Urul, located amidst the serene landscapes of Wayanad, is a research-based project designed for a nature-loving couple. This 2-bedroom house design residence immerses its occupants in the surrounding beauty while honoring nature’s colors and elements. Positioned against a rocky hill with a panoramic view of Chembra Peak and an Indian Rosewood tree as the focal point, the house blends harmoniously with its terrain. The cantilevered ground floor minimizes earth disruption, creating a sense of a balcony. An environmental study identified two underground paleochannels, guiding the placement of the well.
Editor’s Note: “Seamlessly integrated with the terrain of Wayanad, Urul is an eco-sensitive 2 bedroom house, designed by Studio Terratect. It cantilevers above the ground to minimize disruptions to site conditions while enhancing the settings of Chembra Peak. Curated with locally available materials, using sustainable technologies and reclaimed wood, Urul embraces nature with open spaces and the interplay of lights.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
2 Bedroom House Design Honors Nature’s Color And Elements | Studio Terratects
The residence offers captivating views from every angle. A circular cutout in the C-shaped entrance bay frames Chembra Peak, setting the stage for the scenic journey ahead. The living room and master bedroom continue this theme, with glass replacing the south wall, inviting nature inside.
The open interior layout frames views of the exterior or interior, ensuring a seamless connection with the surroundings. A glass-flanked bridge connecting the kitchen to the block further blurs the lines between architecture and nature.
Urul’s construction merges traditional techniques with modern innovation, using local materials and craftsmanship. Through research and interviews with elderly masons and local tribes, valuable insights were gained on building in harmony with nature, employing sustainable techniques and materials sourced directly from the site.
This approach has influenced local building practices, with mud plastering researched for waterproof and insect-proof qualities. Local artisans were trained in this method, which they continue to use in their projects.
The mature Indian Rosewood tree is woven into the design, symbolizing the connection between the home and its context. As one ascends to the first-floor bedroom, the tree’s presence offers a unique view, imbuing the space with natural charm and drama.
Designed to maximize natural light and ventilation, the building captures the interplay of light and shadows throughout the day. The pooja space at the entrance, illuminated by a skylight, exudes a divine atmosphere. Reclaimed wooden logs, known locally as shavock, line the ceilings of the living area and first floor, casting striking shadows on the walls.
Circular cutouts in the metal staircase create playful patterns underneath. This transforms the house into a living sundial, allowing residents to gauge the time by observing the shifting shadows, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
The site’s history of landslides and water runoff posed construction challenges. Trenches, up to 2 meters deep, were dug along identified landslide paths and filled with rocks to create artificial drainage.
A retaining wall at the rear buffers against stone falls, while bamboo (Dendrocalamus Giganteus) stabilizes the soil further.
Urul harmoniously integrates with its environment, inviting nature indoors and prioritizing sustainability. It offers a visual feast with nature-inspired design, ensuring that residents experience every facet of the environment within the comfort of a home.
Fact File
Designed by: Studio Terratects
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: URUL House
Location: Wayanad, Kerala
Year: 2023
Built Up Area: 1600 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Ar. Roshith Shibu
Photograph Courtesy: Studio IKSHA & Running Studios
Lead Team: Roshith Shibu
Design Team: Abinas Ahmed, Anisha Padmajan
Technical Team: Hashim K Abdul Azeez
Engineering & Consulting > Civil: Triangle Design Studio
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Website Link: Studio Terratects
Firm’s Instagram Link: Studio Terratects
For Similar Project>> This Aesthetic Courtyard House With Lush Landscape Design Offers A Calm Aura To The Users
In the burgeoning area of Vadodara, this house, Namasya, is nestled amongst the upcoming high-rise residential buildings enclosed with the beautifully crafted landscape around it. As the sun rises on the horizon, the day of Nehulji (client) begins with the Munias and parakeets chirping, awaiting their breakfast. During his daily morning routine, he shares the […]
How often are irregularly shaped plots dismissed when buying land? In many towns, the land is subdivided into perfect rectangles for construction, leaving plots with unconventional shapes—sharp angles and awkward dimensions—undesirable and in low demand. However, the architecture studio Tropical Tones, has set an example by tackling this challenge. This Tropical Modern residence house design […]
Given the compact footprint of the residence, designed on a 140 sq. m. plot, the idea behind this simple home interior design was to open each space into an outdoor verandah or balcony to make the space look spacious and have an ample amount of sunlight, but still want to maintain the privacy in each […]
This exquisite villa is located amidst lush greenery in Bangalore. This house design offers a perfect blend of modern architectural design and traditional South Indian aesthetics. Thoughtfully crafted to reflect the cultural heritage of its residents, the villa features sleek contemporary lines complemented by classic South Indian furniture and decor. South Indian House Design Offers […]
House of Heights: How design shapes relationships and well-being? “A house can transform its people. The living room, the tallest space in my home, is where we socialize, express our feelings, and spend the most time—an open arena for life’s conversations. The impact of front elevation design on home and harmony further emphasizes how thoughtful design […]
When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]
SASWATHA, the residential architecture project by GVQ Design Studio, is located in Thrissur, Kerala. This thoughtfully designed home caters to a joint family consisting of two brothers, their families, and their parents. Spanning approximately 2,700 sq. ft on a 15-cent plot, the residential architecture is meticulously crafted to meet the diverse needs of a multi-generational […]
This simple farmhouse design is a humble residence that responds to the climate and site. It is a fun fact that the house is both an inward and outward looking house at the same time. One of the USPs of the simple farmhouse design project would be that it connects well with the most playful […]
Indie Tales, a 2 story house design in Pondicherry stays true to its identity stands apart with its unparalleled charm amidst a narrow conservative neighborhood. This abode embraces a quiet reflection of modern lifestyle and traditional nuances within a limited budget for an intimate family of 5 across 3 generations. The residence evolves as an […]
The integration of screening evergreen trees serves as an artful blend of practicality and natural beauty. These screening evergreen trees, with their lush foliage and diverse benefits, play a crucial role in enhancing privacy. It also blocks unwanted views, and contributes to the overall well-being of homeowners. From the majestic Jamun trees to the versatile […]