The commissioning family required easy communication between the areas designated for different households, and since it is comprised of three generations they wanted the project to accommodate both the playfulness of children and the strictness of middle age and the peace of retirement in one space
Courtyard House, from the traditional Indian court house in Madras, a place that embraces both nature and family
Finished in 2021, the Courtyard House stands in a quiet suburb of Kukatpally, located in the northwestern part of Hyderabad, Telangana
Other homes surround the project lot on three sides limiting the light, views and the ventilation. The architects of Urban Narratives understood the client's brief and solved the design challenges by deciding that if nature could not embrace the house, then nature could be embraced by the house itself: thus was born the idea of the inner courtyard and the design of the Courtyard House
Learning from the ancient Chettinad architecture of Madras, the use of the inner courtyard is conveyed as one of the most efficient ways to achieve views, ventilation and light, while connecting the resident family with nature and in addition helping to create balance between built and nonbuilt spaces. As a result, distribution patterns are designed through an interplay of voids and a natural space is created where one can be safe while enjoying the greenery
The visual connection between the spaces facilitates interaction between family members and the courtyard becomes an architectural node that connects all levels of the house, visually and spaciously. In addition, the house is surrounded by a subtle body of water that leads to the family temple: the stone pathway over the water creates the illusion of floating as it guides you to a quieter, more spiritual courtyard
The choice of natural materials for the composition of the Courtyard House is a pleasing and defining element of Urban Narratives' design: wood and white plastered walls complement each other, while an exposed concrete finish adds depth to the details. The entire house is paved with Kota stone except for the master bedroom on the second floor where handmade concrete tiles are used. The outdoor areas have Kadapah stone floors. The house has minimal interiors with niches for all necessary utilities. The wood used is a 300 year old reclaimed solid teak wood which makes the somber texture of the finish another noticeable design feature. The balcony on the second floor houses a tree and serves as a transition between outside and inside
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