“Khayaal” is a romantic poetry that allows freedom of expression, which is exactly how the design grew to fruition. Humble yet headstrong, Khayaal stands proud amidst lush green landscape, much like a poem waiting to be read. It lends itself to a tropical contemporary style of architecture, imparting more livable spaces with ample natural light and ventilation. Khayaal becomes coherent with site through adaptive design, paying utmost respect to its context and climate.
Editor’s Note: The tropical dwelling by 7th Hue Architecture Studio reflects a warm radiance using earth-derived materials like fired bricks, clay tiles, and rubble. The sloping roof and the sunshade protect the home from direct sunlight, thus keeping it cool throughout the day. The interiors also adhere to the earthy colour theme with hints of green, which takes inspiration from nature. – Gopika Pramod
Khayaal Becomes Coherent With Site Through Adaptive Design | 7th Hue Architecture Studio
An ideology that the form follows in almost all of its projects is that the materials used become the interior design elements in itself, without much else added for ornamentation.
Khayaal is located in a typical residential area, featuring lush landscapes, humid tropical climate and abundant seasonal rainfall brought about by the monsoons.
This concept has been religiously executed in Khayaal too. Most of the materials used are earth-derived and left bare viz., fired bricks and rubble for walls, clay tiles for roofing, natural kota stone for flooring and terracotta hurudees are used to show separation.
Although glass has been extensively used on facades, they are well-shaded which ensures only filtered sunlight falls inside.
Re-interpretation of Vernacular Kerala typology: The design began as a direct response to the prevailing climatic and geographic conditions. This in turn translated as a re-interpretation of the nalukettu typology, where instead of a courtyard at the centre, two courtyards adjoin the central core formed by living-dining spaces.
The use of diverse natural materials, and its uniqueness in physical and decorative features, leads Khayaal to stand out while adapting to nature.
These, along with adaptations of Vernacular Kerala architecture concepts such as sloping roofs, courtyards with lush tropical greens, and water bodies have helped in regulating the internal climate within the building to a great extent.
Floating slab: Roofing for the front facade is a floating concrete slab, the load of which is carried by seven I sections. Glass panels are given in between the slab and the top of the wall to give the impression of the slab floating over the brickwork.
Visual connectivity: Khayaal has been so designed as to attain strong visual connectivity throughout, but at the same time keeping the public space viz., the formal living, at bay. Being a single-family dwelling for a small loving family of three, transparency in the semi-public spaces is rather a boon than a concern
Fact FileDesigned by: 7th Hue Architecture Studio
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Khayaal
Location: Mavelikkara, Kerala
Year Built: December 2022
Duration of the project: 2 Years
Plot Area: 27 Cents
Built-up Area: 2920 Sq.ft
Project Cost: 1.2 Crore
Principal Architects: Ar. Shyamraj Chandroth & Ar. Liliya Paul
Photograph Courtesy: The Running Studio
Consultants for the Project: Civil – Nature’s own studio / Structure Engineers – V. Nandahari / Contractors – Akhil Raj
Firm’s Instagram Link : 7th Hue Architecture Studio
For Similar Project >>> A Home that Exudes an Organic Lifestyle, with Spaces Specifically Designed to be Meditative
Brick houses have been a cornerstone of architecture for centuries, celebrated for their durability, aesthetic versatility, and timeless appeal. In modern design, architects continue to explore innovative ways to incorporate brick into residential spaces, blending traditional materials with contemporary needs. While the design of each brick house is unique, there are several ways to incorporate […]
Nestled in the serene embrace of a quiet residential colony, Charcoal Charm stands as a testament to modern architecture home innovation, seamlessly blending with its surroundings. Designed for a prominent businessman’s family, this 4BHK residence not only caters to the family’s need for privacy and comfort but also provides a rejuvenating retreat from the bustling […]
Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]
The initial impression of this contemporary residence design is one of striking visual interplay, where bold architectural gestures redefine conventional aesthetics. A diagonally laid brick veil, its textured surface meticulously arranged to capture the shifting light throughout the day, becomes a dynamic façade element, casting ever-changing shadows that animate the exterior. Editor’s Note: “The yellow […]
Namana is an east-facing home situated on a compact 60’x50’ plot beside a serene vineyard. Designed for a family of three, the single-story residence emphasizes spatial fluidity, natural illumination, and a tactile material palette that evokes warmth and simplicity. Editor’s Note: “Namana, a quiet dialogue between light, material, and space, is a home that listens […]
“We want a modern oasis to retire to with our little boys on the weekends” was a brief given to us by our clients who are busy medical professionals with a very hectic life in the city. Inspired by the essence of prairie-style homes, the couple wished to cherish and recreate their favourite moments from […]
AADHYA is a thoughtfully designed three-bedroom home for a family of three, blending introverted and extroverted spaces in harmony. This modern tropical house design goes beyond mere functionality to become a sanctuary where design elements tell personal stories. With reclaimed terracotta roofing, exposed cement, and brick walls, the residence fosters a tactile connection to its […]
Nestled between the bustling residential and industrial edges of Bengaluru, Ihita stands as a bold architectural statement, embodying a harmonious blend of traditional Indian house design and modernity. The home challenges conventional urban residential design by prioritizing openness, natural light, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Through the strategic use of large […]
Architecture is a field that is wider than the construction of a single building; it represents culture, history, and human aspirations. From the ancient wonderlands of Bhutan to contemporary ones like Morphogenesis, architecture narrates tales of innovation, perseverance, and change. Whether you are a practicing architect, a student, or an enthusiast in quest of inspiration, […]
This rustic farmhouse for a family aims at re-defining tradition to blend in modern thought. Make it contemporary but traditional, was a brief given to the Architect by the client to redesign and build a century-old farmhouse sprawling across 3500 square feet on a 3-acre site in Morbe, Panvel. Editor’s Note: The redesigning of this […]