Situated in Thandarai, India, Vaazh House, crafted by Vy Architecture Studio, seamlessly blends cultural heritage with modern design to create a space that is both functional and intimately connected to its environment. The 1,500-square-foot (139-sq-m) home features a perforated curved wall that serves as a dynamic climate buffer.
This strategically placed wall shields the home from the harsh western sun, enabling a playful interaction with light while protecting the interior from intense heat. The dwelling is constructed with natural materials such as compressed earth blocks, mud, and river rocks, so it minimizes its carbon footprint. These materials also enhance the house’s thermal mass, keeping it cool during scorching days and warm on cooler nights.
Designer: Vy Architecture Studio
The home also integrates sustainable design features like rainwater harvesting and solar panels. The courtyard serves as a natural rainwater collection area, with the curved, perforated wall channeling monsoon rains into a mesmerizing flow. Solar panels are installed to supply the house with a renewable energy source, reducing its reliance on external electricity.
The home’s layout is organized into three different zones. The communal area comprising the thinnai (a traditional covered veranda for socializing), living room, and courtyard are interconnected, fostering an open and welcoming atmosphere. The more private sections, including the kitchen and bedrooms, are arranged linearly, ensuring privacy while maintaining the overall sense of openness and connectivity throughout the home.
The interior design of the home is a seamless extension of the surrounding natural red landscape, featuring exposed mud-brick walls and flooring that lend a warm, earthy feel throughout the living spaces. Expansive floor-to-ceiling glass walls have been strategically incorporated to invite the lush, landscaped surroundings into the home. This design element ensures that residents can enjoy stunning views of the outdoors, while clever architectural planning maintains their privacy, allowing for a serene living environment.
At the core of the house is the courtyard, serving as the centerpiece of the home’s design. Encircling the courtyard is the perforated curved wall, which offers protection from the harsh afternoon sun. This wall is not simply an architectural component, but it is an inviting space that welcomes natural elements, allowing sunlight and fresh air to filter gently through its perforations. The curve of the wall is more than just a striking sculptural feature, it also provides functionality, as residents can ascend the wall to access the roof.
Vaazh House is more than just a living space – it is a harmonious blend of architecture and the local climate. This thoughtfully designed dwelling embraces its environment through innovative features such as the perforated wall, open roof, and integration of natural elements throughout the interior. The combination of these features creates a rich sensory experience, allowing the residents to feel an intimate connection with the earth beneath them, the rhythm of the rain, and the skies above.
