The Udupi Residence: A Sustainable Coastal Home
A 5-bedroom bungalow in Udupi that balances traditional Kerala-inspired aesthetics with modern eco-friendly engineering, built to stay naturally cool in the coastal heat.
The exterior of the Udupi residence, showcasing its classic Kerala-inspired architectural style with a sloping tiled roof, crisp white lime-plastered walls, and a green lawn.
The welcoming verandah with its traditional wooden pillars and red oxide floor. The swing is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the coastal breeze.
The vibrant red oxide flooring of the entrance hall leads to a beautifully crafted wooden staircase. The contrast with the white lime-washed walls is a hallmark of this style.
A view from the first floor overlooking the double-height living room. The space is filled with light and features traditional built-in seating and a grand chandelier.
A bedroom in the Udupi house, featuring a high ceiling with exposed wooden rafters and Mangalore tiles. This design promotes air circulation, keeping the room naturally cool.
The staircase area, with its rich wooden details and bold red oxide flooring, exemplifies the warmth and elegance of traditional South Indian interior design.
The upper floor hallway with its polished red oxide floor reflecting the light. The arches provide a glimpse into the rooms, creating a sense of depth and connection.
The exterior view of the Udupi house, highlighting the laterite compound wall and the distinctive roofline, which is designed for the heavy rainfall of the coastal region.
A simple and elegant bedroom in the Udupi residence. The focus is on natural materials, with wooden furniture and a door leading to the main stair hall.
Another view of the traditional verandah, a key feature of the Udupi house that blends indoor and outdoor living.
About Project Showcase: The Udupi Residence
The Udupi coast presents a significant challenge with its high humidity and salt air, which can quickly degrade standard steel and cement structures. Instead of relying on conventional construction, we used load-bearing arches and thick lime-plastered walls to create a breathable thermal shell. This keeps the interior naturally cool even during the peak of summer, without needing heavy electrical cooling systems.
Building for the Coast
When we approached this 5-bedroom residence in Udupi, the goal was to prove that traditional materials could outperform modern building standards in a tropical climate. We avoided cement wherever possible, opting for lime mortar prepared with a local traditional recipe. This choice wasn't just aesthetic, it was structural.
Why Lime and Arch Structures?
Lime mortar is flexible. It allows the house to move and settle with the land, whereas cement often cracks under the stress of heavy coastal rains. We used arches and corbelled arches extensively throughout the home. These aren't just for the classic visual appeal. They act as the load-bearing skeleton, effectively transferring weight so we could minimize the use of steel and RCC. This drastically lowers the embodied carbon of the building.
Comfort Through Passive Design
- Natural Cooling: The combination of lime plaster and red oxide flooring acts as a natural heat sink, maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the home throughout the day.
- Breathability: By avoiding artificial sealants on the walls, the home breathes. This prevents the damp, stuffy feeling common in many coastal concrete houses.
- Ventilation: The high ceilings with exposed wooden rafters promote constant airflow, drawing hot air up and out of the living spaces.
Material Philosophy
This project reflects our commitment to local sourcing. By using materials found in the region, we kept our carbon footprint low and supported local craftsmanship. For us, a house is more than a structure. It is an extension of the land it sits on, designed to age gracefully alongside its inhabitants.
Praangana
We are Praangana. For us, a home is the open sky, the rain, and the earth beneath our feet. We build with mud, lime, and wood, guiding you to create a living space that actually breathes.
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