- Project: The Modern Pastoral House
- Architect: Sudaiva Studio
- Location: India, Yenagunte
- Year: 2023
- Area: 557 m2
- Photography: Shamanth Patil J
Rooted in Landscape and Culture
Located in Yenagunte, India, the Modern Pastoral House by Sudaiva Studio is more than a family dwelling—it is a dialogue between architecture, nature, and spirituality. Commissioned by an agriculturist seeking a modest four-bedroom home for his extended family, the design adheres to Vastu Shastra principles while responding to the site’s cultural and environmental context.
Flanked by sacred peepul trees and facing the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, the home embraces its surroundings with reverence. Its L-shaped configuration frames these views, while a winding garden pathway, water features, and tropical landscaping weave the residence seamlessly into its rural setting.
Architectural Concept
Spanning 6,000 square feet, the home blends contemporary lines with mid-century modern influences. Horizontal planes, glass façades, and overhanging cantilevered roofs define the form, creating openness while providing shade. The use of white brick cladding, sleek aluminum windows, and recycled teak wood panels recalls both modernist purity and temple-inspired motifs, notably referencing the intricate chariot carvings of the nearby shrine.
The house’s program unfolds organically:
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An open-plan living and dining area flows to an outdoor deck overlooking a natural pond framed by local boulders.
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Bedrooms, including a mezzanine-level son’s room, maximize views of the lush surroundings.
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Service and private areas are oriented for privacy while maintaining permeability to the landscape.
Materials and Craft
Materiality grounds the project in its cultural and regional context:
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Recycled teak panels enhance ventilation and texture, blending craft with sustainability.
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Natural Indian stones, such as Kota and Jaisalmer, define the flooring, bringing warmth and durability.
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Indigenous planting and water features strengthen the home’s connection to the rural landscape.
The interplay of textures—wood, stone, glass, and water—creates an atmosphere of serenity, reflecting both agrarian pragmatism and architectural elegance.
A Community Landmark
Beyond its role as a private residence, the Modern Pastoral House has become a village landmark. Temple-goers are drawn to its tranquil gardens and striking design, transforming the home into a point of community interaction. It embodies not just domestic living but also a shared cultural and spiritual experience, bridging the realms of ritual, landscape, and contemporary architecture.
