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Architecture

19-10-2026

Photographer : Maniyarasan R

Text provided by the Architect

The Dwell in Levels residence is designed for a multi-generational family of six. The primary residents, a senior couple, live there year-round, while their son, daughter-in-law, and two grandsons visit occasionally from abroad. The senior couple, both passionate farmers, envisioned a courtyard house reminiscent of their earlier years. Their son, a structural engineer living in Abu Dhabi, envisioned a modern design that maximizes natural light and ventilation, celebrating the tropical climate he fondly misses.

Positioned at a key four-way junction with roads to the west and south, the plot takes full advantage of its expansive views and natural breezes, particularly those flowing along the southern axis toward the Western Ghats. This infinite axis, which serves as the foundational reference for the design, runs through the house, ensuring a porous north-south connection. Large south-facing windows are incorporated to capture these cooling breezes and frame the stunning landscape, enhancing both the connection with nature and the home's aesthetic appeal. All the spaces seamlessly extend into the courtyard, balconies, planters, or water features, creating a continuous flow between the indoors and outdoors. This encourages effective light and ventilation, reducing the need for air conditioning and promoting a sustainable, energy-efficient environment.

Suruli Falls,Tamil Nadu,India

Architects	:	SpaceDNA
Area	:	4197.93 sq. ft.
Year of Completion	:	2024
Website	:	https://www.instagram.com/spacedna.in/

Western Elevation of Dwell in Levels by SpaceDNA

Entrance Court of Dwell in Levels by SpaceDNA

Formal living of Dwell in Levels by SpaceDNA

The ground floor serves as the primary living space and includes essential areas such as parking, a foyer, living and dining rooms, a kitchen, and the senior couple’s bedroom. At the heart of the structure lies a central courtyard, a contemporary interpretation of traditional Dravidian architecture. Enhanced with skylights and a top exhaust, the courtyard utilizes the stack effect to expel hot air upwards, ensuring natural cooling and maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.

Although the home comprises just two floors, its ingenious design unfolds across eight distinct levels, aptly inspiring its name, Dwell in Levels. These mezzanine levels not only enrich the spatial experience but also optimize cross-ventilation and provide playful, interactive spaces for the children. Emphasizing visual connectivity, the layout allows the couple to maintain oversight of the entire home without needing to navigate the upper levels. The first floor houses three well-appointed bedrooms, each complemented by expansive balconies that seamlessly blend privacy with breathtaking open vistas.

View from East entrance of Dwell in Levels by SpaceDNA

Courtyard of Dwell in Levels by SpaceDNA

The primary facade faces west, the sunniest and hottest exposure, which presents significant climatic challenges. While completely obstructing this side is not feasible due to the strong southwest winds, a practical solution has been implemented. The large openings and balconies in the facade are shielded by a combination of brick jaali and metal louvers. The brick jaali is meticulously designed to allow the prevailing southwest winds to flow through, providing natural ventilation while simultaneously blocking the harsh afternoon sun, ensuring thermal comfort within the home.

A timeless, earthy material palette harmonizes with the surroundings and ages gracefully. Shadows from a pergola on the double-height walls add visual depth and movement to the interiors. By modernizing the traditional courtyard home, Dwell in Levels achieves a harmonious blend of functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal, meeting the diverse needs of its multi-generational residents while celebrating the tropical environment.