Editor’s Note: Perched among the swathe of palm trees, lies Mozhi. With an inviting exterior of materials that define its soil, the spaces are meditative and earthy in every which way. The effortlessly soulful courtyard makes you want to sit and admire the brick patterned wall and the plantations against it. The motif tiles, cane furniture, artful nooks and shades of brown and green over the wall signify that Mozhi is the home of the Earth. ~ Nishal Sevak(Co-Editor)

The concept of the residence is an attempted derivative of the site context and the user behavioral patterns, Mozhi: a home made out of earth, soul, interactions and spatial elements. The site, bearing an introverted character, is located within a very extroverted stretch with rich brahmin cultural background and has a close proximity to Padmanabhaswamy temple, Trivandrum. The built has incorporated the elements from the said context ranging from spatial elements like thinnais (abutting the road) to design elements like arched doorways, without disturbing the urban fabric.

Mozhi: A Home Made Out of Earth, Soul, Interactions and Spatial Elements | ARK Architecture Studio

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Understanding and studying the users, the design approach was derived, which was followed throughout the planning. Their behavioral patterns indicated their extroverted nature and loud communications within.

Giving importance to conversations, the residence was designed aiming to sync in with their lifestyle patterns, providing spaces where their conversations are intact, and interactions are possible throughout seamlessly.

The spatial planning of the house evolved from the basic idea of looping the public and private area while keeping the main idea and concept intact. The major axis is defined by a corridor path with green pockets punctured in between.

Following the client brief, required spaces were provided which were compact and sufficient. Vertical spatial voids were inserted to alter the thermal quality as well as the intangible connectivity of the interiors via stack effect.

The earthy and warm material palette complemented by intricate patterns of athangudi tiles are used throughout the interiors of this abode. Terracotta elements and darker wooden tones blended on to the warm white shades further accentuates the beauty within.

The kitchen and dining spaces were combined to form a compact and efficient space, as an articulation of combining two user activities which revolved around their love for cooking and food in general. This integrated space was where the inhabitants spent most of their time in the residence.

A visual axis is provided towards the entrance way, following the client brief, while also keeping the privacy of the space due to its position at the rear end.

The four bedrooms of this residence share the same view to the courtyard which provides a tropical image from the interiors of the rooms. The common study space is set on a mezzanine level, again in sync with the concept of conversations.

The study space is cantilevered into the double height courtyard space. A perforated jaali screen is provided on one side of the courtyard which enables the movement of cold breeze within the courtyard space and interiors of the residence.

The interior palette of the whole residence reflects a tropical bohemian style which is also a modern adaptation of the Tamil style interiors. A mezzanine floor is curated as a reading area, at a different level between the private spaces. , placed in a position from where there is a good view towards the green courtyard .

The mezzanine floor is placed in the wind flow path from the perforated jaali screen in the courtyard. The open space thus created also enables for more interactions and seamless conversations within the interiors.

The upper floor has two bedrooms and a home theatre space following the client brief. Both the bedrooms are provided with large windows towards the courtyard space and to the mezzanine space.

The elevation was designed to bring about a blend of traditional and tropical style. As the residence was south-west facing, perforated screen using terracota jaalies was introduced to channel the wind flow within the house. A similar screen was also used on the wall facing the courtyard for the same. Only necessary elements were placed in the elevation. The balcony area and outside veranda/ thinnai space was treated with a sloping roof which turned into one of the core elements of the front façade. The different treatment was chosen for the front compound wall. The brick jaali placed in the backdrop of green plants further accentuated the whole look of the residence.

Fact File

Designed by: ARK Architecture Studio

Project Type: Residential Architecture Design

Project Name: MOZHI – The house of conversations

Location: Sreevaraham, Trivandrum, Kerala

Year Built: 2022

Duration of the project: 1 Year

Plot Area: 2395.58 Sq.ft

Project Size: 2200 Sq.ft

Project Cost: 75 Lakhs

Principal Architects: Ar. Rahul Kumar & Ar. Malavika Mahesh

Photograph Courtesy: Nathan

Products / Materials / Vendors: Finishes – Asian Paints / Wallcovering / Cladding – Nuvocotto jaalies and wall cladding / Lighting – Claymango hanging lights / Sanitaryware – Jaguar / Furniture – Studio Itbits.

Firm’s Website Link: ARK Architecture Studio

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