Thomas Parambil Architects has unveiled Solum, a two-acre residential farm retreat that exemplifies eco-conscious living through a seamless integration of agrarian wisdom and contemporary design. Conceived as a self-sufficient ecosystem, Solum generates its own electricity via solar panels and manages water through an on-site rainwater harvesting system.
© TP Architects
Set on a 4034 sqft built area, the architecture is light and porous, blurring the boundary between built form and lush natural surroundings. Deep overhangs and shaded volumes ensure comfort in the tropical climate, while the east-facing public zones, including the pool deck, living area, and kitchen, are flooded with natural light through extensive glazing. Bedrooms are positioned to the west, protected from harsh afternoon sun, creating a balance between openness and privacy.
The project celebrates local materials and artisanal imperfection. Concrete blocks, terracotta roof tiles, and black natural stone sourced from nearby units form the core material palette. Concrete surfaces are finished with rough plaster to maintain texture, while the stone provides a gleaming backdrop for the visual narrative. "The desire for a connection to place and an earth-sensitive lifestyle shaped the built form, the programmatic orchestration as well as the materiality," the architects explained.
© TP Architects
Solum was designed to feel naturally rooted in its coconut and Areca palm-studded landscape. Rainwater inlets across the site were channelled into a central canal leading to a storage tank, turning a site constraint into an advantage for sustainability. Furniture, art, and accessories give each volume a distinct personality, while maintaining a cohesive, human-centric design approach.
The project emerged from the client's vision to create a self-sufficient retreat reflecting modesty, simplicity, and a sustainable lifestyle, inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic's emphasis on connection to nature. "Solum celebrates a nature-filled lifestyle. Here, every invigorating moment becomes even more energised when you realise that you are touching the earth very, very gently indeed," said the team.
Fact file:
Project Name: Solum
Location: Mysuru, Karnataka, India
Built Area: 4034 sqft
Architects: Thomas Parambil Architects
Photographer: Justin Sebastian
High-resolution images: Link
More information:
Thomas Parambil Architects
[email protected]
www.tparchitects.in
