- Project Terra reimagines the concept of a rural home in The Continuum House project
- The Continuum House in Gujarat, India, is an ode to traditional, rural architecture, while integrating innovative methods.
- Project: The Continuum House
- Location: Kurali village, Vadodara,
- India
- Architects:
- Project Terra
- Typology:
- Private Residence
- Carpet Area: 2000ft²
- Year: 2023
- Images by The Space Tracing Company
Indian rural architecture has distinct characteristics that, even when spread across a diverse country, evoke heritage, local culture, and customs. India-based Project Terra architects’ have reshaped the rural architecture narrative in a quaint village called Kurali near Vadodara, India.
Situated on a 180-foot-long plot, the Continuum House’s existing structure was built around 150 years ago. The design team has preserved the essence of its legacy while introducing newer design elements and strategies to improve the structural conditional and natural lighting.
One of the key features of the design is the otla, or the verandah, an entryway space with seating and a swing, which serves as a gathering spot for the community’s primary village lifestyle, promoting interaction and socialization. The living room has a 15-foot high ceiling and a shallow dome, creating a cozy space that’s inviting.
The openings on the south with extended shade help bring in abundant natural light while maintaining internal thermal comfort. To streamline maintenance, all service areas are placed outside the main living spaces. The first floor unveils storage areas and a bedroom overlooking a terrace—used for traditional culinary processes during the summer and as a cool sleeping spot during summer nights.
The original adobe walls at the foundation ground level have been re-plastered while keeping the same building footprint, to preserve its historic value. The wooden building parts have been carefully restored and reused ensuring that the home’s heirloom quality was preserved. The design incorporates white lime plaster to enhance interior brightness, as its shiny texture reflects light and adds warmth to the space. For the outdoor areas, a terracotta color is used, beckoning the warmth of the village environment, while the restored doors and windows use vibrant tones like turquoise to create a striking contrast with the natural tones. The use of glass bricks in small, dark spaces opens up the interiors, creating a brighter, more inviting atmosphere.
Being an adjoined entity with the neighboring houses, the shared walls foster a strong sense of community. The visible arch intentionally left unfinished pays homage to the historical value, sparking curiosity and conversation about the house’s origins. The Continuum House project stands as a unique example of how rural architecture in India can be transformed by revitalizing traditional village house typologies.
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