Founded in 2003, Studio VDGA, based out of Pune, Maharashtra, India, is a versatile design and architecture practice that focuses on delivering visceral experiences via tangible designs. “We do not want to imprint the world with heavy obtuse architecture, but create ideas that are astute. Ephemeral design languages are not for us…we are here to dwell in more persistent and long-lasting concepts,” the studio exclaims. One can witness the materialisation of this ethos in House of Courtyards, as well. With special inspiration derived from vernacular architecture as well as due consideration granted to the climate in the region, the Indian architects managed to deliver a residential design that appears ready to offer a lavish and comfortable life in the years to come.

Enunciating upon the primal thoughts that the architects had about the residential architecture, Studio VDGA shares, “Set in the city of gold, Dubai; this villa was one of our most challenging projects considering the diverse architectural languages that the city follows. Be it the towering skyscrapers, extremely modern boxed structures or ornate villas, the city sees a lot in terms of spatial expression. Being our maiden project in Dubai, it was our effort to be very close to vernacular architecture and give full justice to the context.”

The layout of the private residence, too, inspired by the vernacular architecture in the region, adheres to not only the inclusion of ample open spaces in the form of courtyards but includes the integration of a thorough demarcation of private and semi-private spaces via a labyrinth-like configuration of the living areas, lounging rooms, dining spaces, bedrooms and other ancillary areas. This kind of layout, with many horizontal apertures, is evocative of the narrow streets—laid out such that the adjacent structures adeptly shield them from direct sun rays—found in the older part of the city.

The villa lies on a site measuring 30,500 square feet and is designed to house a family of five across three levels—the ground floor, the basement and the first floor. Within the residence, formal and informal areas are demarcated. The main entrance to the residence is located between two tall walls that create an impression of grandeur. The entrance lobby further leads to a courtyard called the Fountain Court. It houses a giant Olive tree and a fountain and lies at the edge of the family room and the guest lounge. Moving deeper into the family room, one comes across the gourmet kitchen. “This becomes the space where the family spends most of their time, bonding over food and conversations. This space is tucked between the two prominent courtyards of the house and enjoys views of both,” the studio shares. Behind the gourmet kitchen lies the back of house unit which hosts the grease kitchen, staff bedroom and kitchen and other ancillary functional areas. “The main kitchen of the house is strictly utilitarian with a small open-to-sky Indian kitchen attached to it. The Indian kitchen has the look and feel of the kitchens in rural India with the traditional chulha (stove) setting,” adds the practice.

The entrance lobby, on the other hand, further leads to a corridor flanked by the home office and two water bodies on either side. While the one on the right is referred to as the Nandi Court, brimming with water, the one on the left is termed the Lantern Court and is enhanced by the presence of a large Olive tree. The Nandi Court faces the prayer room, with a ‘Nandi’ idol sitting amidst the water. The Lantern Court, on the other hand, derives its name from the wooden lattice screens that frame the openings on the first floor of the house. The corridor further leads down to three larger formal rooms, namely the ceremonial dining room, the formal living area and the family sitout, all three of which further open up to the backyard lawn. A smaller breathing area is also inserted between the dining and living areas, in the form of a courtyard dotted with aloe, yucca and cacti, which capture a glimpse into the desert landscape.

The first floor of the courtyard house is a fairly private zone that hosts the master bedroom for the couple and three bedrooms for the kids in the family. Additionally, it also comprises a gym, a steam and sauna room and a family lounging room. While the master bedroom is coated in hues of beige and white, the other bedrooms are slightly more colourful and vibrant. Each washroom opens up to a small private succulent courtyard, whereas the bedrooms are visually connected to the back lawn.

The large basement in the residence accommodates a parking area, various back-end utility areas and a home theatre and lounge which extends into the pool area. “The pool is a hidden treasure of the villa design. Fenced by a series of arches, the pool winds up on one side into a Jacuzzi niche,” the studio reveals.

Dotted with a series of courtyards, each zone within the residence has an outdoor connection. Furthermore, the architects kept the interior design and material palette subtle and pared down, to maintain the austere architectural character as reflected in the facade. This also ensures that each interior zone is enlivened not by material possessions and decorations, but is enriched by the interference of natural dispositions that lie next to all indoor areas. Some materials used in the house, apart from the ubiquitous rough Indian stone include corten steel for doors, windows and slats; white marble floors in natural finish and off-white crushed stones; natural rocks.

The minimalist interiors are also further enhanced by the addition of various levels in the design. This not only breaks the monotony but also enables “the self-shading of the structures while forming overwhelming sciography patterns,” per the studio. The courtyards, too, remain partially shaded by trees, shading devices and the shadow of the structure falling upon them. This enables their free usage during all seasons. “Sun path, summer and winter solstice were elaborately studied to create climatically conducive environments,” the architects shared. Keeping in mind the climate in the region, the studio kept the fenestrations on the southern face minimal while the north, east and west faces host ample openings. The high turrets—evocative of Iranian barjeels— introduced intermittently in the design, allow natural light into the interior spaces while cutting off the glare and harshness of the sun.

In addition to gaining inspiration from the traditional architecture in the region, the architects also employed the principles of Vastu in the residence. While the bedrooms are rectilinear with ample openings to keep them airy, the prayer room is stationed on the northern end of the ground floor. The entrance porch, too, is positioned on the north-east corner of the residence, in accordance with vastu guidelines. The centre of the house, referred to as the Brahmasthan or the heart of the house and which is regarded as the most powerful and holy spot within a property, hosts a courtyard. This ensures that this area within the residence is obstruction-free and can be utilised for any kind of meditative, reflective or leisurely activity.

Although House of Courtyards, with its horizontally spread spatiality, is not a structure that stands out in Dubai’s skyline strikingly, the integration of traditional elements and aesthetics in this contemporary design makes an impact and stands tall against the plethora of glass and steel structures that prop up in the Emirates every year. If nothing, this residence exemplifies the value of the vernacular and presents an alternative to the flashy, ostentatious and brazenly monumental aesthetic that has taken the Gulf nations in a chokehold.