architecture
KOYYĀ HOUSE
Location Ediyanchaavadi, Tamil Nadu
Status Completed, 2019-2021
Area 4500sft
The house is designed as a bridge between the surrounding nature and the human need for refuge. There were three main connections to the site, that unfolded the design - connect with nature, connect with the sky and connect with oneself.
The heart of the house containing the family room and dining, forms the central spine of the house. The constant use of this space throughout the day made us want to treat this part with a different warmth and texture. The heart opens out to the Koyya (guava in Tamil) court in the west and the edible garden to the east.
This delicate transitionary space between the outside and inside has been framed by local materials such as the Achikal brick walls on either side, the combination of Kadappa and jack arch roof with varying heights and painted by the local Attangudi tiles and Kadappa stone on the floor.
This was a design gesture to celebrate the bridge between the inside and the outside by treating the space with local materials that create harmony with the surroundings and regulate the temperature while bringing in plenty of natural light.
Nature
connecting with the earth, nature through an open living/dining space. With no walls diving these activities, a free flow of space with the views of guava tree court to one side and green opens to the other.
Sky
silver of the sky can be seen from the entrance foyer through the window over the staircase lobby, maintaining this constant connection at one's arrival.
Habitat
the space for rest, bedrooms, entrance foyer, store and kitchen.
materials used in the project
Achikal masonry
Kadappa roof and floor
Exposed Cement
Jackarch roof
IPS (oxide)
Attangudi tiles
Achikal is a brick used for masonry with a different dimension as compared to the regular burnt bricks. Achikal is a local brick size from Tamil Nadu. Due to its smaller height, exposed Achikal work is more labour intensive and celebrates a different aesthetic.
Jackarch roof is a local roofing technique using hollow terracotta blocks in a series of arches. This system of roofing helps span larger spaces, reduces the use of reinforcements and maintains thermal comfort. This type of roofing is labour intensive and involves specialised shuttering as well as cleaning and pointing after the roof is completed.
IPS (Indian patented stone), commonly known as Oxide, is an age-old flooring system used in India. It is a cement-based floor with the use of coloured oxides to create different colours of flooring.
Attangudi Tiles are traditionally made in Attangudi, Chettinad area of Tamil Nadu. They use the local sand of the region to make these tiles. The tiles are known for their durability and celebrate local craftsmanship with their beautiful patterns and colours.
