A Group of young entrepreneurs briefed us with an idea to serve traditional regional cuisine with a modern twist in their ambitious F&B venture. In a series of brainstorming sessions, this idea translated into a ‘celebration of older ways of life in today’s context’; hence the name Forefathers. This analogy is further translated into the architectural language by ‘use of vernacular construction materials in modern techniques and forms‘, forming the base line of the whole space.
The site is located in Jubilee Hills road no 45, the sought after address for most of the high-end restaurants and clubs in the city of Hyderabad. The challenge was in crafting a vernacular material palette that reflected a refined sophisticated look, while at the same time valuing elegance in every facet of life. The site, bordered by commercial buildings on both sides and a community park at the rear, features a concrete-steel composite structure with ground plus two floors and an intermediate mezzanine level within the triple-height space.
The architectural journey commences at an entrance defined by imposing walls, guiding towards a 25' pitched roof, creating a strong visual anchor. This volume transitions seamlessly into a 12-foot flat roof that houses the reception area, revealing a 40-foot high indoor interior space characterized by mezzanine levels, enhancing spatial dynamics. It concludes in a serene semi open backyard, under a 28' high pitched roof. This carefully orchestrated sequence of spaces fosters a smooth and seamless flow, appreciating the architectural composition.
The proposed structure—conceptualised in collaboration with RE Associates—is characterized by a series of three expansive, terracotta gable roof canopies. The front and rear canopies are semi open, while the central one houses the indoor facilities. The front and rear canopies are supported by the tree-like fragmented steel columns, holding the roof at multiple points. Square glass inserts into the terracotta tile roofing adds a modern twist to this conventional design feature, creating a lively drama of shadow casts at the entrance.
The central canopy soaring at 40-foot high roof, masterfully combines steel and concrete.
This dynamic space houses not just indoor seating, but also creates a vibrant setting for music performances and split-level dining experiences. Guests can marvel at the striking views down into the dramatic 40-foot volume while catching glimpses of the first-floor kitchen. The thoughtfully positioned mezzanine level, complete with an inviting bar counter beneath it, flows seamlessly through glass walls into the semi-open rear canopy, creating an organic connection between the backyard and indoor spaces. This design approach offers a balance between enclosed and open spaces, creating a dynamic and visually engaging architectural composition.
The backyard of the property, adjacent to a community park with dense vegetation, features guest seating and a live kitchen. Each seating module is elevated at different levels, providing a sense of privacy without the need for physical or visual barriers—a space within a space emerges without solid barriers, using landscape elements to create private areas. These seating modules are interwoven with landscaped pockets and water bodies—a scheme, strategically curated by Studio Gaea—to create functional areas that maximize interaction with the natural elements. The semi-open areas in the front and side yards feature a composite glass-terracotta tile roofing system that renders dynamic light and shadow patterns throughout the day, much like the shifting colors of a sunset. Square glass inserts allow sunlight to cast moving shadows, which change in geometry with the sun's angle, bringing the space to life.
The project draws on the concept of "forefathers" by combining traditional materials like handmade bricks and terracotta tiles with modern construction methods. These materials symbolize heritage, craftsmanship, and endurance, while contemporary techniques—such as concrete and steel framing— stabilize and complement their historic integrity. A balance between past and present is created through textures and finishes that evoke nostalgia, paired with the precision of modern construction.
The space feels timeless. The architectural concept embodies a paradox of simplicity and complexity, achieved through the use of a single material, terracotta—across the entire spatial envelope. The result is a minimalist aesthetic that draws strength from uniformity, yet introduces intricacy through the careful detailing of brick patterns. This combination creates a unique spatial identity that merges a restrained material palette with rich textural variations.
In this project, the focus on minimizing embodied energy is through material selection—namely red brick, terracotta, and fly ash brick.
Installation- The centre-piece of the lighting design is a sculptural installation, conceptualised by Baaya Design Studio, featuring fabric cubes that highlight the rich traditional crafts of Telangana, including Kalamkari, Pochampally and leather puppetry. This installation embodies a contemporary reinterpretation of tradition, reflecting the ethos of Forefathers by bridging the gap between heritage and modernity, making it resonate with today’s audience.
Team:
Architects: 23DDS
Light installation: Baaya Design Studio
Potted Plants: Studio Gaea
Art Works: Valkyre Clothing
Structural Consultants: RE Associates
Photography: Shamanth Patil
Materials Used:
Plant Troughs are made of exposed cement oxide.
The reception table is crafted with MDF painted in Turquoise duco, and its texture is inspired by the local Ikat pattern.
Terracotta flooring continues throughout the space.
The furniture has been crafted locally and made of black pigmented white oakwood, upholstered in Maroon and oriental green.
The staircase is made of powder coated MS Steel.
The length of this light installation- 24 feet. The patterns used in the lighting installation, by Baaya Design Studio, are rooted to Hyderabad and its varied art forms. It features the state’s traditional kalamkari, pochampally, ikat and leather puppetry crafts amongst others, symbolising the modern twist on tradition that Forefathers embodies.
