#DP Exclusive: A Weekend Home Bisected By Khammam Stone Walls And Poised Over A Koi Pond

When three generations of a family decided to amalgamate their personal narratives into one interwoven story, this intimate dialogue brought to life the vision for ‘Antriya’ – a weekend home in the serene village of Muchintal. Located on the outskirts of Hyderabad, the soulful retreat is set amid a verdant 5-acre expanse. This innovative structure, executed in steel and stone, seemingly levitates above a water feature. Envisioned by Hyderabad-based architects Srikanth Reddy, Neelesh Kumar and Raghuram of 23 Degrees Design Shift, this 14,500 sq. ft. abode pays homage to the site’s stark, calming geological expanse. Precipitous boulders, desert palms and variegated shrubs form the lens through which Antriya develops its unique identity. As Srikanth Reddy, Co-founder and Partner at 23DDS puts it, “Hence the name ‘Antriya’ which signifies a space to self-reflect and become one with.”

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A Levitating Sanctuary 

The approach to the house is as cinematic as the structure itself. A curved, undulating driveway dotted with massive, untouched boulders is sketched along the natural landscape of exposed sheet rock. Weaving through this earthy tapestry feels organic— reminiscent of an ancient time, compelling one to slow down and embrace the sensory experience the drive exalts. Low-height blocking walls craftily curtail views of the main structure, keeping its mystery alive until one reaches the drop-off canopy. Here stands a massive, lone Peepal tree—a gatekeeper ushering in visitors with its signature, wise charm.

Perhaps the most distinctive hallmark of the house is the floating pathway leading up to it. Flanking either side is dense, curated shrubbery, heightening the perception of a levitating walkway that travels leisurely up to a semi-alfresco verandah, forming a dramatic connection to the rest of the home. The entire house is perched upon a massive plinth, elevating the living spaces to a height that commands uninterrupted, lush green views. A uniquely designed waterbody envelopes its existence. This brims with lotuses and fish, serving as a living element at the base of the structure while also casually acting as a barrier against crawling creatures from the surrounding area. Aesthetic and functional, the wrap-around water feature forms a passive cooling reservoir, reducing heat gain sustainably. 

Materials Imbued In A Vernacular Language

The house itself is anchored upon a triad of linear stone walls. These lend themselves quite naturally to carving out thoughtfully considered spaces, perfect for indulging in quiet reflection.

The language of the materials used is certainly a vernacular one. As an alternative to the norms of widely used construction materials, the architects have ensured the integration of locally sourced stone to further root the project’s sensibility in the landscape. 

The three prominent stone walls that form the spine of the structure are built using Khammam Brown sandstone typical to the region. Rather than existing independently, this sandstone with its rugged, porous texture serves the utilitarian purpose of encouraging creeper-plants to bloom and weave through its being. This natural unfurling of flora keeps in mind the ever-evolving movement of the space in rhythm with nature. Architect Reddy explains, “Antriya is a space that enhances the user’s connection with nature in its true form by its materiality and engagement with nature. A space that is quite modern in its usage pattern but rooted in nature with its classic timeless character.”

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A contrast to the rustic walls is established through the floor, entirely executed in local Markapuram slate. Smooth, with its gentle, undulating surfaces and cool to the touch, it encourages one to walk barefoot, grounding one’s energy through its inconsistent beauty. Moving through the home then becomes a tactile experience in itself. Furthermore, sparsely processed light grey lime plaster lines the entire house; its matte neutrality reflecting the ambient luminosity of the walls. 

The covered verandah is punctuated most subtly by elements of the structure that serve to frame rather than overwhelm the space. A cocooned sanctuary, from here unfolds an exquisite view of the landscape executed by Kiasma Studio – date palm trees strategically placed close to the exterior to break down the scale of the structure. Dense thickets further away, layered in a hierarchical plantation, border the wide swathes of deep emerald lawns. 

Reflecting on this process, Reddy shares, “What stayed with me most was how deeply connected the client’s memories were to simple moments like walking in gardens, or sitting together in verandahs. And where Antriya’s real core lies is in how the house translates these memories and allows the generations to live together in sync with nature.”

Bedrooms: A Juxtaposition Of Stone And Light

The second linear Khammam stone wall cuts across the centre of the house, bifurcating common areas such as living, dining, verandahs and the kitchen from private bedroom spaces. 

In each of the five bedrooms, there is a play staged boldly by the juxtaposition of stone and light. 

Solid reclaimed teakwood furniture by Dbodhi & Otazen features extensively across the property. One of their exquisite four-poster beds adorns a bedroom, facing a long live-edge wood console, looking out onto gardens dotted with date palms. Clerestory windows bring in swathes of blue sky sliced by green vines and creepers spilling out of planters carved into the deep overhangs of the roofs.

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Outside, the main verandah of the house boasts a bold spiral staircase finished in liquid metal. This solid sculptural element stands as a focal point, playing the main protagonist in this area, evocative of modern era artistry. The verandah is designed as a transitional space that can transform into a social hub where the family can get together and entertain their guests. The verandah serves as an indoor living space while also connecting to the outdoor living area to form one large pavilion. 

A Sparkling Sapphire Refuge 

The pool is created as a secluded oasis, its privacy secured by the very first linear stone wall that anchors the home. The perimeter walls create offsets all along by not touching the roof, allowing the effect of a central floating canopy. Foliage of creepers and vines cascades down from the edges of the metal slatted roof. Sunlight dapples across the water, changing its aesthetic during different times of day and night at the whim of the sky, clouds and stars above. This profound sense of connection with nature is further heightened when the eye is drawn to the dense landscapes visible beyond the offsets. The pool’s charm thus lies in its strictly private setting, a meditative lounging spot that is enjoyed by all age groups of the family.

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Multigenerational Spaces For Leisure

Further, beyond the home and pool, carved into the natural landscape are a host of leisure activities and sports pods, catering to the requirements of the youngest generation of owners, just out of high school. Reddy notes, “We wanted to create spaces that accommodate the aspirations of the young and their activities.” Sports nets dot the property’s stunning terrain while an adventurous ATV mudtrack snakes along the backdrop of panoramic views. 

A semi-open outdoor kitchen unravels gracefully; an alfresco space envisioned for large social gatherings. A grape garden unfolds its languid vines, reminiscent of the owners Sachin and Nitin’s childhood memories of visiting their vineyards with their grandparents, relaxed weekends picking fruits and grapes. “These spaces have been born of the owners’ memories and inspirations, designed for transgenerational experiences,” Reddy adds. In continuation with this thoughtfully choreographed sequence of functional pockets across the 5 acres lies a sprawling rock garden. Immersive yet soothing, existing boulders flanked by desert palms and shrubbery echo the familiar nostalgia of the family’s travels through the Mediterranean. All of these elements come together in a harmonious symphony with deep respect for the family’s shared histories and personal narratives. 

Antriya stands as an active participant in its landscape, elevating locally sourced materials to a design language that engages meaningfully with its inhabitants. Sustainability and minimalism form its pillars, bringing to the fore a space thoughtfully curated for modern sensibilities.