Manduva - Pool Villa, located 60 kilometers north of Visakhapatnam, reimagines the traditional Manduva courtyard house within a contemporary context. Situated in a gated community amidst fertile farmlands, the design integrates modernist principles with indigenous architectural forms, responding to the region's tropical climate and cultural vernacular.
The villa, conceived as a linear ground-floor structure, prioritizes simplicity and functionality in line with the client’s brief for a low-maintenance retreat. A central open verandah living area is seamlessly connected to a semi-covered indoor pool courtyard, creating a fluid spatial experience between interior and exterior. Slender metal columns, a modern iteration of traditional supporting elements, replace the more ornate columns typically seen in local vernacular architecture, offering a minimalist yet robust structural expression.
Drawing from the abundance of Palmyra palms in the region, the design incorporates local materials—specifically, the wood and fronds of the palm—as key elements of the aesthetic. A striking wooden screen, crafted from Palmyra, serves as both a functional and visual centerpiece, providing shade, privacy, and a tactile connection to the local landscape. The restrained color palette further emphasizes the natural textures, allowing the architectural form and materials to engage with the environment in a subtle yet impactful manner.
In essence, Manduva - Pool Villa stands as a refined interpretation of traditional architectural idioms, blending local cultural references with a modern sensibility to create a timeless, grounded retreat.
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