The residence exudes a unique character through its earthy tones and rat trap bond. The plot’s irregular shape, narrow in the front and wider towards the rear, posed a challenge. The surrounding tight-knit context added to the difficulty. Designing spaces that were open, with adequate natural ventilation and light, while ensuring privacy, was a complex task.
Editor’s Note: “With spacious planning and courtyards serving as serene connectors, the residence evokes an aura of expansive tranquility. The captivating dance of light and shadow on the staircase weaves a refined ambiance, while the blend of Kota stone, reclaimed wood, exposed concrete, and brick crafts a rustic, comforting charm.” ~Simran Khare
The Residence Exudes Unique Character With its Earthy Tones and Rat Trap Bond | VSP Architects
The careful articulation of the plan achieved this, deliberately keeping it fluid with vast open spaces and courtyards to compensate for the reduced exterior openings.
Courtyards act as connectors between the main living areas and help in creating an open ambiance, full of natural night and greenery, despite the introverted planning.
Additionally, designers added skylights above the main courtyard, carefully studying the sun’s path along the plot to create an ever-changing play of light inside.
There is a continuous visual link in the east-west direction, from the sit-out at the entrance to the intimate veranda at the rear of the house.
This also forms a primary air circulation route and helps in reducing the openings on the north and south sides to ensure privacy from the surrounding residences.
The open terraces, designed using concrete flat slabs, add to the horizontality of the house along with multi-functional spaces.
The residence exudes a unique character through its earthy tones. Rat-trap bond is used for the brick masonry, which helps in reducing the heat as well as optimizes savings in cost.
The material palette is a combination of Kota stone, reclaimed wood, exposed concrete, and brick, which helps in creating a rustic, yet refined ambiance. Designers strategically place custom-designed mild steel grills to ensure visual privacy in certain areas.
The landscaping in the courtyards and external areas is of predominantly tropical, low-maintenance species, creating a lush tropical feel inside the spaces.
Furthermore, solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system have been incorporated as sustainable solutions for saving energy and resources.
Fact FileDesigned by: VSP Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: HAVEN Residence
Location: Kochi
Year Built: 2021
Project Size: 2600 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Vipin Prabhu & Sruthi Bijunath
Photograph Courtesy: Turtle Arts Photography
Structural Consultant: Hashim K Abdul Azeez
Manufacturers: Hafele, Jaquar, Tostem Aluminium
Source: ArchDaily
The Firm’s Website Link: VSP Architects
Firm’s Instagram Link: VSP Architects
Firm’s Facebook Link: VSP Architects
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