Explore Nature-Centered Design Secrets With This Stunning Puducherry Home
This Puducherry residence by Seeders masterfully embodies biophilic design, harmoniously integrating nature with interior spaces to create a compelling tribute to the natural world.
Copious amounts of natural light, ample ventilation, eco-friendly materials and plenty of greenery, are just some of the key design elements that form the focus of ‘the soul {talks}.’ A Puducherry residence crafted by the biophilic architecture studio Seeders, based in the same city. This south-facing residence is home to a nature-loving family of four spans 2750 sq feet. For the uninitiated Seeders is a fairly new player in the industry. “We started in early 2024 and are deeply inspired by biophilism. We work with the primary focus of bringing nature closer to humans by designing liveable natural spaces” says Principal Architect, D. Dinesh of Seeders.
Open Plan Spatial Design
Located near a 100-feet main road, the soul {talks} is built on a south-facing plot measuring 1800 sq feet. Surrounded by buildings on all three sides, the focus of the entire design was to create airy, cohesive, multifunctional spaces drenched in natural light and filled with as much greenery as possible. “The meaning and purpose of a home has evolved post-COVID from being just a place of residence to a haven where one can work, rest and even rejuvenate. In this context, the importance of nature-centric design can hardly be overemphasised,” explains Dinesh. The firm strives to educate its clients about the value of being amidst nature and incorporating sustainability. “In this case, the clients wanted the space to feel bigger and a place where they would feel safe and relaxed,” adds Dinesh.
The main door leads to a single large open space leading to the focal point of the home, a double-height garden. This space has a living area, a pooja space, and dining areas along with a staircase leading to the floors above. The living space is peppered with seating options like benches, chairs, and sofas sets that have been sourced from Coimbatore’s Capital Grand furniture and set amidst the garden thereby blurring the boundaries between the indoors and the outdoors. The kitchen sits camouflaged behind the staircase and leads to the dining space which acts as a bridge between the living area and the kitchen.
Design In Sync With Nature
The entire space has been designed to incorporate an airy, spacious, and uncluttered aesthetic. The central garden’s striking skylight and Fenesta sliding shutters in the living and dining areas open to a lush setback, flooding the space with natural light. The kitchen also has multiple openings which make the space well-ventilated.
The central space is flanked by Porotherm brick jaalis on both sides which offer excellent thermal insulation to keep the space cool through air circulation. The ample greenery in the balcony space and terrace also serves as an effective cooling agent.
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Muted Palette and Warm Textures
White is the main colour that dominates the entire space. “As specified in the brief, it was intentional to run a single light canvas throughout the residence to make it appear visually bigger than it appears” says Dinesh. The pale green hue of the Kota stone from Somany ceramics used in the flooring, the rustic terracotta shade of the Porotherm blocks and the warm wood tones of the furniture make the whole palette earthy chic. “Having spent their childhood in a typical Chettinad house, the clients love wood. We tried our best to source furniture with a heritage touch and have maintained a similar wood veneer finish for all the fixed wardrobes and cupboards” says Dinesh.
A custom bamboo installation, designed by Seeders and crafted by a local artist, graces the pooja room, serving as both a striking conversation piece and a touch of elegance. The morning light filtering through these bamboo hangings creates a kaleidoscope of enchanting shadow patterns. Different light fixtures from Philips India and Auro Bala Lamps were strategically placed throughout the house, with a variety of lampshades creating a wabi-sabi atmosphere. The central chandelier made from banana fibre diffuses light beautifully and is the soul of the project.
All in all, the Soul {talks} is a great lesson in not only incorporating multiple natural elements but also designing spaces using traditional materials and techniques that promote sustainability and maximize the impact of climate adaptation solutions.
