Vaazh: Earth, Air, and Curves Vaazh: Framing nature
Project Factual Data
In an era where urbanity often overshadows the natural, stands VAAZH – a testament to the seamless integration of modern living with nature. This project was designed by VY Architectural Studio under the leadership of Ar. Venkatesh & Ar. Yogalakshmi embodies our firm’s commitment to creating spaces that respect local ecosystems while meeting contemporary needs. VAAZH is more than just a house; it’s a living, breathing entity that bridges the gap between urban lifestyles and rural serenity.
VAAZH’s most striking feature is its innovative curved wall that winds through the courtyard, serving aesthetic and functional purposes. The project showcases a harmonious blend of traditional Tamil architecture and modern design elements, utilizing local materials such as mud and river rocks. Its location in Vedanthangal, one of India’s oldest protected regions for migratory birds, significantly influenced the design approach, resulting in a home that welcomes both human and avian inhabitants.
The journey through VAAZH begins with the thinnai, a raised, covered verandah that serves as a transitional space between the public and private realms. This traditional Tamil architectural element fosters community interaction while maintaining privacy for the residents. At the core of VAAZH lies a central courtyard, the nucleus around which all other
spaces revolve. A curvilinear wall gracefully winds through this space, offering protection from the harsh western sun while creating a sculptural element that invites exploration. Perforations in the curve cast intricate shadow patterns on the oxide floor, reminiscent of dappled sunlight through leaves. Every space within VAAZH maintains a visual connection to the courtyard, ensuring a constant dialogue between the interior and exterior. This open layout promotes natural ventilation and creates a sense of expansiveness within the 1500 sq ft home.
The living and dining spaces flow seamlessly from the courtyard, embodying the concept of indoor-outdoor living. Large openings frame views of the surrounding landscape, bringing nature into the daily lives of the inhabitants. The curved wall extends beyond its role as a sun shield, transforming into an unconventional staircase that invites climbing. This playful element connects the ground floor to the roof, creating a three-dimensional recreational area that appeals to both children and adults. The kitchen design respects traditional Tamil cooking practices while incorporating modern amenities. Its location allows for easy access to the courtyard, facilitating outdoor dining experiences.
The bedrooms are designed as calm retreats, with carefully placed openings that frame views of the surrounding nature. The use of natural materials and earthy color palettes creates a soothing atmosphere conducive to rest. The accessible roof serves as an extension of the living space, offering panoramic views of the Vedanthangal landscape. It’s designed as a platform for stargazing and bird watching, further connecting the inhabitants with their natural surroundings. VAAZH employs a hybrid construction technique that combines traditional mud architecture with modern structural systems. The walls are constructed using compressed earth blocks, enhancing thermal mass and reducing the carbon footprint of the building.
Strategically placed openings throughout the house frame specific views of the landscape, creating living pictures that change with the seasons. These openings also facilitate
cross-ventilation, reducing the need for mechanical cooling. The design of VAAZH is deeply rooted in passive cooling strategies. The courtyard acts as a thermal chimney, drawing hot air up and out of the living spaces. The curved wall provides shade during the hottest parts of the day while allowing the cool morning sun to penetrate the interiors.
Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated into the design, with the courtyard serving as a natural collection point. The perforated curved wall allows rainwater to cascade into the courtyard, creating a sensory experience during monsoons. Solar panels on the roof provide clean energy, making VAAZH largely self-sufficient in its power needs.
VAAZH stands as a poetic response to its context- a home that celebrates the climate, culture, and biodiversity of Vedanthangal. It represents a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, offering its inhabitants a sanctuary where the boundaries between inside and outside, built and natural, blur into a seamless living experience.
