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Replacing one existing house and warehouse, this large family home was made to complement the tropical lifestyle of Kerala, India. Created by The Design Room, the architecture comprehensively retains the native trees of the 600 square meter site, and encloses several of them within a central courtyard design. The built-up spaces separate from this outdoor heart of the home, which achieves a comfortable connection. The open plan layout was guided by the region’s humid climatic conditions. The benefits of cross ventilation, passive cooling and natural lighting have satisfied the vision for an energy-efficient home. Outside, the vegetation contrasts sharply with the visual warmth of a rich red laterite stone.
The attractive three-storey house structure has a clear modern façade of contrasting red stone and pure white imagery. Established plants harden around the edges of the plot, growing abundant borders. Built-in planters pull a splash of natural greenery up at the front entrance door, and onto the first-floor terrace of the home.
Paving stones interrupt the green ground cover, placing a welcoming checkered driveway. Low metal gates intelligently in front of the property, while white-made walls separate the dwelling from its close neighbors.
Overhangs above the windows and terraces keep the interior and exterior living quarters cool and shady. Umbrella roofs have been implemented into the home design to support passive cooling of the interiors. These attractive roof structures also successfully hide solar panels installed on them.
The materials for the construction were carefully selected due to their local availability and their thermal effects. Laterite, an iron-rich soil and a rock formation formed in tropical areas, was widely used in construction. Historically used in monument construction, this time Kannur brick laterite bricks are used correctly as a replacement for exterior cladding.
A minimalist interior design completes the airy openness of the floor. Wooden furniture and window frames complement the natural greenery both inside and outside the home. The soft upholstery is light and creamy to adhere to a peaceful palette of polished white floors and white painted walls. The design shows detailed attention to the efficient circulation of air throughout the house, using lath fords and open bookcases to create lightweight zoning.
A double high vacuum makes for an impressive dining room. The modern dining set is a rich wood tone that warmly coordinates with the architectural details of the home. Double doors connect the inner dining room with the main courtyard.
A small courtyard design thrives under a wide skylight, where it blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior. A huge glass window presents the beautiful view to the apartment and staircase, while glass doors lead to the dining room.
There is a modern vanity unit with a bathroom sink inside the courtyard where the family can wash their hands before dinner. A round wall mirror makes an elegant decorative feature.
The staircase design has open levers, allowing the view of the courtyard and natural light to flood without hindrance. A comfortable seat takes advantage of the pleasant view.
The creamy, white and wood minimalist decor continues inside the quiet bedrooms. In the master bedroom series, three wooden shutters create a tropical style trapping feature behind the wooden platform bed. Bespoke wooden wardrobes span the entire length of the large room to a matching bookshelf.
False walls with decorative holes are included on the west and south sides of the home to achieve cooler interior spaces. The decorative screens create a beautiful play of light through the open interior.
Comfortable seats dot the home, made up of modern chairs and an ottoman or two. The seats offer a quiet moment of family solitude for a place of reading or peaceful contemplation.
As well as the already established plant life on the plot, additional plantation was chosen to harmonize with local growing conditions and the customers preferred aesthetics.
A map is shaded by vehicles from the hot sun during the day. Exterior lights brightly illuminate the driveway, balconies and terraces at night.
The first floor terrace overlooks the central courtyard down below ground level, creating a family flow connection across the vertical plane.
The sun-stained courtyard has round decorated areas that interconnect with circular plant beds. The plant beds are dotted around to contain huge trees that were already established on the site when it was purchased. In fact, the idea for the big yard stemmed specifically from the notion of wanting to protect the many adult trees at the core of the plot.
The site is located just one kilometer from Kollam beach.
Side height, showing cladding organization and windowing.
Ground floor plan with patio, formal living room, family living room, dining room, kitchen and butler kitchen, master bedroom, and double bedroom that is used as grandparents.
First floor plan with a large terrace, a spacious upper lounge, a home gym, and two additional bedrooms for the children.
The open flow of the home arrangement encourages many interactions between family members, as well as time spent outdoors in nature and fresh air. These interactions with family and nature help a lot with mental well-being, while the home gym will help in the quest to keep the body healthy.
In this illustrated diagram, we look at the solar and airflow aspects of the home and its successful energy-efficient project solutions.
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