The Croft Residence / Mindworks Architecture

Architects: Mindworks Architecture
Area: 534 m² (5,750 ft²)
Year: 2024
Photography: Shamanth Patil J
Manufacturers: Jaquar, Jaipur Rugs, Ledlum Lighting Solutions LLP, Mitsubishi Electric, Norisys, Windmill Fans
Lead Architects: Harris Alaudeen
Civil Engineer: Arun Keerthi
Builder: Sanjay Builders, Sanjay Sekar – Sanjay Builders
Interior Designers: Mindworks Architecture
Structural Consultant: Kaarvens Structural Consultancy
Junior Architect: Imran Thayaf
Landscape: Harris Alaudeen, Zack
Program / Use / Building Function: Weekend Home
Site Engineer: Gowtham Manickam
City: Erode
Country: India

The Croft Residence, designed by Mindworks Architecture in Erode, Tamil Nadu, is a 2024 project spanning 534 m² (5750 ft²). This weekend retreat for a young couple features two bedrooms, large semi-open areas, and a connection to the surrounding greenery while ensuring privacy. The design incorporates inclined porotherm jali walls, a high-pitched roof, and a central skylight court. The house seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces with an earthy material palette, including wood, rubble stone, and Mangalore tiles, creating a harmonious and dynamic ambiance.

The Croft Residence / Mindworks Architecture

Nestled amidst a sprawling one-acre farmland on the outskirts of Erode, Tamil Nadu, lies The Croft, an idyllic weekend retreat. The property enjoys a serene location near a bird sanctuary, surrounded by lush farmlands and meandering streams. The clients, a young couple, sought a two-bedroom recreational house with spaces for parties and intimate gatherings. They desired a significant connection to the surrounding greenery while maintaining privacy and security from neighboring farms. The design approach focused on creating an inward-looking house with large semi-open areas to enjoy the outdoors and engage in gardening and bird-watching, fostering connection.

The earth-hugging inclined porotherm jali walls act as an entrance portal, unveiling its welcoming stance as one approaches. These walls transition into the primary roof structure, exuding a subtle form. The fenestrations on the porotherm blocks offer glimpses into the beautifully landscaped surroundings. The common areas are under a high-pitched roof, providing a sense of grandeur. The open planning dissolves formal boundaries, allowing spaces to flow seamlessly with pocket gardens uniting the indoor and outdoor areas.

The Croft Residence / Mindworks Architecture

At the heart of the house is a central skylight court, covered with Mangalore roof tiles and glass inlay, filling the internal spaces with sunlight. This natural light creates a dynamic ambiance throughout the day. The outdoor pool area, with its gazebo and bar, serves as a central hub for socializing. The bar counter, finished in monolithic yellow stone with a cantilever form, adds visual interest. A separate pool entry for guests ensures convenience and privacy.

The design embraced an earthy material palette, including wood, rubble stone, kota, Mangalore tile, and rich oxide finishes. Extensive use of oxide finishes and stone cladding adds rawness and character. Wooden cladding in the interiors adds warmth and elegance. Existing trees were carefully preserved, with a few transplanted within the site. Landscaping incorporated a variety of tropical trees, plants, and shrubs to add depth and diversity.

The Croft Residence / Mindworks Architecture

The design showcases a harmonious blend of nature and architecture, orchestrated by the chimes in the wind, birds chirping, natural light play, and earthy finishes blending seamlessly with the landscape, leaving an everlasting experience.

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Project Location

Address: Erode, Tamil Nadu, India

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