Vernacular architecture is based on design & construction that is specific to the place, regional climate and occupation of the people. However, the attraction of easy and fast construction has unfortunately overthrown the glory of vernacular architecture and belittled the traditional building culture of India. ‘Gnana Illam’, a 2600sqft house in Ammapatti, Tamil Nadu, designed by Ar Noel Jerald V, is an attempt to merge rusticity of vernacular architecture and the advantages of modernization.

The architectural design of ‘Gnana Illam’ takes its inspiration from the rural landscape around it. Full consideration has been given to the open spaces that connect the house to the village street. As observed in the village, the street forms an essential part of the dwelling; hence the absence of compound wall in the project ensures the bond of the house with the surroundings. The plan form reflects the simplicity which is shown in geometric rectangular fashion in three dimensions. The appropriate massing of a G+1 floor structure provides additional open spaces as terraces. Additionally, the wall openings frame the scenic vistas of the Western Ghats and the adjacent farm lands, each one offering a different perspective view. Also, the long strips of kadappa louvers in the openings offer perfect ventilation and view of the garden while providing privacy to the residents and transparency to the enclosed spaces.

The approach to the house from south east side obtains the view of the house as a cube in to which spaces are carved out. The entrance is accentuated by double height internal courtyard giving the feel of grandness. The sense of privacy is subdued here as it acts as a meeting and gathering space for the residents with neighbours. This court protects the house from south sun while welcoming the breeze into the house.

  The pergolas covering the court resemble the trellis used for vineyard while casting series of shadows. The double heighted, continuous space of dining and living room is differentiated through levels and is lit through skylight and appropriately placed windows. The family room opens up to the private courtyard garden, which follows the same language as the entry court. Being on the north side, this courtyard provides daylight and ventilation to the bedrooms on both floors throughout the day. The study room at first floor is visually connected to dining and family room. The large balcony above the living room is used for outdoor sitting and sleeping. The semi-covered balcony opens into the entrance court as well as private courtyard garden while blocking the neighbour’s visibility on east side.

  The large openings on all the sides of the house keep it well lit and ventilated, in a way providing a connection between wthe indoors and the outdoors. All the spaces inside the house are meticulously connected such that all parts can be viewed from any point in the house. On the west side the sun is barred by box sun shade. The slit in the RCC box sunshade gives the two materials individuality of mud and RCC, while letting the direct breeze from north and south side meet and cool the bed room.

The use of appropriate material and technique makes the house an admirable example of cost effective solution in building construction. While, the filler slab reduces the bulk of the otherwise substantially weighty RCC slab, the stabilized mud block load bearing walls were easily erected by the local masons with little supervision. Mud from the site itself was used thereby reducing the transportation and construction cost. The blocks were stabilized with 5% cement for strength and then used for constructing the walls. This in turn reduces the amount of heat absorbed by the walls and keeps the interior cool. The entire façade of the house is finished in exposed mud blocks to reveal the elegance of the earth, its colour, texture and the versatility of the various forms in which it can be used from the plant bearing garden soil to the bricks for shelter. The Mud Caps are well arranged creating different patterns is each room.

  The ‘Gnana Illam’ house portrays the era of change in construction technology and complements the changing lifestyle. It fulfills the desire for modernization in a local fashion which imbibes a sense of comfort and sympathizes with existing culture.

Project Details

Structure      : Walls: 9” thick stabilized Mud block load bearing walls
Roof             : Clay pots+mud blocks filler slab roof
Built-Up Area : 2600sqft
Cost            : `17 lakhs
Completion    : July 2010