Skylight Villa by Ar. Yuvaraj Chougule & Associates

Entrance of The Skylight Villa by Ar. Yuvaraj Chougule & Associates

Lawn of The Skylight Villa by Ar. Yuvaraj Chougule & Associates

Foyer of The Skylight Villa by Ar. Yuvaraj Chougule & Associates

Living room of The Skylight Villa by Ar. Yuvaraj Chougule & Associates

Courtyard of The Skylight Villa by Ar. Yuvaraj Chougule & Associates

Dining of The Skylight Villa by Ar. Yuvaraj Chougule & Associates

Kitchen of The Skylight Villa by Ar. Yuvaraj Chougule & Associates

Pooja Mandir of The Skylight Villa by Ar. Yuvaraj Chougule & Associates

First floor view of The Skylight Villa by Ar. Yuvaraj Chougule & Associates

Family lounge of The Skylight Villa by Ar. Yuvaraj Chougule & Associates

Moving to the first floor, the layout centres around a dramatic glass bridge that spans the courtyard below. This bridge connects the two wings of the upper level and reinforces the home's vertical transparency, allowing views across different levels. It also enhances the openness of the house, making the circulation space an architectural feature in itself.

Around this central bridge are a mix of private and semi-private spaces. A family lounge forms the social core of the floor, opening out onto terraces that encourage outdoor living. There are three bedrooms, each positioned to ensure privacy and outfitted with balconies that offer serene views and a sense of personal retreat. The staircase connects directly to the glass bridge, reinforcing smooth movement across floors.

Bedroom 1 of The Skylight Villa by Ar. Yuvaraj Chougule & Associates

Bedroom 2 of The Skylight Villa by Ar. Yuvaraj Chougule & Associates

Bedroom 3 of The Skylight Villa by Ar. Yuvaraj Chougule & Associates

Bedroom 4 of The Skylight Villa by Ar. Yuvaraj Chougule & Associates

Bedroom 5 of The Skylight Villa by Ar. Yuvaraj Chougule & Associates

Dusk light exterior view of The Skylight Villa by Ar. Yuvaraj Chougule & Associates

The second floor is dedicated to leisure and wellness. A spacious recreation room sits at its core, designed to host fitness equipment, games, and informal seating. This room is surrounded by open terraces, allowing for panoramic views and natural ventilation. Adjacent to this is a home theatre, acoustically treated to create a dedicated entertainment zone for family gatherings.

A standout feature here is the glass skylight, which brings soft, diffused light into the circulation areas and echoes the transparent design language established by the glass bridge. The large rooftop terrace further extends the usable space, offering opportunities for outdoor gatherings, yoga, or quiet reflection.

Through a seamless blend of thoughtful zoning, natural ventilation, and meaningful integration with the outdoors, The Skylight Villa exemplifies sustainable, climate-sensitive design tailored for its Gokak setting.