A house in Kerala Perched in Natural Habitat | Zherow Architects
Editor’s Note: Zherow Architects have designed this residence among nature. The house disguises itself in natural colors so as to blend with the surroundings. The facade is an interesting juxtaposition of elements, colors, and materials. The courtyard space is evidently a heartfelt insert that binds the house together. ~ Nishal Sevak
Nestled in the picturesque Villiappally region of the Calicut district, FM House stands as a contemporarytestament to the ever-evolving tastes of its occupants.
The modern single-story design strategically aligns a linear layout with juxtaposed volumes, seamlessly harmonizing with the natural landscape.
Upon passing through the gates, a spacious plot greets the visitors formerly occupied by theowner’s previous residence.
In response to Kerala’s flooding, Zherow Architects conceived a home that combines modernity with a profound connection to its surroundings.
The foyer, with its terraced plantation, ushers you into a double-height living that sets the tone for its understated yet elegant interiors.
Beige-colored sofas and fluted tiled walls of the TV unit take centre stage in this inviting space.
As you journey through a corridor, your attention is captivated by an enchanting courtyard, seamlesslyblurring the lines between indoors and outdoors with lush vegetation.
This contemporary interpretation of traditional courtyards in orthodox-designed homes in Kerala stands as an inviting space for leisure activities.
Its double-height ceiling exudes grandeur, adorned with a chandelier and circular skylights that offer an ever-changing view of the sky.
Overlooking this serene scene, a central dining area becomes the heart of the house. Adhering to a warmcolor palette of tan hues, it features plush chairs and a quartz stone tabletop.
All the selections were exquisitely customized by the architecture firm itself. Surrounding this central space are three bedrooms and a kitchen.
The placement of children’s and master bedrooms is towards the front and share a common washroom. The children’s bedroom radiates innocence with its light blue colors, while the master bedroom exudes a palette of greys and browns, accentuated by wooden flooring.
The kitchen with its minimal design features a quartz stone counter with shutters crafted using a lacquered glass finish.
A remarkable staircase showcasing fine craftsmanship faces the dining area and is light up by a rectangular skylight.
This staircase departs from the conventional approach of using RCC, boasting a unique construction created from GI GP I-Section. It uses wooden treads that appear to float towards the first floor, where two more bedrooms and terraces await.
In crafting this residence, Zherow Architects have embraced a design philosophy deeply rooted infunctionality.
Through thoughtful calibration, the entire project achieves a delightful balance of colors and materials. Abundant apertures throughout the house emphasize both natural light and aesthetics.
With corner windows in the living area and bay windows in the bedrooms offering distinct vistas. Wooden skirting and fluted wooden panels frame unique views in each space, elevating the overall architectural allure.
Shades of grey, tan, and saffron primarily adorns the interior and exterior spaces, while the ceilings feature gypsum with veneer and plywood borders. With chandeliers gracing the living room, courtyard, and staircase, lighting takes centre stage.
It is strategically placed to accentuate various activities and enhance the livability of different spaces. The landscaping takes a modest approach by adorning the periphery of the site, it engages inhabitants through multiple convivial nodes. An industrial parking accommodates the entrance, while a swing at the rear of the property offers a moment of respite.
The design of the FM House not only showcases a harmonious fusion of modern aesthetics and environmental consciousness but also places a strong emphasis on spatial connectivity. The firm’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the innovative use of materials, the strategic placement of skylights and windows, and the open courtyard, all of which contribute to a dynamic and holistic living experience.
This design approach enables the house to adapt and evolve with its inhabitants while consistently offering a serene and sophisticated ambience.
Fact File
Designed by: Zherow Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture & Interior Design
Project Name: FM House
Location: Orkkatteri, Kerala
Year Built: 2022
Duration of the project: 2 Years
Project Size: 3800 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: ER Mohammad Ajmal.K , ER Ashhar NK & ER Ajmal Abduilla.PV
Team Design Credits: Roshan PV
Photograph Courtesy: Akhil Komachi
Products / Materials / Vendors: Wallcovering / Cladding – Marble Gallery – Calicut , Peekey Instore- Chokli/ Construction Materials – Local Places / Lighting – Diera Lights, Kannur / Sanitaryware – Marble Gallery, Peekey Instore/ Windows – Teak and Upvc / Furniture – Hidesign, Calicut / Flooring – Marble Gallery – Calicut, Peekey Instore- Chokli/ Kitchen –Chillumeda, Kallachi/ Paint –Jotun Indiaartefacts – Stories/ Wallpaper –Stories/ Hardware –Chillumeda, Kallachi.
Firm’s Instagram Link: Zherow Architects
For Similar Projects >> A Lavish Home that Combines Luxury, Greens, and Simplistic Elegance | AH Architects & Maatiscape Architects
Editors’ Note – This colonial house in Delhi carries an ambience of grandeur, infused with the elegance of Victorian-style colonialism. Expansive living, dining, and kitchen areas open into light-filled spaces framed by large glazing that connect seamlessly to the surrounding landscape. Inside, tropical interiors with bold geometry add a contemporary layer of comfort. The residence […]
“Hilltop House” is envisioned as a contemporary yet context-sensitive residential project that harmonizes architecture and interior design to create a sanctuary perched on a scenic elevation. The design will respond directly to the topography, climate, and panoramic views, while delivering a highly functional, comfortable, and aesthetically refined living environment. This Hilltop House in Indore Is […]
In the layered urban grain of Manjeri, the Timeless House reimagines a 1970s sloping roof residence through careful transformation. It’s a home that doesn’t shout for attention, but quietly repositions itself within its time and place, a sensitive reinterpretation of memory, material, and movement. Originally built in 1972, the house was structurally sound, featuring load-bearing […]
Editor’s Note: There’s something truly special about homes crafted with thought and care—where every corner and detail speaks to its users, becoming part of their memories. For siblings Akhila and Kaushik, Sona Reddy Studio brought this vision to life in One Summer House, a rustic farmhouse tucked within the vibrant city of Hyderabad. Designed with […]
This southwest-facing bungalow, with golden accents in its interiors, is a refined expression of contextual and climate-responsive modern architecture. The home embraces its orientation with an intelligent façade design that balances aesthetic appeal and environmental performance. With the sun’s harshest rays hitting the structure in the latter half of the day, the architects incorporated a […]
This North Facing villa opens towards the East to always soak in the cool and diffused light. Its orientation is mindful of the adjoining clubhouse and its expansive garden. The planning allows the villa’s private lawn to visually merge with it, creating a larger and cohesive space. With a connection to the open space at […]
An Urban Sanctuary Woven with Craft, Warmth, and Light Explicitly tucked into a quiet residential pocket, this home with a jaali facade is a thoughtfully layered expression of calm, character, and craftsmanship. Every surface and corner is rooted in intention — where light, material, and memory meet. The Jaali Design in this Layered Home Exudes […]
Set in the serene landscape of Nashik, the Dabholkar Residence by GDA is a home, embracing stone clad walls. Here, tradition and contemporary design exist in harmony. Designed to reflect the family’s deep connection to tradition and art while embracing the style of contemporary living, it is a space where architectural details, heritage furniture, artwork […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]