Trees stand as nature’s fortresses, symbolizing growth, strength, and nurturing. Throughout history, art and design have drawn profound meaning from them, and their influence in architecture is both natural and inspiring.
This project, named Treehouse, is situated in the vibrant city of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. It thoughtfully connects with its surrounding environment, harmoniously blending the natural and built worlds. Located within an active residential neighborhood filled with lush greenery and bustling community life, the design merges the old with the new by preserving the existing structure and introducing fresh architectural elements and aesthetics.
Concept
The mango tree at the center of the site became the pivotal element shaping the home’s concept and design. By carefully preserving both the mango tree and the existing structure, the architects developed a simple yet meaningful plan that integrates contrasting ideas—natural and artificial, old and new. The design also addresses the diverse needs of residents, balancing solemnity with casualness, transparency with privacy, and individuality with community living.
△ Axonometric diagram
△ Axonometric diagram
Design
The house’s layout is carefully adapted around the central mango tree, with garden space encircling it and dividing the site into two distinct zones. A vine-covered trellis roof spans the double-height garden space, allowing warm summer sunlight to filter through gently. The two halves of the house are connected via a bridge on the first floor, offering a timeless, antique charm.
From the exterior, the interplay between the house and its segmented blocks creates a unique landscape character. Inside, the design embraces open, fluid spaces that foster connection while maintaining privacy. These interconnected areas create a breathable, porous natural environment where spaces flow intuitively from one to another.
Materials
The material palette includes exposed porous insulation bricks, polished cement, natural stone, and a traditional jali (lattice) screen, all contributing to the home’s simple yet warm atmosphere. Sustainability has been a key focus, with these materials enhancing the modern aesthetic while skillfully contrasting the old and new structures.
The existing structure has been refreshed with white finishes, while the new additions showcase a striking Indian red, evoking a raw, primal character. The exposed bricks bridge the interior and exterior spaces naturally, revealing rich textures and a tactile quality. Meanwhile, the red bricks are refined with polished cement and complemented by the jali to break visual monotony.
The roof is a modern reinterpretation of the region’s traditional Madras terrace roofing, preserving its concept but replacing conventional materials with porous insulation bricks and steel for improved performance and aesthetics.
Interior Environment
To maintain a comfortable microclimate, the design incorporates indoor gardens, porous insulation bricks for both roof and walls, and carefully calculated openings on all sides to ensure optimal ventilation. The porous bricks, featuring internal air gaps, effectively block tropical heat while keeping interiors cool.
The interior design embraces simplicity and tradition, enriched with classical decor, traditional mango wood furniture, and decorative jali screens. The controlled use of natural light creates an inviting, minimalist atmosphere cherished by the residents. In essence, the Treehouse embodies growth and nurturing, reflecting the spirit of those who live there.
Design Drawings
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ West elevation view
△ North elevation view
△ Section A-A
△ Section B-B
△ Node details
Project Information
Project Type: Independent Residential Building
Location: Coimbatore, India
Architectural Firm: PG Associates
Area: 2000 ft²
Year: 2019
Photographer: Srikrishnan
Manufacturers: Amazon, Asian Paints, KMB, Kajaria Ceramics, Legrand, Parryware, Pidilite, Smarteefi, Syska, Wienerberger
Lead Architect: Srikrishnan
Design Team: Pandurangan, Sasikumar
Engineer: PG Associates
Consultation: Metis Structures
Text: Prashant Chavan, Noora Ismath
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