Frugal house

Namakkal, India

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Frugal house

Namakkal, India

Firm

Architecture RIFF

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2023

SIZE

1000 sqft - 3000 sqft

BUDGET

$10K - 50K

Frugal House
Minimalism often conjures images of high-end materials and luxurious simplicity, creating a paradox where
the pursuit of 'less' leads to 'more'—more cost, exclusivity, and often more distance from the local
community and resources. However, in a tier 2 city like Namakkal, reimagining minimalism with Frugal-ism
sowed the seeds for the core idea of architecture and aesthetics of the house by emphasizing simplicity,
functionality, and local materials. The house is perceived not as a one-time project but as an ongoing process.

Core Concept and Design Approach

The residence is perceived as a resilient entity that caters to and adapts to the swelling inhabitants and their necessities. Indeed, the openness and organic characteristics of the house enact a canvas to paint their habitat following their evolving needs, life, and lifestyle. Amidst the chaotic run, the tailored house enables the indwellers to adapt, evolve, upgrade, and grow their social and spatial needs throughout their existence.

The concept of frugal-ism in the context of this house revolves around using materials sourced within a 5km
radius and employing local masons and fabricators. This not only reduces costs but also supports the local
economy and minimizes the transportation of materials.

The design philosophy is akin to self-designed fabrics such as corduroy and chenille, where the aesthetic is
derived from the creation process itself. The house features texture-plastered walls, exposed brickwork in
selected areas, textured concrete slabs, and a close grid pattern in the flooring. These elements are inherent
to the construction process, resulting in raw, honest aesthetics.

Functional and Aesthetic Planning

Located in a plotted development, the house's planning ensures functionality, making its spaces
independent of its immediate surroundings. The front yard and facade present a muted expression, offering
privacy, cut-off from the southern sun, and understated elegance, while the living and dining rooms open up
to the north facing as a private garden.

The central spine of the house, featuring a staircase with clerestory windows, introduces a dynamic character
through volumetric articulation. This central feature which connects different levels of the house also creates
a play of light and shadow that animates the interior spaces.

Bedrooms function as intimate sleeping pods, while the living, dining, and kitchen areas are interconnected,
promoting a sense of connectivity and openness. Despite being a two-storey structure, the design maintains a
cohesive single-entity feel through the use of double-height spaces and overlooking windows and doors,
ensuring visual and spatial continuity.

Material Palette and Detailing
The material palette is intentionally simple and monochrome, including locally sourced brick, Kadapa and
Kota stones, mint green granite, mild steel tailor-made windows, wired glass, and locally procured wood.
The simplicity in materials is counterbalanced by meticulous detailing and geometric coherence. Echoed in
wall cutouts, the vertical lines in metal fabrication create a visual harmony throughout the house. The square
Grid Flooring establishes a rhythmic base for the interior spaces. The interaction of light with the textured
surfaces with raw stone inlays enhances the visual depth and complexity, making the house feel alive and
Dynamic.

In conclusion, this house in Namakkal reinterprets minimalism through frugalism, achieving a balance
between cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. By leveraging local materials and
craftsmanship, it stands as a testament to how minimalist design can be both practical and beautiful, rooted
in the context of its environment and community.

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Frugal house

Namakkal, India

Frugal house

Namakkal, India

Product Spec Sheet

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