Adaptive Reuse / Hospitality

Shruti - Agraharam House

How do we breathe new life into an old house without compromising its heritage character—and while using as few materials as possible? In a time when the once-beautiful homes of the Agraharam are being replaced by generic RCC structures, this project stands as a case in point—demonstrating the hidden value in old buildings and how they can be restored cost-effectively and sustainably.

Given the extent of repairs and the historic nature of the house, we helped identify a new use case that would allow it to continue to thrive with renewed purpose.

This 120-year-old house is one of the largest in the scenic, character-rich Vishnupuram Agraharam. Located in the heart of the Cauvery Delta region, the agraharam is one of the few remaining settlements that retains its original form. With a central street flanked by thinnais, temples, and a village pond, it offers a rare slice of authentic Tamil village life.

The Brief

The clients, now based in Pune, wished to carry out essential repairs and minor additions to their ancestral home. Their goal was to make the house comfortable for short visits every three months.

Their mandate was clear: preserve the original character of the house, reduce waste, and use local or reclaimed materials wherever possible.

"We believe heritage houses are like living organisms—they must be continuously inhabited and cared for ..."

Our Response

A detailed physical documentation and digital survey of the house revealed several critical repairs. The scope and complexity of the work demanded significant time and financial investment.

We believe heritage houses are like living organisms—they must be continuously inhabited and cared for, or they quickly fall into disrepair. To ensure the long-term upkeep of the home, we helped the clients identify a new use for it.

We introduced the clients to LuxUnlock Pvt. Ltd., a company that curates stay experiences in heritage villas. What began as a private restoration project evolved into a commercial venture that aligned with the clients’ original intent: to showcase the architectural and cultural value of the house.

The Transformation Process

The restoration and transformation were carried out in stages, with each phase involving detailed observation and targeted interventions. Major repairs included treating all wooden elements for termite infestation, waterproofing the traditional tiled roof and strengthening and repairing the masonry walls.

New additions—like toilets, plumbing, and a few rooms—were done with minimal deviation from the original plan, preserving the essence of the house.

iso context neighbour black white [Recovered]

Restore, Reuse, Readapt

Sustainability was central to the project. Most materials—including wood, bricks, and tiles—were salvaged and reused. Where timber elements were beyond repair, we sourced second-hand components from nearby areas. Rainwater is now harvested from the roof and recharged into the open well. Cemented surfaces were replaced with country brick pavers to improve water permeability. A bio-septic tank converts waste into grey water, which is used to irrigate the garden.

The Outcome

The two internal courtyards were transformed into independent suite rooms—Swara and Laya. The old cowshed, which once housed nearly 40 cows, is now a dining and games pavilion. The former grain storage area was adapted into a kitchen and a space for the caretaker.

"The house now lives on—not as a relic of the past, but as a vibrant space for heritage hospitality, rooted in place and memory."

Project Details

Site

Vishnupuram, Tamilnadu

Design

January 2023 – December 2025

Status

Completed

Size

3,930 sq.ft. built-up area + 3,660 sq.ft. landscape area

Cost

₹1,100 – ₹1,200 per sq.ft.

Program

Hospitality / Heritage Homestay

Project type

Adaptive Reuse

Team

Chandranesan Pownraja, Kapilan Chandranesan, Krishnakumar Mahalingam, Yamini Thaila Sridharan, Monisha Jeyakumar, Flavin Ethilton, Oviya, Shrithik Rigesh

Photographs – completed project

Ashish Gupta & LuxUnlock Pvt. Ltd.

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