Project fact file:
Project Name: Thresholds of Belonging
Category: Residential architecture
Architecture Studio: From Around Here(@from.around.here)
Design Team: Ar. Shreya Daffney, Ar. Hita Bhat c & Ar. Saran Babu
Build Team: Sherwin James
Built-up Area: 4,280 sq.ft.
Year of Completion: 2025
Location: Kaup, Karnataka
Photography: Niby Thomas
The journey begins at a central courtyard with a mango tree, the heart of the home that connects its public and private spaces. Extending from this core, a verandah mediates between the lush landscape and the built form, while the deep jagli katte serves as both a climatic buffer and a sanctuary for evening chai.
Inspired by traditional haveli typology, the foyer opens into an intimate living and dining space anchored by handcrafted red oxide flooring. Yellow lime-plastered walls, blue windows, brass lights from Rajasthan, and soft eastern light bring warmth and texture to the interiors.
A passage connecting the dining area and kitchen features arched windows framing views of the courtyard, while black oxide lines on the red floor add rhythm and depth. Fixed seating along the passage and dining area was designed as quiet vantage points overlooking the seasonal pond and surrounding green fields.
The home transitions from earthy and warm to light and airy, with private spaces inspired by the jagli katte and Rajasthani jharokha. Shaded by Mangaluru tiles and connected by a shared verandah, the rooms extend into the surrounding greenery. A handcrafted jack wood staircase leads to an upper study and terrace overlooking the garden and coastal skies, while an integrated rainwater harvesting system grounds the home in its landscape.
thresholds of belonging
Located in the coastal town of Kaup, Udupi, this three-bedroom residence is a narrative of memory and heritage. Designed for a Rajasthani couple who relocated to the west coast, the home bridges the inward-focused traditions of Rajasthan with the airy vernacular architecture of coastal Karnataka.
