A spirited, vernacular home in Kurnool by Aishwarya Somisetty boasts fine artistic flair.

To build in the vernacular is to allow one's home to speak the language of the heart; to hear the walls tell tales of years forgotten. One such home, located in the historic city of Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, is this 3000-square-foot family home that seamlessly incorporates local materials and techniques into its contemporary design. Crafted by architect Aishwarya Somisetty as her first independent project, the three-storey home shows meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the client's preferences. 

As older clients', a primary requirement was for the house to be Vaastu-compliant. Spread across a 30x40 feet plot, the three-bedroom home boasts a thoughtfully designed layout that prioritizes functionality and aesthetic appeal. Upon entering, one is greeted by a double-height living area serenaded by soft cotton curtains that gently sway with the wind. Traditionally referred to as a brahmasthana, this definitive heart of the home dictates the flow of positive Vaastu energy.  To the left, a spacious kitchen, dining, and puja room provide a perfect space for family gatherings and spiritual rituals. On the right, the master bedroom suite offers an intimate retreat. Two additional bedrooms on the upper level provide ample space for guests. Conceptually, the home swings between vernacular and contemporary design and strives to find that perfect balance between the two styles. “The clients’ nostalgic longings for their childhood home and their desire to rebuild them again in this century was the starting point for this home, a unique blend of traditional materials, a contemporary design approach, and a pinch of local artistry thrown into the mix, “says Aishwarya, the lead architect. 

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Architects : Brick and Compass
Area : 3000 sq. ft.
Year : 2022
Website : https://www.instagram.com/brickandcompass/

The dynamic wire-cut brick West façade with strategically placed arches – Kuteeram by Brick and Compass


Living room, a strong vertical volume finished in grey oxide, brick and white elements is balanced with the soft tones of the rattan furniture – Kuteeram by Brick and Compass

Local tandoor stone was utilized for the floors, and grey oxide for the primary wall finish, resulting in interiors with an attractive rustic quality. Specialized labour from Auroville constructed the distinctive feature walls with wire-cut bricks, specifically sourced from Kerala. The floors are elevated by sparkling brass inlay, as per the client's request for flooring details reminiscent of his family home. Terracotta, a popular local material was used in the jaali partition on the first level, as a clever substitute for window grill as well as in the decorative pots of the memorable filler slab in the living volume. The brick complements the overall earthy tone and elements of white, with its warm texture, weaving familiarity throughout the home.


Wire-cut brick wall with wooden console set perfect example for rustic TV room ambience – Kuteeram by Brick and Compass


A colourful surprise, the Pichwai themed kitchen features hand-painted shutters on the lower cabinets. – Kuteeram by Brick and Compass


Neutral toned interiors with greys and whites on the walls. Wooden accents add warmth and depth to the space, elevated by details in brass – Kutteram by Brick and Compass


Wooden staircase adorned with sparkling brass motifs, Long vertical windows with Terracotta Jaali bring setting the character – Kuteeram by Brick and Compass


Paintings of Krishna, Shiva and antique doors sourced from Jodhpur bring in character to the staircase wall – Kuteeram by Brick and Compass

Brick is also used extensively in the impressive façade which limits harsh sunlight into the building. The client’s wife desired to incorporate feminine touches into the screen’s design, and the architect felt that the play of arches brought in the perfect amount of fluidity to an otherwise rigid element. “It was a difficult aspect for me to get right, using bricks to create a curved form for the first time,” explains Aishwarya, who was ecstatic with the final result. The arch is also seen in the door frames of the upper level, bring in character and aids soften the linear design.


The railing for the landing at the second level is done with Nuvocotto terracotta jaali tiles, topped by a concrete handrail finished in grey oxide – Kuteeram by Brick and Compass


Wooden Arched Doors set in Grey Oxide and wire-cut brick walls on the second floor – Kuteeram by Brick and Compass


Wooden Arched Doors set in Grey Oxide and wire-cut brick walls on the second floor – Kuteeram by Brick and Compass


The filler slab ceiling, at double height, is accentuated with terracotta pots – Kuteeram by Brick and Compass

Perhaps the most unique features of the home are its artistic touches. From specifically commissioned paintings of Lord Krishna and vintage doors from Jodhpur at the staircase landing, to the antique-style brass switch plates, the home is dotted with endearing decorative elements. The client’s wife is ardent devotee of Lord Krishna and this interest is playfully translated into the Pichwai Themed painted floor cabinets of the kitchen here, in vivid contrast to the practical modern cabinets above. Even the knobs of the teak wood wardrobes were specially created by local artisans. Kuteeram, or cottage is an appropriate term for this adequate home that reimagines vernacular style in a current setting, allowing its residents to be impacted by the past with the comforts of the present.


Master Bedroom with a Ribbon window finished with Grey Oxide in contrast to exposed wire-cut brick feature wall - Kuteeram by Brick and Compass


Master Bedroom finished with Grey Oxide in contrast to exposed wire-cut brick wall, wooden wainscoting add warmth to the entire space - Kuteeram by Brick and Compass


Guest bedroom on the second floor is anchored by an inbuilt floor-mounted bed in teak wood, whose headboard extends into panelling on the walls – Kuteerm by Brick and Compass


Wardrobes made of wood and rattan elements, In-built study desk punctuated with CNC-cut Indian design motifs – Kuteeram by Brick and Compass




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