A beautifully constructed villa situated in the centre of a 25000 sq ft property, The Brick House by Studio Humane showcases the culture and grandeur associated with Solapur. Known for textile mills and ‘Solapuri chadars’ (bedsheets with a prominent geometric pattern), the city of Bashir (where the house is located) served as the inspiration for the architectural and design elements. Scroll down to read the studio’s concept note.

A compact composition of intricately detailed spatial experiences, The Brick House’s simplicity in planning is complemented by dynamism in it’s form. Keeping in mind the harsh hot and arid climate of Solapur, the concept of a double wall with brick cladding was thought of. We tried to ornament the facade with brick to help depict the intricate textile craft of the region.

The structure begins with an arrival court, characterised by a lotus pond and a minimally designed ‘Deepstambh’ (lantern in stone). This area also has a stone  paving on the lawn, creating an interesting grid pattern that acts as a welcoming carpet. The puja room gets highlighted on the way to the entrance of the main building, with an interesting ornamented brickwork exterior. The angular wall as a key element of the facade is juxtaposed with the grid structure for a sense of direction and simultaneously breaks the monotony of rectangular form.

The living room has a grand courtyard, which keeps the spaces well lit and naturally ventilated. The lotus pond ensures evaporative cooling, while double height ceilings promote stack ventilation. The plan was also conceived in a grid that consistently ensures cross ventilation throughout the house.

The villa is placed centrally on the plot and is surrounded by expansive lawns that are well integrated with all the habitable spaces. Conscious decisions for collecting and utilising rain water and solar panels to support electrical consumption make the house a self-dependent system, enabling sustainable living in the true sense.