Nadhi is a simple home design that questions and reimagines the aspects of habitation and living in simplicity. With a limited budget and limitless possibilities, Nadhi is an exploration of how emotional circuits with humans, spaces and nature could be achieved.

Live like the river flows, carried by the surprises of its own unfolding. Located on a quiet 20 cents of land, surrounded by lush greens of paddy fields is the abode of Mr. Sooryan Nair and his family. The clients wanted a home that reflected their simple ways of living.

Editor’s Note: “Inspired by the traditional Nalukettu style of home in Kerala, this residence is located within lush green fields and a narrow stream flowing nearby. The pitched roof with an internal courtyard and skylight evokes a sense of tranquillity. Inside, a captivating interplay of shades and shadows breathes life into the space, infusing the dwelling with vitality and charm.” ~Simran Khare

Simple Home Design That Reimagines The Aspects Of Habitation | ARK Architecture Studio

The site is located in Venjaramood, Trivandrum, within lush green fields. A narrow stream flows very nearby, which is a delightful sight indeed. Moreover, the design intent was to bring in the peace and tranquility the site offers within the home.

Nadhi is a modern-day adaptation or reimagination of a Nalukettu home in Kerala. The basic zoning of Nadhi is inspired by the concept of a flowing river. A main axis with terracotta flooring runs centrally, connecting the ends of the house like a linear river stream with spaces and areas placed along the banks.

While the sunlight comes in through the skylight and large openings. This narrates the spaces and their stories during the day. The core area of Nadhi is the living-dining-courtyard volume that breathes life into this home.

The designer placed the courtyard as a spill-out space between the living and dining areas. While treating it with the same volume as the rest of the living-dining space.

Without the usual double height volume, the courtyard resembles Nalukettu with very simple and minimal elements of landscape, as well as a highlight wall with a flowing brick pattern depicting the concept.

Different levels of seating areas are provided on the perimeter of the living and dining area facing the courtyard for different kinds of sitting postures, which was in turn a conscious decision so that the inhabitants don’t get confined to the spaces assigned for such activities.

All in all, the impression of Nadhi or the welcoming sight as we enter, is the courtyard with a tangible yet transparent plane separating the sitout and courtyard.

Nadhi is naturally lit during the day with sunlight and moonlit during the night, with light flowing seamlessly throughout the grand overhead opening in the courtyard.

Overall, the residence sits towards the rear end of the site, offering a lot of space outdoors for the family to spend their time. The upper floor bears a long passage naturally lit by the jaali screen, with a reading area overlooking the core space of Nadhi as well as the river.

The designer chose Majenta – yellow color theme, for the interiors to infuse the unique positivity, that the color holds. Majenta stands for harmony and emotional balance while yellow stands for positivity.

The elevation of Nadhi is a simple structure, following the simplicity of this home. The aesthetics of a first image of what a house should look like during our childhood was the key driving factor of the form of Nadhi.

Fact File

Designed by: ARK Architecture Studio

Project Type: Residential Architecture Design

Project Name: Nadhi

Location: Venjaramood, Trivandrum, Kerala

Year Built: 2023

Project Size: 2052 Sq.ft

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

Photograph Courtesy: 148 south

Firm’s Website Link: ARK Architecture Studio

Firm’s Instagram Link: ARK Architecture Studio

Firm’s Facebook Link: ARK Architecture Studio

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