Brick Vault House: Adaptive Reuse in Hyderabad
Adaptive reuse is not about demolition; it is about honoring the existing structure while rethinking how we live. In this Hyderabad project, we converted a single-story building into a multi-level habitat, proving that a home can be sustainable, Vastu-compliant, and structurally bold.
The facade of the Brick Vault House in Hyderabad, showcasing the adaptive reuse of the original structure. The design combines exposed brick with modern arched windows and a new water feature, creating a distinctive ethno-modern aesthetic.
A closer view of the Brick Vault House exterior, highlighting the interplay of textures between the exposed brick, smooth plaster, and the lush greenery in planters. The arched windows on the upper floor are a signature feature of the design.
Inside, a sculptural spiral staircase with a wooden handrail creates a dramatic focal point. This staircase connects the multiple-height volumes of the home, leading up towards the magnificent exposed brick vaults on the ceiling.
The interior showcases the impressive 30-foot-long brick vaults. These are not merely decorative but are load-bearing structures, left exposed to become the main feature of the space. The arched windows allow natural light to pour in, illuminating the rich texture of the brickwork.
Looking directly up through the stairwell reveals a geometric composition of lines and textures. The rectilinear form of the staircase contrasts with the exposed brick of the upper levels, creating a powerful visual journey through the home.
This view from an upper level shows the multi-height volumes and the flow of space within the Brick Vault House. The design creates interesting sightlines and a sense of connection between the different floors.
A custom-designed folding glass and wood door separates spaces while maintaining a sense of openness. In the background, the sculptural spiral staircase hints at the vertical journey through the home's unique volumes.
About this collection
The structural soul of this project lies in the 30-foot-long brick vaults. These are fully load-bearing, not decorative additions. By leaving them exposed, we created a natural thermal buffer against the Hyderabad heat while turning the ceiling itself into a dramatic, tactile feature that connects the multiple levels of the home.
Rethinking the Existing Structure
When we approached this 5000-square-foot residence, the goal was not to clear the slate but to work with the site's history. We retained the original ground-floor structure, adding two levels above through strategic structural interventions. This approach minimizes waste and energy consumption, which is core to our practice of true sustainability.
Materiality and Craft
Sustainability is not just about installing solar panels; it is about how materials perform. We repurposed 70-year-old wood from the client's ancestral home to craft doors and interior alcoves. For the ceilings, we used load-bearing brick vaults that span 14 feet. These vaults are finished with broken China mosaic on the exterior to reflect heat, while the interior is left exposed to showcase the raw, honest texture of the brickwork. We employed local masons to execute this, using recessed grouting to define the individual character of every brick.
Living with Nature
We integrated indigenous flora and Vastu principles throughout the layout. The home features large window openings at the ends of the brick vaults, allowing natural light to penetrate the deepest parts of the house. This connectivity ensures that even on the upper floors, residents maintain a visual and physical link to the outdoors. The spiral staircase serves as a sculptural focal point, connecting the multi-height volumes and encouraging movement through spaces that feel alive rather than static. This project stands as a testament to what is possible when we view a building as a habitat for humans, birds, and plants rather than just a place to reside.
Archiopteryx
I believe buildings should be as thoughtful as the people who inhabit them. At Archiopteryx, we avoid cookie-cutter designs to build habitats for humans, animals, and plants. This Hyderabad project is a clear example of how we take an existing foundation and breathe new, sustainable life into it.
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