The Everyday retreat

Project completion: 2023 | Location: Kottayam

Among the green and the nature-wrapped feel of a small town, the design made efforts to frame different views and spaces to fulfill a complete sense of place. It depicts the combination of wood and metal palette embracing modernity and neutral-colored walls. The landscape, bushes, a shallow reflection pond, a gazebo, and a verandah create a perfect entrance pathway to the main door. As the design for this project holds high contextual positivity, full-height windows, colonnaded sit-outs/verandahs, and skylight lead to blurring the indoor-outdoor distinction and bringing nature inside.

The interiors are simple, and the plan has its share of openness among the gathering spaces. The bedrooms remain private in this modern plan with large openings that bring natural light and blend nature into the inside. The kitchen and work area forms a linear side-by-side arrangement beside the dining area. The interior finishes include a neutral color theme that underlines the warmth of the wood inside. The furniture ensembles and warm lighting set the ambience of a modern home. The revision of the traditional Kerala roof is intentional, and a steep roof designed to suit the climate also creates a unique look with the setting.

A few wall claddings and minimal artwork fill the white walls. The full-height in-built cupboards and floating woodwork maximize the floor space in each bedroom. The slatted wooden ceiling, similar to the flooring pattern, accentuates the entrance verandah. The plan creates an elevation that pictures the common areas and the transitional decks in one frame. The living and drawing rooms spill over to the verandah, which opens to the pool and garden outside by constantly trying to respond to the surrounding setting. This elevated and refined home is a place to treasure, considering the Kerala weather and the green spaces that act as water detention areas during the monsoon season.