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Chidghana is a residential masterpiece located in Hindupur, Andhra Pradesh. Designed by Ar. Shruti Mysore Vedavyas, Founder Dhi Architecture and Design and a student of Ar. Jaisim, for a retired couple Samba Murthy Gollapalle and Sandhya Rani, the home is a seamless blend of ancestral roots and forward-thinking sustainability.
- Designed by/ Firm Name : Dhi Architecture and Design
- Address: 175/1,Pavilion Road, Jayanagar 1st Block East,Bangalore-560011
- Project Type : Residential
- Project Name : Hindupur Residence
- Client Name: Mr Samba Murthy and family
- Location : Hindupur
- Principal Architect: Ar.Shruti Vedavyas
- Team Design Credits : Ar.Shobhana
- Photography: Roshan Paliath
- Site Area : 4800 sft
- Carpet area : 3880 sft
- Project Cost Appx : 1. 6 cr approx
- Material Palette of the project : Clay bloc
In the quiet town of Hindupur, Andhra Pradesh, stands a residence that is more than just a structure of stone and mortar. Named Chidghana, a Sanskrit term meaning "condensed consciousness" or "pure awareness", this forever home designed by Ar. Shruti Mysore Vedavyas, Founder Dhi Architecture and Design and a student of Ar. Jaisim for retired couple Samba Murthy Gollapalle and Sandhya Rani is a physical manifestation of a life’s journey, a return to one’s roots, viewed through a forward-looking lens.
The design of Chidghana is defined by its rejection of rigid boundaries. Upon entering, the traditional concept of "rooms" dissolves into a series of dynamic, flowing lines that create a sense of infinite space.
At the heart of the home lies a dual-purpose central court. A sculptural staircase serves as the home’s connecting spine, designed to appear as if it is floating in mid-air. This central void does more than just connect levels, it acts as a thermal chimney, allowing hot air to rise and escape, naturally cooling the interiors.
At the heart of the home lies a dual-purpose central court. A sculptural staircase serves as the home’s connecting spine, designed to appear as if it is floating in mid-air. This central void does more than just connect levels, it acts as a thermal chimney, allowing hot air to rise and escape, naturally cooling the interiors.
By utilizing a 20-foot jaali wall for ventilation and a central sculptural staircase that doubles as a thermal chimney, the design masterfully mitigates the region's intense heat through passive cooling. This central void does more than just connect levels; it creates a "stack effect" where hot air is naturally drawn upward and expelled, ensuring the interiors remain comfortable without a heavy reliance on mechanical systems.
The architecture of Chidghana is defined by its rejection of rigid boundaries, instead employing an asymmetric sloping roof that shifts the home’s scale from intimate and tucked away to soaring and monumental. This play of geometry allows the house to feel grounded for the retired couple while providing the volume necessary to host their visiting children and extended family. The interior layout prioritizes "barrier-free" living, with a primary suite on the ground floor to ensure long-term accessibility. The transition from the lush garden courts to the sun-drenched central atrium ensures that nature is never more than a glance away, fostering a constant connection between the inhabitants and the outdoors.
The materiality of the home further bridges the gap between the past and the present. The use of local stone masonry serves as a thermal shield against the harsh Andhra sun, while the artistic application of Bethamcherla stone floors pays homage to regional craftsmanship. These limestone floors are laid in playful, modern geometric patterns, turning the ground beneath one's feet into a canvas that connects family ancestry to a contemporary lifestyle. The towering jaali wall does not just cool the air; it transforms sunlight into a rhythmic pattern of shadows that moves across these stone surfaces throughout the day, acting as a silent sun clock and heightening the sensory experience of the space.
The success of Chidghana is rooted in a rare "triple synergy" between the architect, the clients, and the contractors, allowing the project to transcend typical residential design. Every element, from the floating spine of the staircase to the strategically placed stone walls, is designed to lead the inhabitant toward a state of "absolute awareness." It is a home that values the touch of natural materials and the movement of light, creating a meditative environment that holds a family's legacy. By blending traditional motifs with modern engineering, Chidghana serves as a blueprint for how modern Indian architecture can remain deeply rooted in geography while reaching for a sophisticated, airy, and sustainable future.
The success of Chidghana is rooted in a rare "triple synergy" between the architect, the clients, and the contractors, allowing the project to transcend typical residential design. Every element, from the floating spine of the staircase to the strategically placed stone walls, is designed to lead the inhabitant toward a state of "absolute awareness." It is a home that values the touch of natural materials and the movement of light, creating a meditative environment that holds a family's legacy. By blending traditional motifs with modern engineering, Chidghana serves as a blueprint for how modern Indian architecture can remain deeply rooted in geography while reaching for a sophisticated, airy, and sustainable future.
