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Architecture

2022

Photographer : Onebox

SITH Villa, designed for a family of four, is situated near Vellore along the Chennai-Bengaluru highway. Surrounded by agricultural landscapes, the villa is a model of serene living, innovative design, and sustainable architecture. It integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings while redefining modern sustainable living.

The villa's linear site posed unique design challenges but also provided opportunities to create interconnected spaces that enhance the living experience. The design strategy involved breaking this linearity by introducing open spaces between structures, serving as transitional zones that blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. These spaces are bathed in natural light, cooled by breezes passing through brick jali walls, and foster activities ranging from quiet reading to vibrant social interactions. The spaces are arranged in a hierarchy, ensuring privacy where needed and openness where it enhances the user experience, creating a balanced living environment.

The challenge of linearity also allowed for creative exploration of perspectives and movement within the house. As one moves through the villa, carefully positioned open spaces and interstitial areas offer a dynamic experience, shifting between enclosed and open areas. This rhythmic transition not only improves functionality but also weaves a unique narrative for residents as they experience different spatial qualities throughout their daily interactions with the environment.

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Architects	:	Aagaram Architects
Area	:	2994 sq. ft.
Year	:	2022
Website	:	https://www.instagram.com/aagaramarchitects?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Exterior view of SITH Villa by Aagaram Architects

Living room of SITH Villa by Aagaram Architects

Sustainability was a central principle in the design and construction of SITH Villa. A key feature is its rammed earth walls, an ancient construction technique that aligns with contemporary sustainability goals. Rammed earth involves compressing a mixture of local mud into robust walls with excellent thermal properties. These walls help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures by reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling, minimizing the home’s carbon footprint. This technique ensures thermal efficiency and establishes a deep connection to the local environment, as the earth used is sourced from the site itself.

Traditional building methods were also crucial in the home’s design. Rat-trap bonding in certain brick walls, combined with mud mortar, enhances thermal insulation while reducing the number of bricks required, making it a resource-efficient choice. The decision to build the staircase with locally sourced, recycled steel parts from automobiles further emphasizes the commitment to reducing waste and promoting circular economies. This approach to material selection underscores the villa’s dedication to sustainability by reusing resources and minimizing environmental impact.

Materials were carefully selected for their environmental impact and aesthetic contribution. The combination of rammed earth and brick walls, paired with natural finishes, creates a visually appealing and eco-friendly palette that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. Roofing solutions blend tradition and innovation, showcasing the versatility of traditional materials in a contemporary design context. Mangalore tiles, known for their durability and natural cooling properties, top the living room and ground-floor bedroom, ideal for Vellore's hot climate. Complementing these is a Mexican dome in the rear bedroom, adding a unique architectural element and serving as a distinctive feature of the villa.

Living room of SITH Villa by Aagaram Architects

Dining of SITH Villa by Aagaram Architects

External Staircase of SITH Villa by Aagaram Architects

Outdoor Passage of SITH Villa by Aagaram Architects

First-floor bedrooms are sheltered under Rohtak domes, a traditional roofing method that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Rohtak domes, constructed with bricks in a flat dome form, are known for distributing weight evenly, eliminating the need for concrete and shuttering. These domes contribute to the building's sustainability and enhance its visual narrative, creating a dialogue between traditional and modern design elements.

The interior of SITH Villa is a testament to elegance and functionality. Flooring, a mix of oxide finishes and leather-finished Kota stones, was selected for durability and refined aesthetics. These materials add warmth and texture to the interior spaces, creating a cohesive visual experience that ties the house together. Natural light is a crucial design component, with low window sills maximizing daylight inflow. This not only enhances living space comfort but also reduces reliance on artificial lighting, further supporting the home’s sustainable credentials. The windows also frame views of the surrounding landscape, ensuring residents remain connected to nature even indoors.

Court of SITH Villa by Aagaram Architects

Bedroom of SITH Villa by Aagaram Architects

Bedroom 2 of SITH Villa by Aagaram Architects

Entry to bedroom of SITH Villa by Aagaram Architects

SITH Villa is more than just a residence; it is a statement of how thoughtful design and sustainable practices can harmonize to create a tranquil, functional living environment. The villa exemplifies the seamless integration of traditional techniques with modern design principles, serving as a model for future developments aspiring to be both environmentally conscious and aesthetically pleasing. The home’s design reflects a deep understanding of the site, environment, and occupant needs. SITH Villa stands as a testament to what can be achieved when tradition and innovation unite with a shared purpose.