Lakshmi Farm House
Aswin Yegappan 

Lakshmi Farm House

RP Architects Pondicherry as Architects

Designing a sustainable vacation home in the middle of lush green tropical farm lands is an exciting challenge that emphasizes harmony with the environment. The design focuses on the thoughtful integration of natural surroundings, passive cooling strategies, and traditional design elements that respect for the land and a desire to create a space that is both comfortable and connected to nature.
The is a nice vast 1-acre land, north south being the longer direction and road access from the east side of the plot. Positioning the farmhouse toward the west half of the plot strategically creates a private zone that is nestled within the fruit orchard, currently in its growing stage. This layout not only enhances privacy but also allows for direct interaction with the burgeoning landscape, fostering a deeper connection with nature as the orchard matures.

photo_credit Aswin Yegappan 
Aswin Yegappan 
photo_credit Aswin Yegappan 
Aswin Yegappan 

When we enter the plot, the gate opens up into a natural path. On the left-hand side, a small caretaker house with a car parking area is built. This path further takes us inside and then revels the farm house set in-between the lush tropical orchard.
The building is design in a pentagon shape allowing us to give direct view from all the rooms and spaces the outside greenery. The farmhouse designed with open spaces that seamlessly integrate with the orchard. Front large verandas or Thinnai facing the orchard provide inviting spaces for relaxation (a tradition foyer area) and rear side large open space acts as an outdoor dining, relaxing seating area which overlooks into a natural pond and orchard. Good overhanging roofs are offered to shade these spaces, making these areas comfortable throughout the day.

photo_credit Aswin Yegappan 
Aswin Yegappan 
photo_credit Aswin Yegappan 
Aswin Yegappan 

The thinnai, or the entrance veranda, serves as a welcoming transition into the home, featuring a beautifully reclaimed wooden door adorned with intricate Tamil carvings. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a striking double-height living area. This spacious design promotes airflow and light, creating an inviting atmosphere. The use of pot roof filler slabs, combined with strategically placed windows at the top of the roof, allows hot air to rise and escape, effectively cooling the space. The lower windows facilitate cross-ventilation, drawing in cool, fresh air from outside, enhancing comfort without relying heavily on mechanical cooling systems.
There are 3 bedrooms and attached bathrooms designed in the house in a minimalistic way. Large windows in the living area and in the rooms invite abundant natural light, illuminating the interior while providing views of the surrounding orchard. The interplay of light and shadow throughout the day creates a dynamic environment that evolves with the sun's position. To enrich the farmhouse's aesthetic and provide each room with a distinct character, stained glass windows have been incorporated throughout the design. This element not only adds a touch of old-traditional charm but also infuses the interiors with color and light, creating a magical atmosphere.

photo_credit Aswin Yegappan 
Aswin Yegappan 
photo_credit Aswin Yegappan 
Aswin Yegappan 

Colour-codes
Yellow – client’s room – warm hues that evoke a sense of cheerfulness and energy, just like her
Green – Grandparent’s room – reflecting the lush surrounding- embodies tranquility and harmony and promoting relaxation 
Blue – Boy’s room - embodies energy and calmness, striking a balance that supports both play and relaxation.
The house has an open kitchen with a built-in dining table which can act as a work space as well. This space is an extension of the living and is connected with the family space.

photo_credit Aswin Yegappan 
Aswin Yegappan 
photo_credit Aswin Yegappan 
Aswin Yegappan 

Materials & Aesthetics
The house is done with minimalistic ecofriendly material choices. The walls are done with exposed bricks, letting the walls breadth and not let the heat penetrate into the indoor spaces.
The inside walls of the room area where plastering was needed, was done with traditional oxide finish, light natural greyish white colour with no colours added to them. 
The flooring of the living, kitchen and bathrooms are made with natural cuddapah and thandur stones- leather finished so natural grip and comfort is provided in all the seasons for the users.
Rooms have inbuilt concrete cots with oxide finish and floor is also done with the same oxide finish. Which makes the space seamlessly flow.
Using 80% reused doors, windows, and ventilators, along with the rest being made from reclaimed wood, adds an impressive layer of sustainability to the design. This approach significantly reduces the ecological footprint by minimizing the demand for new materials, preserving forests, and honoring the concept of reusing existing resources. This not only aligns with the eco-conscious ethos of the home but also lends the farmhouse a sense of history and character through the use of these repurposed materials.
Adding stained glass also adds to this character of the house.
A good layer of roof insulation is done with Aerocon and white tiles, which is a very effective cool roofing method, which we have adapted here.

photo_credit Aswin Yegappan 
Aswin Yegappan 
photo_credit Aswin Yegappan 
Aswin Yegappan 

The balance between traditional elements and modern sustainable practices is what makes this design truly special. By integrating the farmhouse with its tropical surroundings and using eco-friendly materials, it becomes not just a place of relaxation but a living example of how sustainable architecture can coexist with nature.
This approach can inspire others by showcasing how homes can be both beautiful and environmentally responsible. From the use of reclaimed materials to energy-efficient design, it illustrates how sustainability doesn't have to come at the cost of comfort or style.

photo_credit Aswin Yegappan 
Aswin Yegappan 
photo_credit Aswin Yegappan 
Aswin Yegappan 

Team:
Architect: Ramya Prasad, RP Architects
Photography: Aswin Yegappan 

Caption
Caption
Caption
Products Behind Projects
Product Spotlight
News
Powerhouse Company transforms historic church in Rotterdam into new music venue
13 Nov 2024 News
Powerhouse Company transforms historic church in Rotterdam into new music venue

Powerhouse Company has completed the transformation of a historic and disused Mennonite church in Ro... More

CAN adds verdant extension to London terrace
12 Nov 2024 News
CAN adds verdant extension to London terrace

Architectural studio CAN has completed the extension of a terraced house in Stoke Newington, London,... More

QARTA Architektura’s design for new Blum HQ exhibits smart industrial aesthetic
12 Nov 2024 News
QARTA Architektura’s design for new Blum HQ exhibits smart industrial aesthetic

Czech creative studio QARTA Architektura has designed a new Prague-based headquarters for Blum, a le... More

Fujianese restaurant blends traditional Chinese elements with contemporary aesthetics
12 Nov 2024 News
Fujianese restaurant blends traditional Chinese elements with contemporary aesthetics

Located in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, Nin Hao is a new Fujianese restaurant designed by the archite... More

Studio Gang Unveils Expansion at California College of the Arts in San Francisco
12 Nov 2024 News
Studio Gang Unveils Expansion at California College of the Arts in San Francisco

Studio Gang has completed an exciting new expansion for the California College of the Arts (CCA) cam... More

Frankie Pappas and community activists transform GBV hotspot in South African township with bright pink landmark
11 Nov 2024 News
Frankie Pappas and community activists transform GBV hotspot in South African township with bright pink landmark

Frankie Pappas is a collaborative architecture and design studio. The name is a collective pseudonym... More

Open Architecture designs conical Sun Tower as a “cultural lighthouse”
11 Nov 2024 News
Open Architecture designs conical Sun Tower as a “cultural lighthouse”

Beijing-based Open Architecture has completed the Sun Tower, a waterside cultural facility in the Ch... More

Midland Metropolitan University Hospital sets new standard for clinical healthcare design
7 Nov 2024 News
Midland Metropolitan University Hospital sets new standard for clinical healthcare design

Architectural studios HKS, Cagni Williams, and Sonnemann Toon have completed the Midland Metropolita... More