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The Brick Vault House: Adaptive Reuse Architecture

byArchiopteryxTakes projects across Delhi NCR and HyderabadStarts from₹3,800 per sqft of Carpet AreaView full gallery

This project in Hyderabad transforms a single-story structure into a multi-volume residence using adaptive reuse principles. It combines monumental brick vaults, a feature spiral staircase, and passive cooling strategies to create a space that welcomes both humans and nature.

A view of the feature spiral staircase as it transforms from rectilinear to curvilinear, set against the backdrop of a massive 30-foot-long exposed brick vault.

A wider perspective of the multi-height volumes, showing how the staircase connects the different levels beneath the dramatic brick ceiling.

The large arched windows at the end of the brick vault, designed to let in natural light and offer views of the sky and surrounding flora.

A symmetrical view of the twin arched windows, which create a sense of classical order within the modern, rustic space.

Looking straight up through the rectilinear staircase well, the design creates a powerful geometric composition of voids and solids.

A folding glass and wood partition provides flexibility, allowing spaces to be opened up or closed off while reflecting the spiral staircase beyond.

A view from the early construction phase, showing workers on bamboo scaffolding building the massive brick vaults that define the home.

The building's structure seen without its final skin, revealing the interplay between the random rubble masonry and the exposed brick volumes.

The harsh summer sun is filtered into soft light through the building's openings, creating serene shadows within the multi-height courtyard spaces.

Another view during construction, showing the play of light and shadow on the raw brick and concrete surfaces.

About The Brick Vault House: Adaptive Reuse & Monumental Forms

These 30-foot-long brick vaults are not just for dramatic effect. By leaving them exposed on the inside and finishing the roof with ceramic mosaic, I created a thermal shield that keeps the interior cool without relying entirely on air conditioning. It is a process that treats structural elements as sculpture while solving real-world climate issues in Hyderabad’s harsh summers.

5,000sqft adaptive reuse project in Hyderabad. — Approved by the tribe
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Archiopteryx

Takes projects across Delhi NCR and HyderabadStarts from ₹3,800 per sqft of Carpet Area

I founded Archiopteryx to move away from cookie-cutter designs and toward what I call 'harmonious living.' My work is about treating buildings as living systems where light, shadow, and structure coexist. If you are looking for a space that values raw, sustainable materials over superficial trends, let's talk.

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More sketches illustrating the evolution of The Loft. We explored ideas for weaving spaces together, creating multi-functional areas, and bridging the gap between the lower level and the new mezzanine to create a cohesive, dynamic environment.

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