The Summer House is a haven designed for relaxation and indulgence in luxury while fostering connections with the family and loved ones. In 2020, Manoj, an industrialist frequently traveling between Coimbatore, Tirupur, and Kangayam for work, approached Karthikeyan, principal architect at Vishwakarma Design Studio to create a weekend retreat for his family. Their vision was a luxury farmhouse nestled in a lush 100-acre property, surrounded by trees, farmland, and their garment factory, offering picturesque views.

Manoj had two key requests: an abundance of natural light and a focus on courtyards. These elements perfectly aligned with the design vision of Karthikeyan. The property features courtyards that flood the space with light, wide walkways and passageways around the courtyards, and customized artisanal furniture that completes the aesthetic. Natural sunlight, open courtyards, and intricate details permeate the house, creating memorable experiences at every turn. The Summer House's natural and neutral palette allows the surrounding landscape and materials to shine. The design language blends nostalgia with contemporary architecture, aiming to highlight comfort, luxury, and tradition. This is evident throughout the house, adorned with personal artifacts and references to the client's background.

Close to the house is a cow shed and duck pond, where the children spend much of their time playing with the animals and exploring the farm. A miniature hand pump was recreated for the kids, allowing them to play and learn how it functions. The property emphasizes nature and outdoor spaces, featuring a veranda, spa, pool, garden, and a children's play area that shapes the flow and character of the spaces.

FACT FILE

A Grounded Layout

The Summer House is meticulously planned on a single level, emphasizing a close connection with its natural environment. Upon arrival, a spacious pathway leads guests to the inviting front verandah, serving as a gateway to the social and formal areas of the home. Here, a tranquil pooja courtyard serves as the centerpiece, flanked by formal living spaces on one side and a dedicated ladies' living area on the other, ensuring a harmonious flow of space.

Elaborately decorated passages further guide visitors deeper into the residence, revealing an inner sanctum characterized by a large, open-to-sky courtyard. This central courtyard is surrounded by bedrooms on either side, offering a private yet airy ambiance that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Towards the rear of the home, the design integrates functional yet aesthetically pleasing dining and kitchen spaces.

Each room is complemented by adjacent verandahs, providing continuous access to natural light and fostering excellent ventilation throughout the day. This seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces not only enhances the living experience but also creates a tranquil atmosphere ideal for relaxation and reconnection with nature and loved ones.

The Social Spaces

A long driveway leads visitors to the front verandah of the house, adorned with a tulsi vrindavan. Ascending a series of steps, guests get their first glimpse of the surroundings. The sloping roof, adorned with Mangalore tiles, and the intricately carved solid wood entry doors blend contemporary style with vernacular architecture. Through wooden-framed windows, glimpses of the first courtyard beckon, hinting at the seamless integration of traditional and modern elements within.

Upon entering, guests are greeted by a formal courtyard exuding grandeur. At its center stands a mural of Lord Ganesha, meticulously crafted in Gwalior mint stone by artisans from Jaipur. The verandah features concrete pillars clad in hand-dressed grey granite, while the flooring and steps showcase the craftsmanship of artisans from Bangalore and Pondicherry, using hand-dressed stone. Fossil slate stone adorns the surrounding walkways and entry areas, complementing the courtyard's rich textures. Ample seating on both sides of the entry door invites relaxation and interaction, offering a welcoming space for guests to enjoy a soothing cup of tea.

Adjacent to the courtyard, a formal living space radiates grandeur and luxury beneath its sloping roof. A spacious seating arrangement, elegantly furnished with floral designs, invites guests to gather and unwind. A mosaic tile centerpiece adds a touch of tradition, while a carefully selected chandelier enhances the room's vintage charm. Large windows open onto the surrounding deck and landscape, seamlessly blurring the line between indoor comfort and outdoor beauty. This design maximizes natural light and ventilation, enhancing the overall living experience with picturesque views.

A dedicated ladies' room provides a private space for gatherings and conversations, featuring ample seating and a minimalistic design that mirrors the formal living area. Large windows open onto side verandahs and the surrounding landscape, ensuring a continuous connection with the outdoors. This thoughtful design not only enhances natural light and ventilation but also creates a serene environment where occupants can enjoy privacy while remaining immersed in the natural beauty that surrounds the house.

A Private Courtyard

Upon entering the main part of the house beyond the first courtyard, visitors are greeted by a central courtyard that serves as the focal point of the home. This expansive, open-to-sky courtyard features wooden columns at each corner, emphasizing its grandeur. Surrounding passages showcase murals, paintings, and artworks that contribute to the welcoming atmosphere, enriching the space with cultural and aesthetic elements. The flooring of the courtyard is artfully composed of a blend of tiles and pebbles, creating a mosaic-like artwork that adds to its visual appeal. This central space functions as the heart of the house, where family members gather to bond and spend quality time together, fostering a sense of unity and homeliness.

Moving towards the rear of the house, the dining area is strategically positioned between the central courtyard and the rear verandah. Designed to expand seamlessly when doors open, it transforms into a spacious gathering area ideal for dining and conversations during gatherings and parties. The décor is elegantly simple, centered around a large dining table complemented by chairs that enhance the inviting atmosphere. Highlighting the dining area is its vintage-style worn-out tile flooring, adorned with prints that evoke an old-world charm, contributing to the space's cozy ambiance for enjoying meals and socializing with family and friends.

Summer House embodies opulence, warmth, and a sophisticated farm-life experience. Surrounded by lush natural surroundings and bathed in gentle natural and warm lighting, every detail, from the charming animals to the meticulously crafted furniture, contributes to its narrative as a serene getaway—a haven where relaxation, reconnection, and meaningful conversations with loved ones thrive.

This harmonious blend of luxury and natural beauty ensures that the Summer House not only offers comfort but also fosters cherished moments and lasting memories for all who enter its doors.

To watch the complete home tour, peruse the drawings in detail, and browse additional photographs, visit Buildofy. While there, don’t miss out on the other impressive contemporary homes in Tamil Nadu and across India.