With most projects, the architecture and interiors are the most important aspect of creating a home, however, with PRIYAM, it is the surrounding landscape that makes this residential gem, a diamond.

Located in Hyderabad, India, PRIYAM is a bespoke home designed by A01 Architects with interiors by Aamir Sharma, Principal, Aamir and Hameeda. To ensure that PRIYAM would attain its full potential as an oasis within a busy city, landscape architect, Sowmya Lakhamraju, Founder of Kiasma Studio was commissioned to conceive a design for the garden that would complement the residence and pay tribute to nature.

With one acre of grounds to curate, Kiasma Studio was guided by the existing trees and flora, particular requirements by the client for outdoor living and to create a landscape that would enhance the residence. The design emphasises wide open spaces and selective foliage for privacy, while maintaining a sense of scale but has minimalism at its heart.

Working with the natural elements of the site, the landscape design highlights and showcases such features as the 100-year-old existing trees and integrates zones and outdoor areas into the surrounds that are both flexible and versatile.

Outdoor seating under trees, some specimens as old as 100 years, provides a place for family and friends to meet and gather. The canopy foliage of the mature trees provide shade and they become naturally made pergolas, but they were also retained as an integral part of the new design.

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As well as the seating beneath these extraordinary trees there is a multi-functional deck that can be used for yoga sessions or family functions. Included within the deck is a custom-made service counter ideal for easy food service for events.

A handcrafted stone bench has been designed to reflect the sky and becomes a unique feature of the home’s landscape. Metal screens have been included and become privacy barriers with minimal interruption to people or place. The presence of the screens is barely noticed as they become invisible when viewed from certain angles and they also provide privacy between the garden and the parking area.

A courtyard space has been designed beneath an 80-year-old cannonball tree and this is where harmony between man and nature is at its best. Again, this area has multiple uses, from a place for morning coffee, as a tranquil retreat for one person or a space for a crowd to gather. The tree provides texture from its bark, fragrance from flowers and adds another dimension to this very special garden.

PRIYAM was initiated in 2021 during the pandemic and there were many obstacles to construction and final completion. In order to achieve resolution, Kiasma Studio worked with local materials to circumvent supply chain issues and also preserved the original trees. This has resulted in a design that is appropriate to location and blends nature with the man-made perfectly.

Kiasma Studio is a young landscape architecture practice located in Delhi and Hyderabad. It employs the idea of space, form and texture in its projects and believes in creating didactic spaces with minimal design and maximum impact for its clients. The practice is inspired by the beauty of nature and strives to bring this inspiration to reality through its landscape art.

Kiasma Landscapes
kiasmalandscapes.com

A01 Architects
a01architects.com

Aamir and Hameeda Interior Designers (AANDH)
aandh.co.in

Photography
Vivek Eadara

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