VIPA Farm House by Studio One By Zero – A Vernacular Retreat in Sholavaram, India

Located in the quiet outskirts of Chennai, the VIPA Farm House designed by Studio One By Zero is a contemporary reinterpretation of vernacular Indian architecture. Built on a two-acre plot in Sholavaram, this 2,350 ft² residence was commissioned by a doctor couple seeking refuge from the city’s urban hustle. Their vision was clear: a two-bedroom farmhouse that embraced nostalgia, natural materials, and timeless modern design.

Architectural Concept – Nostalgia Meets Modern Living

The design centers around dual courtyards that run along the east-west axis, seamlessly connecting the home. One end accommodates the living and kitchen areas, while the other hosts the private bedrooms, ensuring privacy while maintaining a strong visual and spatial flow. Positioned between these zones, the dining space acts as a communal heart, perfect for family gatherings while remaining deeply connected to the outdoors.

Every space within the home engages with natural light, breezes, and seasonal changes, enhancing the family’s connection to nature. The courtyards frame experiences—from the warmth of the morning sun to the fragrance of the monsoon rains—transforming daily rituals into sensory journeys.

Materiality – Exposed Brick, Concrete, and Reclaimed Wood

To evoke the client’s memories of rural Tamil Nadu, the architects chose exposed brick walls and cement plaster finishes. This raw material palette creates an organic texture that naturally ages with time, blending modern minimalism with vernacular warmth.

The home also embraces sustainable practices with reclaimed wood sourced from traditional houses and palaces across Tamil Nadu. This wood has been repurposed into furniture, doors, wardrobes, and cabinetry, reducing the need for newly harvested timber while adding layers of history to the home.

Passive Cooling and Climate-Responsive Design

The design incorporates passive cooling strategies to withstand Chennai’s hot climate.

• A cantilevered entrance slab provides shade while allowing cross-ventilation.
• Grey oxide flooring with granite inlays helps maintain thermal comfort, while strips of glass reduce cracking and enhance detail.
• Filler slabs in the ceilings improve insulation and keep interiors cool.
• The courtyards act as thermal buffers, channeling breezes and reducing heat gain naturally.

Interior Design – Tradition with a Modern Twist

Inside, the farmhouse reflects a careful balance of tradition and modernity.

• The dining space, accessed through a grand 9-foot wooden and glass door, features Athangudi tiles from Karaikudi, lending a handcrafted identity.
• The west courtyard introduces a parametric brick wall, casting dynamic shadows while screening harsh sunlight.
• The east courtyard centers around a Chinese Ficus tree, softening the brutalist brick aesthetic with greenery.

Bedrooms are designed with warmth and detail. The master bedroom uses wood and cane for tactile richness, while the guest room features a striking live-edge wooden headboard, making a bold statement. The mix of brass and wooden antiques, carefully sourced across Tamil Nadu, further roots the home in its cultural landscape.

A Timeless Rural Retreat

The VIPA Farm House is not just a residence but a sustainable retreat—a place where vernacular heritage and modern sensibilities converge. By combining courtyard-centered planning, passive cooling strategies, reclaimed materials, and local craftsmanship, Studio One By Zero has created a home that embodies sustainability, cultural memory, and architectural elegance.

All Photographs are works of Yash R Jain