COURTYARD HOUSE Ahmadnagar

The Courtyard House is planned with two parallel double storey blocks on either side of an open-to-sky court; connected at the upper level, by a 10’ wide terrace bridge. The entire structure is united by a long sloping Mangalore tiled roof. A rough Nevada stone clad loggia forms an inviting foyer for the home, its Warli painted masonry and square openings giving a wada like feel to the space. Inside the house, a cozy living room is illuminated by a large glazed wall overlooking a serene landscaped court. Semi-private spaces like the dining room and kitchen flow into the family room, with services strategically concealed towards the back of the house. The courtyard acts as the pivotal element, forming the connecting link between primary functional spaces; and essentially, between all family members, its attractive ambience encouraging outdoor living, and promoting a spiritual connection between the residents and their natural environment. A central mango tree along with a seated Buddha sculpture lends the open space a sense of calm, transforming the semi open verandah into a contemplative retreat, complete with a rustic wooden swing. Towards the east, the greenery filters into the grandparents’ room, to fuse with a private semi-covered verandah; beyond which, a vehicular entry allows a car parking space. A red stucco finished staircase forms a lightwell, illuminating the living spaces through a skylight, as it connects to the basement and the first floor. The first-floor lobby houses a library and study, linking the guest and master bedroom on the west block with the terrace bridge leading to the east block. The suspended connecting lobby overlooks the courtyard below, forming a breezy sit out for the first floor. Bedrooms are provided with bay windows and private sit outs; a hierarchy of private, semi-private and family open spaces ensuring varying degrees of privacy to all inhabitants.