80kms away from Chennai towards Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry, lies a small coastal town called Kuvathur. 350m from the sea, lies an architectural anomaly - a plot with dense landscapes which stands out against the contrasting barren lands. There sits a weekend home lovingly named Karai (Tamil for seashore). Contrary to its concealed placement from the outside, the home emerges wholly from the surrounding environment. 70% of the home is open, and transitional spaces become the primary essence instead of conventional urban layouts. This resulted in an integration of elements from the site as well as nature.

This film takes you inside Karai and brings the experience of the built environment to you. A project that represents a habitat more than a home. Karai was the rewarding result of hands-on work involving every stakeholder in the design process rather than a contractor-controlled project. The clients and architects spent hours on site experimenting with on-site design ideas, repurposed materials, site elements and limited labour. This journey adds charm to this project.

To download the full PDF eBook of Karai in Tamil Nadu with floor plans, materials used, construction techniques and so much more, please visit:
https://www.buildofy.com/projects/kar...

Architects Vamsi Krishna and Sriram Adhitya take us through the project, presenting the story, spaces, and materiality of Karai. While documenting this project, we at Buildofy were amazed by the home’s natural vibe, its interaction with the sea, and the local materials ageing beautifully. Everyone utilised the space in their own way. Karai is accepting of all, allowing both the inhabitants as well as the visitors to just, be. That is what makes it so special.

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Architectural Journalist and Video Editor: Ar. Jaidev Tripathy
Cinematography: Kavin Kumar La Sa
Process Photos: Rain Studio of Design
Photo Credit: Yash R Jain

#architecture #indianarchitecture #home #weekendhomes #sea #courtyard #verandah #wood #sustainable #southindian #construction #filmmaking #documentary #video #buildofy