Residential
The Modern Courtyard House
Reimagining traditional living for the modern urban context.
2023
The Challenge
The client, a family deeply rooted in tradition, desired the communal feel of a traditional ‘Thinnai’ home. However, the site was a compact urban plot in a dense neighborhood of RS Puram, offering limited privacy and significant noise pollution from the adjacent street. The challenge was to create an open, airy home that felt expansive while turning its back on the chaotic urban environment.
The Solution
We adopted an inward-looking design strategy. The house is centered around a double-height, skylit courtyard that acts as the lungs of the home. This central void brings in diffused natural light throughout the day and facilitates stack ventilation, pushing hot air out through top vents.
The exterior facade is intentionally minimal and solid to block noise, while the interiors open up completely to the courtyard. A modern interpretation of the ‘Thinnai’ (veranda) was created at the entrance, serving as a transition space between the public street and the private home.
Key Features
Skylit Courtyard
Central light well reducing artificial lighting needs.
Passive Cooling
Stack effect ventilation lowers indoor temp by 3-4°C.
Privacy Screen
Jali brickwork facade for privacy without blocking air.
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