Exploded Axonometric — All Levels
03 — 3D Spatial Assembly
All architectural drawings, floor plans, sections, elevations, and axonometric illustrations contained in this document are the original creative works of EssEnn Architects, Hyderabad, India. This document has been compiled solely as a personal architectural reference for the private residential project Maarutham, Visakhapatnam. It is intended exclusively for private study, inspiration, and briefing purposes in relation to the owner's own residence.
This document is not intended for any commercial use, reproduction, distribution, publication, or presentation to any third party for commercial gain. No claim of authorship or design ownership is made over the referenced drawings or design principles. Full intellectual property rights remain with EssEnn Architects.
Maarutham takes its name and its architecture from the same source — the wind. Positioned on the Visakhapatnam coast, the residence channels the prevailing Bay of Bengal sea breeze through every spatial decision: the courtyard void, the aligned openings, the sectional variations. The house does not fight the climate; it is shaped by it.
Spatial planning evolves around a central courtyard, driving daylight deep into the interiors. Openings are aligned to enable cross ventilation, while sectional height variations induce a strong stack effect for passive cooling.
The spatial anchor of Maarutham. An open-to-sky void channelling Vizag's coastal light and wind directly into the heart of the home. Planted with local species to moderate the coastal microclimate.
Sectional height variations create differential thermal pressures. Warm air rises through the courtyard and exits at terrace level, drawing the Bay of Bengal breeze in through low-level shaded openings continuously.
All openings aligned to harness prevailing sea winds. The U-shaped plan channels coastal air through living spaces, maintaining natural comfort without mechanical systems even in peak Vizag summer.
Deep overhangs and louvred screens mediate intense coastal sun. Transitional verandah zones filter solar radiation while drawing in the sea breeze — a nod to traditional Andhra courtyard homes.
First floor organised along a continuous loop — all suites oriented toward the courtyard. Movement through Maarutham always relates back to the central wind-catching void.
Ground, first floor, and terrace each offer distinct experiences of light and breeze — from the intimate courtyard garden through the gallery of private suites to the open sky terrace above the Bay.
U-shaped plan wrapping the central courtyard garden and pool deck. All social spaces open toward the courtyard, aligned for cross-ventilation from the Bay of Bengal.
| Space | Dimensions (m / ft) | Area (m² / ft²) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Foyer | 3.0 × 4.5 m 9'10" × 14'9" |
13.5 m² 145 ft² |
Compressed for dramatic courtyard reveal |
| Living Room | 6.0 × 7.5 m 19'8" × 24'7" |
45.0 m² 484 ft² |
Opens fully to courtyard; double-height preferred |
| Family Lounge | 4.5 × 5.5 m 14'9" × 18'1" |
24.75 m² 266 ft² |
Adjacent to kitchen; semi-open to courtyard |
| Kitchen | 4.0 × 5.5 m 13'1" × 18'1" |
22.0 m² 237 ft² |
Modular island; service yard access |
| Dining Area | 4.0 × 5.0 m 13'1" × 16'5" |
20.0 m² 215 ft² |
Flows into lounge; courtyard view |
| Master Bedroom | 5.5 × 6.0 m 18'1" × 19'8" |
33.0 m² 355 ft² |
Ground-level suite; private garden access |
| Master Bathroom | 3.0 × 4.0 m 9'10" × 13'1" |
12.0 m² 129 ft² |
Wet room + soaking tub; natural light slot |
| Study / Office | 3.5 × 4.0 m 11'6" × 13'1" |
14.0 m² 151 ft² |
North-facing; diffused light preferred |
| Pool Deck | 4.5 × 10.0 m 14'9" × 32'10" |
45.0 m² 484 ft² |
Pool 3.5×8.0m; teak decking surround |
| Courtyard Garden | 8.0 × 9.0 m 26'3" × 29'6" |
72.0 m² 775 ft² |
Central void; planted; open to sky |
| Service / Utility | 2.5 × 4.0 m 8'2" × 13'1" |
10.0 m² 108 ft² |
Back-of-house; separate staff entry |
| Powder Room | 1.5 × 2.5 m 4'11" × 8'2" |
3.75 m² 40 ft² |
Guest WC near entry |
Courtyard minimum 8×9 m (26'×30') ensures adequate light penetration. Pool placed on windward side acts as an evaporative cooling buffer — critical for Vizag's coastal humidity.
Continuous peripheral loop wrapping the courtyard void. All bedrooms face inward with gallery corridor enabling sightlines to the garden. Primary and secondary circulation annotated on drawing.
| Space | Dimensions (m / ft) | Area (m² / ft²) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedroom Suite 1 | 5.0 × 5.5 m 16'5" × 18'1" |
27.5 m² 296 ft² |
Primary guest suite; courtyard balcony |
| Bedroom Suite 2 | 4.5 × 5.0 m 14'9" × 16'5" |
22.5 m² 242 ft² |
Corner suite; dual aspect ventilation |
| Bedroom Suite 3 | 4.5 × 5.0 m 14'9" × 16'5" |
22.5 m² 242 ft² |
Children's / secondary; courtyard view |
| Bedroom Suite 4 | 4.5 × 5.0 m 14'9" × 16'5" |
22.5 m² 242 ft² |
Children's / secondary; courtyard view |
| Bathroom (×4) | 2.5 × 3.5 m 8'2" × 11'6" |
8.75 m² 94 ft² |
Ensuite; ventilated via high louvre |
| Sitting Lounge 1 | 3.5 × 4.0 m 11'6" × 13'1" |
14.0 m² 151 ft² |
Reading nook attached to Suite 1 |
| Sitting Lounge 2 | 3.5 × 4.0 m 11'6" × 13'1" |
14.0 m² 151 ft² |
Shared family sitting; overlooks void |
| Gallery Corridor | 2.0 m wide 6'7" wide |
32.0 m² 344 ft² |
Peripheral loop; open to courtyard void |
| Walk-in Wardrobe | 1.8 × 3.0 m 5'11" × 9'10" |
5.4 m² 58 ft² |
One per suite; cedar-lined recommended |
| Linen / Store | 1.5 × 2.0 m 4'11" × 6'7" |
3.0 m² 32 ft² |
Central housekeeping cupboard |
Gallery corridor minimum 2.0 m (6'7") clear. Balustrade must be open or glazed — not solid — to preserve visual courtyard connection that makes the peripheral loop strategy work.
Schematic plan — derived from exploded axonometric & sectional elevations. To be confirmed with structural engineer.
The terrace level completes the vertical sequence. East and west open decks provide 360° access to coastal views and the Bay breeze. The courtyard void terminates here as the primary exhaust for the stack ventilation strategy.
| Space | Dimensions (m / ft) | Area (m² / ft²) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Terrace (E) | 6.0 × 8.0 m 19'8" × 26'3" |
48.0 m² 517 ft² |
East terrace; Bay of Bengal views; sunrise aspect |
| Open Terrace (W) | 6.0 × 8.0 m 19'8" × 26'3" |
48.0 m² 517 ft² |
West terrace; sunset views; evening lounge area |
| Sky Lounge | 5.0 × 5.0 m 16'5" × 16'5" |
25.0 m² 269 ft² |
Shaded pergola lounge; open on 3 sides to breeze |
| Pergola / Shade | 3.0 × 6.0 m 9'10" × 19'8" |
18.0 m² 194 ft² |
Louvred overhead; teak or MS frame; coastal grade |
| Courtyard Opening | 8.0 × 9.0 m 26'3" × 29'6" |
72.0 m² 775 ft² |
Open void to sky; stack exhaust; void not built area |
| Stair Head | 2.5 × 3.0 m 8'2" × 9'10" |
7.5 m² 81 ft² |
Enclosed stairhead with louvred ventilation |
| Services Core | 3.0 × 4.0 m 9'10" × 13'1" |
12.0 m² 129 ft² |
Water tanks, solar, electrical; screened enclosure |
| Parapet Walk | 1.2 m wide 3'11" wide |
— — |
1.2m min parapet all edges; coastal safety req. |
| Outdoor Shower | 1.5 × 1.5 m 4'11" × 4'11" |
2.25 m² 24 ft² |
Near pool stair; rinse station; teak deck |
| Plant Room / Store | 2.0 × 2.5 m 6'7" × 8'2" |
5.0 m² 54 ft² |
Irrigation, pool equipment, terrace store |
The sky void (8×9 m / 26'×30') must remain fully open — no pergola, cover, or screen over this area. It is the functional exhaust of the stack ventilation system and the primary daylighting source for both floors below.
1.2 m (4'0") minimum parapet all edges. Glazed or open-bar balustrade above where view is desired. Salt-resistant coating on all steel elements.
Services core accommodates solar water heaters, PV panels (optional), and rainwater harvesting tank — all screened from view by the parapet.
Kota stone or porcelain tile for deck surfaces. Teak battens for pergola and lounge zones. Non-slip finish throughout given coastal rainfall.
Raised planters along east and west edges with salt-tolerant coastal species — Bougainvillea, Portulaca, Frangipani — to soften parapet and provide shade.
Vizag sits on a tropical coast with high humidity, strong south-west monsoon winds, and intense solar radiation. Every element of Maarutham's design responds to these specific conditions — not generic principles, but Vizag-tuned ones.
The courtyard light well ensures all spaces receive direct or reflected natural light. East-facing rooms capture the Bay sunrise; overhangs prevent afternoon western glare from penetrating deep into living areas.
Openings aligned to prevailing south-west monsoon direction. The U-shaped ground floor creates a Venturi channel, accelerating Bay of Bengal airflow through living areas year-round.
Height variations between wings create thermal pressure differentials. As warm humid air rises through the courtyard void and exits at the terrace, fresh coastal air is drawn in through low-level louvred openings.
Deep verandahs and shaded buffer zones prevent moisture-laden coastal air from causing condensation. Pool is positioned to allow evaporative cooling via prevailing wind, not against it.
A salt-tolerant, humidity-resistant palette rooted in the Andhra vernacular. Every material chosen for its performance in Vizag's coastal climate — warm terracotta, teak, lime plaster, and local stone form a language that weathers beautifully by the Bay.