Earthy elegance of local materials stand out in this villa in Tamil Nadu

Designed by Srinath Gowtham and Vinoth Kumar of Bhutha Earthen Architecture Studio, this 2,800-square-foot villa is a two-storey affair of earthen materials basking in the rustic tones of terracotta.

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Ensconced within the lush green sprawl of Hosur, a villa in Tamil Nadu invites the soothing sounds of birdsong and the whispers of the breeze, creating an oasis far from the bustling city life.​ This idyllic setting perfectly complements the residence, which is a harmonious blend of thoughtful design and sustainable craftsmanship.

The simple yet rustic entrance in the compound wall with a solid arrangement of Sadar Ali stone and a pathway surrounded by the landscape, leads to the main entry to the residence. The stone slabs, reclaimed from older buildings, are inspired by traditional fencing styles from parts of Karnataka. Studio.f8_

Every detail of this villa in Tamil Nadu reflects a commitment to ecological sensitivity and timeless aesthetics. Each room unfolds its own narrative through distinct architectural elements and finishes—ranging from reclaimed wood to the earthy elegance of Kota stone, terracotta tiles, and lime wall plasters. The deliberate use of eco-friendly materials and techniques fosters a warm, tranquil ambiance.

As one enters the circular guest living room, an interactive space with built-in furniture which recollects the element of thinnai from vernacular architecture. The brick jali wall allows natural light to filter in. This thoughtful feature not only cuts the harshness of the westward heat but also creates an ambient connection to the outdoors. Studio.f8_

The entrance features Green Oxide flooring and poured earth walls. The door is adorned with a motif symbolising the cycle of life, infusing the space with deeper meaning. Studio.f8_

The dining area, connected to a wide passage leads to this space, where a low-seated dining is thoughtfully positioned beside large arched French windows. These windows blur the boundaries between the interior and exterior, inviting natural light and views of greenery into the home. The arched openings further enhance the sense of openness. Studio.f8_

“All materials were sourced locally, considering the region’s climate,” the architects explain. “To ensure effective climate control, roofing techniques like vaulted dome ceilings and arches were employed, lending an architectural sophistication while wrapping the room in year-round comfort.”

Located on a sprawling 13-acre plot, this 3BHK home was designed for a couple based in Bangalore, working in corporate and NGO sectors. Their vision was clear: a home that celebrated natural elements—light, air, and organic forms—while embracing simplicity and environmental consciousness. “Our clients came to us with a unique mindset,” Vinoth notes. “They wanted a home without air conditioning or storage, aspiring to lead a humble and sustainable lifestyle.”

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©f/8 photography studio

“For a city that experiences a hot climate, we had to take a climate-sensitive design approach,” the duo notes. What followed was an exercise in passive cooling: courtyards and lounges were introduced in hot spaces, walls were calmed with lime, and bathrooms were arranged around the periphery to act as a buffer between the sun and habitable spaces. Extensive site studies, including mapping the sun's path and rain patterns, allowed us to optimize ventilation and design spaces that breathe naturally.”

Grounded in their desire to live a low-carbon-footprint lifestyle and inspire their children and community, this residence stands as a testament to the couple's vision—a sanctuary that honours nature and redefines contemporary eco-friendly living.

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The bathroom, framed by serene emerald-green lime-plaster walls, evokes a sense of natural tranquility. Studio.f8_

The house holds a robust and purposeful design. Positioned on a north-facing orientation, the designers employed scientific strategies to align the structure with contemporary needs while embodying a minimal carbon footprint. ​To mitigate solar radiation, the design incorporates an elegant interplay of angular walls and strategically positioned bay windows, reducing heat gain while enhancing energy efficiency. This approach harnesses natural light, minimizing direct sunlight exposure to create a comfortable and sustainably optimized indoor environment.

“The layout has been carefully planned to prioritize privacy and functionality,” Vinoth mentioned. The primary entrance opens into a shared living space, with the kitchen and dining areas thoughtfully connected via a central passage. This passage leads to a staircase that ascends to the private bedrooms on the upper floor. Even the pets enjoy their own dedicated space at the rear, conveniently accessible through the same passage, showcasing the home's inclusive design.

The master bedroom features a balcony with a metal cantilevered structure, with traditional Mangalore tile roofing. Terracotta flooring adds warmth and texture, seamlessly blending with the natural aesthetic of the space. Studio.f8_

Angular Triangle Bay windows. Studio.f8_

The interplay between the built and unbuilt areas creates interactive spaces that seamlessly frame the views of the landscape enhancing the connection to the natural environment. As the architects point out, this aligns with the principles of a sustainable ecosystem where what is made goes back into fueling the community—and not the machines— making it.

The villa in Tamil Nadu seamlessly combines traditional design wisdom with modern innovation, offering a space that balances beauty, functionality, and a deep commitment to sustainability.