The design intent was to restore the home with contemporary living requirements with a traditional twist .Main aim was to bring about openness to the dark interiors and to extend an additional bedroom space without much structural change.

Traditional verandah with pillars that support the extended sloping roof was introduced in a

minimalistic way. The green printed tiles resembling the athangudi vibe and sleek minimal green columns gives an aesthetic outlook to users upon entry. The entrance to ekam retreat is through large sliding doors. The verandah space also acts like an extended living space that can be used for larger gatherings.

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The original house with metal sheet roofing was transformed with minimal changes to

bring about a significant change in an aesthetic way. An open planning approach was taken where living , dining and kitchen areas were combined to form a simple open light filled area with ample natural light and ventilation which was a breath of fresh change to the once dark and moody home. Existing walls that segregated the spaces were demolished to form a single and open space. This central volume is the heart of ekam retreat. A reading corner is also created as a spillout from the central volume which overlooks the beautifulk scenery outside.

Neutral earthy palette was followed throughout the home with minimal treatment to the

interiors and large openings were introduced to all rooms that brought in

the essence of lush greenery around into the interiors.

 

Most of the furniture used was refurbished and reused in this home. Landscaping was

done in multiple layers as seen from road level where fourth level being the terracotta

roofing of the home blends seamlessly into the context. Ekam is an attempt at

reimagining the concept of restoring life to a once abandoned home. A home away from

home.

 

Also all of the wall decors , cushions and all the soft furnishings were chosen to kind of bring in the Indian aesthetics to the space .

 

In the dining counter also we have introduced a layer of terracotta jaalies in cyan to accentuate the aesthetic aspect of the space .

 

Kitchen space was designed in an open and compact manner with parallel counters and a mini fridge provision .

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There are two bedrooms with very minimal interior treatment. Just the required bed space, a wardrobe space and dressing space is provided in a minimal manner.

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Material layering created with a central access entry way with stones already available at site. The first layer being the rubble masonry, then the green layer of lilly flowers, an other layer of the green landscape in front of the verandah and finally the terracotta layer of the roofing.