The house, designed with a formal layout centered on a central courtyard, celebrates the traditional planning and arrangement found in Kerala’s historic homes, emphasizing the importance of natural ventilation and daylight.
Editor’s note: An Another significant addition to the Southern architecture fabric that so intuitively engages us. The central courtyard hosts to make memories for the members and enhances all the spaces attached to it. All the factors necessary for a dialed-down and relaxed dwelling are accommodated and acquainted in amicable terms. ~ Nishal Sevak
Zikr Inculcates Natural Ventilation and Living Among Nature in its Very Being | Barefoot Architects
The house is set amidst agricultural land in Alanallur, Palakkad and the site’s naturally elevated setting offer a modest view of the town nearby. The client’s desire to build a home surrounded by the houses of their friends and relatives highly influenced the planning and designing aspects.
The site, originally an ancestral property, has an area of approximately 3,600 sq.ft and is a part of their agricultural land. Since the client primarily resides abroad, the house is mostly used by his mother with the assistance of a few workers.
The house is designed in a way that maximizes the use of natural light and ensures excellent ventilation across all the rooms. The centrally placed courtyard is remarkably impactful in regulating the microclimate of the building and furthermore lets in the natural context into the house. It is designed to ensure barrier-free standards making it accessible to those with mobility difficulties.
When it comes to planning, the layout skillfully integrates spaces and rooms around a central courtyard, in perfect harmony with the client’s desire to infuse nature into their living space. The courtyard is flanked on both sides by the dining and living areas, both of which open onto an inviting sit-out courtyard, elevating the overall ambiance of the space.
The adjacent study area not only allows for supervision but also ensures that the courtyard’s essence permeates this part of the home. The lengthy verandahs lend the house the charm and atmosphere of a traditional Kerala tharavadu.
The house’s interiors and furniture boast a harmonious blend of traditional and modern finishes. Many of the furnishings are reclaimed from the client’s former residence and have been customized to meet their specific preferences. The use of Rattan cane weaving in the furniture, coupled with the incorporation of modern art and various mud pottery, contributes to a splendid interior ambiance.
The inclusion of classic architectural details such as woodwork, combined with contemporary features like open floor plans and sleek, minimalist furnishings, imparts a polished and sophisticated feel to the interiors. The choice of materials, including Kota green and Jaisalmer yellow color flooring, pays homage to tradition while celebrating the house’s rich heritage.
For the purpose of welcoming intermittent rain and breezy winds into the core of the building, a retractable shading system graces the central courtyard. Adorned with terracotta jaalis, meticulously arranged to create a stylish play of shadows, this feature imparts a dynamic quality to the space, offering varying patterns on the floor as daylight transitions.
The house’s exterior showcases a classic sloped roof supported by steel truss work, adorned with clay tiles. The exterior pavement is crafted from cobblestone, seamlessly blending with the surrounding landscape, which features alocasia plants, coconut trees, and heliconia.
FACT FILE
Designed by: Barefoot Architects
Project Type: Residential
Project Name: Zikr
Completion Year: 2023
Gross Built Area: 3683 sqft
Project Location: Alanallur, Kerala
Principal Architects: Basil Kalladi, Nithin Raj
Photo Credits: Justin Sebastian
Firm’s Instagram Link: Barefoot Architects
The conceptual architectural design phase is not merely a preliminary step in the design process; it’s a crucible where ideas are forged into tangible forms. At this stage, architects embark on a conceptual architectural design journey of exploration and innovation, seeking to encapsulate the essence of their vision in a cohesive conceptual framework. This conceptual […]
Wall Moulding Design is a great way to amp up your space and elevate the overall look of your home. There are a wide range of moulding designs that can add a distinct character to your space. Wall moulding design comes from different kinds of materials, such as PVC, plaster, wood, etc. The right choice […]
Welcome to the stately Ivy Lane Estate, a distinguished colonial house nestled along the enchanting thoroughfare of Ivy Lane. This splendid property stands as a testament to the grandeur of a bygone era. A Colonial House Nestled Along The Enchanting Thoroughfare Of Ivy Lane | Furbishy It boasts a symphony of architectural marvels and an […]
Ar. Deep Sakhare, the founder of Barakhadee Studio, shares his passion for architecture and design which entwines with the admiration for travelling. Barakhadee Studio is an architectural and interior design studio, founded by Ar. Deep Sakhare in the city of Pune in Maharashtra. The firm focuses on approaching every project with a new perspective and […]
Different types of balcony, with their ability to extend indoor living spaces into the open air, have become an essential feature of architectural design. Across the globe, architects and designers have embraced different types of balcony as a means to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of buildings. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve […]
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 […]
Surrounded by lush greenery, this aesthetic home was designed to maximize natural light and outdoor views, resulting in a welcoming and airy atmosphere. Our latest project, ‘The Tranquil Home’ in Ahmedabad, is a stunning 5500 sq. ft bungalow that truly embodies the style and preferences of our client. This Aesthetic Home Was Designed To Maximize […]
This renovated triplex house design is a celebration of light. It is within the tranquil confines of the esteemed Maytas Hill County in Hyderabad. This further boasts a sophisticated design characterized by a harmonious blend of neutral materials and earthy hues. The understated elegance of this contemporary triplex house design exudes a sense of minimalism […]
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 […]