brick-moulded vaulted ceilings crown restaurant by sona reddy studio in india

Telugu Medium Fuses Contemporary and Vernacular Architecture

Telugu Medium, a hospitality establishment spanning 5,200 sqft, exemplifies architectural innovation under the direction of Sona Reddy Studio. The space embodies a unique fusion of heritage and culinary excellence. Located in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, the authentic Andhra restaurant redefines the gastronomic landscape by blending traditional and contemporary elements. Telugu Medium is rooted in indigenous materials and vernacular building techniques that echo the essence of the Deccan. The architecture employs massive brick domes, vaults, and exposed load-bearing walls, minimizing the use of concrete and steel for a passively cooler interior suited to Hyderabad’s arid climate.

The exterior facade features exposed Karimnagar bricks, adding a layer of texture, while concrete planter boxes mark the entrance area. The alfresco waiting space, entirely paved in brick, connects the building to its surroundings, with outdoor seating under canopies creating an interplay with curved brick fins and inset portals framing views of the exterior. Upon entering through a brick-wrapped vestibule, guests encounter a dual-leveled restaurant with high-rise walls and a double-height atrium flooded with natural light. Crafted brick domes and vaulted ceilings interact with silhouette lighting, creating an ever-changing atmospheric ambiance.

all images by Pankaj Anand

Sona Reddy Studio forms brick ceilings and lime plaster walls

Telugu Medium’s furniture complements the space, featuring timeless, simple, and evocative pieces that provide a modern interpretation of South Indian dining. The interiors showcase brick-moulded ceilings, scaling concrete columns, pink lime plaster-washed walls, and textured tandoor flooring, creating a cohesive composition reflecting the soul of the Deccan. The internal staircase ascends into the double-height atrium with fluted glass for privacy and light play. The ground level accommodates a centrally located bar counter with locally sourced pink granite, while a rectangular pond with black limestone tiles and an expansive concrete bench adds a tranquil focal point. Through an exploration of indigenous materials and vernacular design, Sona Reddy Studio brings together rustic and contemporary influences in a luxurious setting.

Sona Reddy Studio’s Telugu Medium project redefines restaurant design

the project embraces indigenous materials and vernacular techniques, echoing the essence of the region

the architecture minimizes concrete and steel, opting for massive brick domes and load-bearing walls

the restaurant features two levels, with the upper floor showcasing a noteworthy ceiling and skylight

a rectangular pond with black limestone tiles and a concrete bench creates a focal point in Telugu Medium

the internal staircase leads to a double-height atrium with fluted glass, offering privacy and light

outdoor seating, canopies, and curved brick fins create a harmonious interplay in the alfresco waiting space

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project info:

name: Telugu Medium

architect: Sona Reddy Studio | @sonareddystudio

lead architect: Sona Reddy

design team: Sona Reddy, Anjali Miriyala, Jemy Joy

founders: Malvika Rao, Anil Karnati, and Rohit Medisetty

area: 5,200 sqft

location: Hyderabad, India

photography: Pankaj Anand | @pankaj_anand_photographer

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom