The Ferns Cottage: Classic Architectural Design with Modern Details
A residence defined by the balance between traditional craft and contemporary spatial planning. We integrated elements like exposed brick, arched fenestrations, and Jaisalmer stone to create a home that feels both grounded and modern.
The entrance facade of the Ferns Cottage, featuring a distinctive Mangalore tile roof and detailed brickwork. The design provides a covered carport that is seamlessly integrated into the home's overall structure.
The open-concept living and dining area, with an exposed brick accent wall and Jaisalmer stone flooring. The double-height ceiling in the living room adds a sense of spaciousness, while the dining area remains cozy and defined.
A series of arched French doors lines the living room, opening up to a lush green courtyard. Sheer white curtains soften the light and add a touch of elegance to the space.
Looking from the inside out, the arched doors perfectly frame the view of the courtyard garden. This creates a peaceful and picturesque backdrop for the interior living spaces.
The dining room features a large window with a built-in bay seat, creating a perfect reading nook. Sunlight streams in, illuminating the Jaisalmer stone floor and simple, elegant wooden furniture.
A closer view of the bay window seat in the dining room. The deep sill provides a comfortable space to sit and enjoy the view, making the window more than just an opening.
The kitchen features a large arched window above the counter, bringing in natural light and a view of the garden. The design combines wooden cabinetry with a patterned tile backsplash for a warm, classic feel.
About this collection
The choice of materials here serves a functional purpose beyond the aesthetic. We used Jaisalmer stone flooring for its thermal mass and durability in the local climate, while the arched openings were strategically positioned to maximize cross-ventilation. These details dictate how the house breathes and functions throughout the day.
Architectural Intent
The Ferns Cottage is a study in balancing porosity with privacy. Our primary design goal was to reintroduce traditional architectural elements, such as the pitched Mangalore tile roof and exposed brickwork, within a contemporary open-plan residence.
Materiality and Craft
- Exposed Brickwork: The facade features intricate brick jali work, which serves a functional role in passive cooling. It allows air to circulate while diffusing harsh sunlight, creating dynamic shadow patterns throughout the day.
- Jaisalmer Stone: We selected this natural stone for its warm, consistent hue. It offers superior thermal mass compared to vitrified tiles, making the interior spaces feel cooler during Bengaluru's summer months.
- Arched Fenestration: By utilizing arched French doors, we established visual continuity between the living areas and the private courtyard. These openings are paired with custom metal-framed grilles, ensuring security without obstructing the view.
Structural Coordination
Designing for a cottage aesthetic requires technical rigor. We worked closely with structural consultants to manage the load of the large, pitched Mangalore tile roof and the expansive spans created by the arched openings. Every lintel and structural support was planned to ensure the clean lines of the design remained uninterrupted by visible columns.
Studio 4A
We are Studio 4A, an architecture studio based in Bengaluru. Our work focuses on defining spaces through material integrity and climate-responsive design. We enjoy working on projects that require a dialogue between site, structure, and the people who inhabit them.
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