Nestled near the historic city of Mysuru, Solum is more than a home—it is a manifesto for eco-conscious living, where agrarian wisdom meets modern design. Conceived as a retreat from urban life, the house reflects its owner’s desire for simplicity, self-sufficiency, and a deep connection to nature.
The client, a young entrepreneur with a business background, has long been fascinated by the modesty and rhythm of agrarian life. Owning a two-acre plot close to his primary residence, he envisioned a fully self-sufficient farm that could generate its own electricity and manage water requirements independently. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified this dream, underscoring the importance of having a serene, self-contained sanctuary for his family, particularly for his children to experience life close to the earth.
Having previously collaborated with Thomas Parambil Architects on his city home in Mysuru, the client entrusted them with translating this vision into reality. The architects, already familiar with the client’s grounded personality and lifestyle preferences, focused on creating a home that would feel naturally integrated into the lush landscape of coconut and Areca palms rather than imposed upon it.
The site itself presented a challenge: it sits at the lowest point of the plot, a natural catchment for rainwater. The architects transformed this constraint into a feature by channeling water from across the plot into a central canal that feeds a large storage tank, ensuring sustainable water management while enhancing the landscape’s natural flow.
The design philosophy emphasizes a light, porous structure that softens the line between built form and nature. The layout encourages interaction and togetherness, with communal spaces prioritized in the east-facing public zone. Here, the pool deck, living area, and kitchen bask in natural light and airflow, making mornings especially vibrant. Deep overhangs and canopies, supported by slim columns, provide shaded areas protected from tropical rains, creating a comfortable, airy environment throughout the day. Though these public spaces share a continuous volume, each area is given its own identity through carefully selected furniture, art, and accessories. Bedrooms are tucked away to the west, separated by a corridor and shielded from harsh afternoon sun by a blank wall.
Material choices further reinforce the home’s sustainable ethos. Locally sourced and simple, materials like concrete blocks, terracotta roof tiles, and black natural stone celebrate imperfections and regional character. Rough plaster and muted paints preserve the natural texture of the blocks, while solar panels across the site generate sufficient energy to power daily activities, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint.
Solum is designed to promote a lifestyle in rhythm with nature. Every element, from water management to light-filled interiors, invites residents to live gently and consciously. The home offers an intimate connection with the environment, where modern amenities coexist seamlessly with sustainable principles and agrarian sensibilities.
Beyond sustainability, the house creates an emotional connection. The east-facing public spaces capture the morning sun, providing vibrant, energizing light, while shaded corridors and private bedroom zones offer retreat and comfort. The architecture subtly guides daily rhythms, encouraging interaction in communal areas and quiet reflection in private spaces. Every aspect is intentional, from the flow of water to the choice of furniture, demonstrating how thoughtful design can shape both life and environment.
Solum is a celebration of mindful living. It proves that luxury and simplicity need not be opposites and that modern design can coexist harmoniously with ecological responsibility. Here, life is slower, more intentional, and deeply connected to the land beneath one’s feet, making every moment rejuvenating and grounded.
