Linear Rythms

Project completion: 2020 | Location: Kanjirapally

The Courtyard House Makeover The site is encompassed by the family owned lush green rubber plantation which is located a few kilometers away from the town of Kanjirapally. The approach is along a private road that rises up slightly as one gets closer to the location. It is one of the highest points and renders distant views of the nearby mountains from the foyer. The house is set back from the entry point that allows a large foreground and a well-designed green space forward of it. A noticeable feature of the location was the chirping and gathering of birds that echo throughout the day. Hence, a design that revolves around the gist of the context was adopted. The openness and free-flowing nature of the surroundings were factors that helped in conceptualizing client requisites. Hidden in the exterior elevation, a courtyard at the very entrance to the house brightens the experience of living inside. To see a portion of the sky while inside is considered to be the connecting element in the interiors. The courtyard forms the core of the house segregating the public and private spaces and an incessant circulation around it. The concept is conceived as giving birth to an improvised form of the traditional central courtyard houses seen throughout Kerala. The large span of a traditional home is simplified to bring in the essence while keeping the spaces connected. That was another primary requirement from the client while transitioning to this new home completed with modern values. The plan is designed to create a continuous loop between the primary spaces such as living, dining, kitchen, bedrooms and family living. An architecture of simplicity and harmony between the built and the green is obtained while making all the spaces equivalent to the idea of a living space during the day and sleeping space at night. A full height window with minimal hardware in both living and family room provided an uninterrupted view to the outside and also maintains free flow of air. Natural light fills the interior throughout the day in all spaces including washrooms and makes the house more energy efficient. The degree of openness can be noticed in all the spaces in order to develop an expression of intimacy among the family. As one moves around the courtyard, the bedrooms are slipped back a little to ensure the privacy required. The material palette of the house remains simple with Kota stone spreading throughout, white walls and patches of wood floor and ceiling.Customized lighting and furniture niceties are coupled with powdered coated black metal finishes, the primary component being wood. The prominence of wood in details like built-in wardrobes and other furniture items are included to create a contrast and warmth to the monochrome palette of the house that blends well with green. A further distinguishable design feature are the unobstructed free spaces within the home that ensures all storage and open displays are concealed within respective niches.To incorporate a sense of intimacy, sketches and paintings done by children are displayed on the bedroom walls and photographs of the family are part of the public spaces. The kitchen becomes an extension of the dining space accommodating a small informal dining in between. The materials of the working kitchen portray absolute minimalism with stainless steel cabinets and grey tile backsplash to match the floor. The cabinets and appliances in stainless steel are installed to provide low maintenance. Considering the strong family ties in traditional families, the spaces speak for itself bringing in the breadth of time-honored character to modern life.The master bedroom is made exceptional with a study space that has linear slits on the wall that allows natural light to penetrate, lets each one step onto a patterned Kota stone flooring from the wood and a strip of green to top it all. Nature is an important component that enhances the ambience positively. Therefore, a part of green inside one’s bedroom turns into a jewel. The exterior façade is a combination of contemporary slopes and flat roof with similar hues that matches with the surroundings. The intention of synchronizing family traditions, the local climate and contemporary lifestyle is accomplished through simple measures like an internal courtyard and an open plan. The house forms a complete paradigm by emphasizing the transparency that integrates the interior and exterior.