a01 Architects and Kiasma have completed a residence that blends timeless elegance with modern minimalism in Hyderabad, India. 

Named Priyam Residence, the project is an impressive example of how careful design can cut across geographic and stylistic boundaries, created by landscape architect Sowmya Lakhamraju of Kiasma Studio, international architectural firm a01 Architects, and interior designer Aamir Sharma of Aamir and Hameeda. 

The Priyam Residence stands out as an example of minimalist design and thoughtful spatial planning in the middle of a busy urban environment where space is limited and every square foot is desired. 

This home, which started construction in 2011 and survived the pandemic's disruptions, exemplifies the smooth blending of form and function, with the landscape acting not just as a background but as a crucial part of the house's character.

Conceptual Approach: Minimalism Meets Functionality

The design concept by Kiasma Studio is firmly based in minimalism, but it skillfully handles the difficulty of producing useful outdoor areas. The client's request was straightforward: keep the plot's expansive feel while maintaining a minimalist look in a neighborhood with a high population density. This requirement presented two challenges: making sure the outdoor areas could support social events without detracting from the minimalist aesthetic.

By emphasizing the site's natural features rather than enforcing extra structures, the landscape design strikes this balance. Because of the high density, careful consideration of space utilization was required, which resulted in the development of adaptable outdoor spaces with several uses. 

Within a framework that honors the site's natural limitations, the design incorporates areas for socializing and relaxation, such as spaces for yoga, brunches, and casual get-togethers. 

Harmonising with Nature

The incorporation of outdoor seating beneath 100-year-old trees is one of Priyam's most notable landscape elements. In addition to offering a canopy of shade, these large trees also serve as landscape zoning guidelines. 

In order to avoid the need for extra structures like pergolas, the design team decided to let the existing trees determine the layout. This choice is in line with the clients' love of the outdoors and their wish to maintain the open areas.

These trees are complemented by a tidy, multipurpose deck that provides a versatile space for social events, family get-togethers, and yoga sessions. 

The functionality of the deck is improved by a specially designed service counter, which makes serving food at parties simple. This design strategy is an excellent example of how functionality and nature can coexist in a minimalist setting to create a space that is both useful and beautiful.

One of the most notable elements of the project's landscape is the handcrafted stone bench, which is intended to reflect the sky. 

Kiasma Studio's love of making reflective sculptures that give outdoor areas depth and dimension gave rise to this distinctive feature. The surface of the bench creates a dynamic and constantly shifting visual element by reflecting and capturing the surrounding landscape, including the sky and trees.

This reflective feature not only improves the bench's visual appeal but also makes being outside more enjoyable. Visitors engage with a living piece of art as they move through the area, which changes according to the weather and light, resulting in a dynamic experience with nature.

Another creative feature of Priyam's landscape design is the incorporation of invisible metal screens as privacy barriers. Conventional privacy screens, such as walls or thick vegetation, would have interfered with the room's open feel and minimalist design. Kiasma Studio chose to use a subdued metal screen instead, which is nearly undetectable from specific perspectives.

In addition to providing the required seclusion between the garden and the parking lot, this design decision keeps the space feeling spacious and open. 

The screen's ethereal quality complements the overall design's timeless and unobtrusive elements while also serving as a conversation starter and visual delight.

One of the best examples of how design can accentuate the natural beauty of its surroundings is the courtyard area beneath the 80-year-old cannonball tree. This space not only draws attention to the tree's remarkable structure but also fosters a calm atmosphere that is ideal for reflection and rest. 

The tree's distinctive features, such as its aromatic blossoms and rough bark, give the room more sensory depth. The courtyard is intended to serve as a multipurpose space where locals can read a book, have a cup of coffee in the morning, or just take in the scent of the cannonball tree. The courtyard functions as a peaceful haven thanks to the careful blending of the natural elements, which also smoothly blends the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Adapting to the Pandemic: Challenges and Solutions

The pandemic created disruptions and limitations that made Priyam's design and implementation extremely difficult. The project was started in 2011 and continued during the pandemic, necessitating changes to construction methods and the sourcing of materials. 

In order to address supply chain concerns, Kiasma Studio responded by utilizing locally sourced materials and utilizing pre-existing palettes.

This uncertain time highlighted the value of adaptability and creativity in design. In addition to ensuring the project's continuation, the team's flexibility and use of local resources demonstrated their dedication to sustainability and resilience.

Sustainability and Complementarity

One of the fundamental principles of Priyam's landscape design is sustainability. A dedication to environmental responsibility is demonstrated by the preservation of existing trees and the use of locally sourced materials. A larger concept of minimal intervention and maximum impact is upheld by Kiasma Studio by incorporating these components into the design. 

The property's overall experience is improved by the landscape, which harmonizes with the architecture of the house. Wide open areas and carefully chosen foliage are emphasized in the design to offer privacy while preserving the feeling of openness and scale. 

This inward-looking strategy guarantees that the landscape provides a calm and private sanctuary within the urban setting, acting as a retreat and a complement to the architectural form.

Project facts

Project name: Priyam Residence

Location: Priyam, Hyderabad

Landscape architect: Kiasma Studio - Sowmya Lakhamraju

Architects: a01 Architects

Interior Designer: Aamir Sharma of Aamir and Hameeda

Landscape area: 1 acre

Client: Mr. Prasad

All images © Vivek Eadara.

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