The “Skyward” home is located on an 18 cents East facing narrow plot, located in a rural residential area in Haripad, Kerala. The clients approached S Squared Architects to build a home for them that would be simple, devoid of any pretensions from the outside but comfortable and convenient on the inside. The Skyward Home wraps itself in wondrous curves and becomes one with nature, yet manages to stand out in the lush green surroundings with its unique design.
“There is something very satisfying about organic structures. The curved surfaces of this abode along with its serene interaction with foliage outside gives a nudge of hope.” – Nishal Sevak(Co-Editor)
The Skyward Home Wraps Itself In Wondrous Curves And Becomes One With Nature | S Squared Architects
Visit: S Squared Architects
The driveway was located in the public zone and the wall helped to screen the movement of vehicles coming in and going out of the house. On the other side of the wall was the silent zone bordering the sacred grooves and also housing the private garden of the inhabitants. The wall extended further from the unbuilt space to the built space changing roles from a protector of nature to a separator, segregating various functional zones of the house. And the wall stands tall rising skywards in silent testimony to this duality, the duality of man and nature, of stillness and movement.
One of the challenges that caught the attention of the S Squared team was the nature of the site itself. Aligned in the East-West direction with approximately 14m width and 51 m length, the site had a very narrow frontage. Abutting the South East of the site was a “Sarpa kave” which is a sacred groove, specially meant for snakes. Sacred grooves in Kerala are considered to be divine and it was forbidden to kill snakes or destroy the flora and fauna of the groove. And over time these would develop to be ecological hotspots and play a key role in preserving biodiversity.
The design developed by Ar. Shaji Vempanadan of S Squared Architects was a response to this context where the sanctity of the nearby sacred grooves had not only been maintained but also cherished. The duality of the existence of man and nature can be deeply experienced in such grooves and the design had to be in appreciation of this duality. A free-hand curved wall divided the site into two zones, the public and private zone.
Fact File
Designed by: S Squared Architects
Project Size: 2700 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Shaji V Vempanadan, Sumi Shaji
Location: Haripad, Kerala
Source: ArchDaily
Photograph Courtesy: Khan and Baker
Firm’s Website Link: S Squared Architects
Firm’s Instagram Link: S Squared Architects
Firm’s Facebook Link: S Squared Architects
For Similar project>>>Madhuvilla – The Concrete House Is A Testament To The Inherent Charm Of Raw Unfinished Textures
The site of this south east facing house is next to an old house of the client’s parents. There are few farmlands and plenty of trees – neem and tamarind trees, surrounding the site area. This South East Facing House Is Next To An Old House Of The Client’s Parents | RP Architects Design Strategy […]
Ar. Anup Murdia and Ar. Sandeep Jain, the founders of Design Inc. share their journey of embarking architecture with the passion for understanding spaces. Design Inc. is an architectural firm situated in Udaipur, founded by Ar. Anup Murdia and Ar. Sandeep Jain in 2011. The firm believes in creating spaces with overall understanding of certainties […]
Ameer Residence is a visionary architectural endeavour melding the elegance of contemporary kerala house design with minimalistic approach and vernacular. With contemporary architecture’s use of large glass facades and skylights, this project redefines the contemporary Kerala house. It infuses with vernacular sophistication and a sense of openness. Situated amidst Kerala’s lush landscape, this glass house […]
An earthen house on a forestry farm in Coimbatore for a client committed to feasible living represents a harmonious marriage of environmental awareness and conventional craftsmanship. An Earthen House On A Forestry Farm In Coimbatore | Bhutha Earthen Architecture Studio The design of this earthen house prioritizes constructing a symmetrical living space that encourages interaction […]
Nestled in the picturesque Rajliya Village, this neoclassical house design in Rajasthan epitomises opulence and functionality. It is located away from the busy city and in the scenic embrace of the beautiful Aravalis and Khejri trees. Additionally, the panoramic sunset from the large open terraces imbues the area with a serene vibe. This Neoclassical House […]
This 7000 square feet house has a fusion style of traditional Kerala architecture with contemporary sustainability principles. Thannal, a stunning architectural marvel crafted by Montimers Architects And Interior Designers, Kochi, Bangalore, stands proudly in the bustling heart of Bangalore city. It creates a harmonious abode that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. “Thannal” is a Malayalam […]
There are a lot of challenges that one faces while designing the interior of the house. One of which is giving the right choice of the types of ceilings. While looking out for the theme a house sets, the elements through which the theme is directed are also important. One such important element of the […]
The home in Surat stands as a testament to minimal intervention and contemporary design as per the client’s vision, harmonizing architectural and interior elements to craft a serene living space. Nestled on a corner plot, the “Nilkanth” project spans 1400 square feet, its facade meeting the road on one side and embraced by lush greenery […]
The interior of this luxurious 5 Bedroom House is a testament to impeccable design, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to luxury living. The design of each space pivots around the purpose of its end use and has been carefully curated after exploring material and design alternatives. A home is not made by the […]
Stilt floor, staggered cutouts and skylights are highlights of this home called the Slender House. It is a private residential project designed for a family of five. The home nestles within a small and slender site measuring 6 meters by 18 meters. The vision for this home was to create a space that not only […]