Linear rythms

Encompassed by the family owned lush green rubber plantation, the site is located a few kilometers away from the town of Kanjirapally, Kerala. The approach is along a private road that rises up slightly as one gets closer to the location. The house is set back from the entry point that allows a large foreground and a well-designed green space forward of it. The chirping and gathering of birds that echo throughout the day initiated a design that revolves around the gist of the context. 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 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. The presence of having the green inside just as the outside offers a seamless connection between the two. The plan is designed to create a continuous loop between the primary spaces such as living, dining, kitchen, bedrooms and family living. 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. 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. 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. Adding an in-depth personal touch to all our design calls to reveal a linear detail that is seen everywhere around the house. 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.