Our clients had a distinct vision for the purpose of this deck house, it needed to be an elegantly designed space. To be suitable for hosting gatherings with family and friends. while also serving as a private retreat. With heavy contours and captivating views of the hills, the project revolves around social spaces. With a penchant of adventure and a sociable lifestyle, the family had long yearned for a personal getaway. Through the onset of the pandemic, it crystalized their desire for a remote haven, far removed from the hustle. Nestled in the city of Ernakulam in Kerala, where they currently resided. Situated amid lush greenery on a sprawling one-acre plot, this property boasts the highest vantage point in the area. It is far away from everything till the silence is soft with the sounds of birds and insects, where the air is fresh and clean.
Editor’s Note: “In the middle of Ernakulam, amidst beautiful hills, a vision emerged from the impact of the pandemic COVID-19. An elegant hideaway that embraces gatherings with loved ones blends perfectly with serene isolation. With its green dimensions, the house breathes with Mother Nature, combining stone and glass to highlight the interplay of daylight and shadow. The Deck House stands as a timeless example where each space draws quality views and every view of the skyline becomes a spectacle to the eyes.” ~Baarat Krishna
This Deck House Boasts the Highest Vantage Point in the Area | Durga Sarath Architects
When we visited, it was such a commanding site with heavy contours that images came crowding in. The landscape was an essential element to develop this project along with the site topography since a larger part of the site consisted of stones.
However, after several learnings and discussions about the site and its surroundings, the entire design then evolved into a flexible space where one of the main guidelines of the project was to keep exploring visual amplitude and nature’s connection.
The design concept aimed to intricately intertwine the built environment with the natural surroundings.
We placed the house at the far end of the plot to create a generous and welcoming entrance, while organizing the plan in a linear shape
The project revolves around social spaces where all the activities of the house interact with one another providing functionality to the house.
Since the best views of the landscape are oriented towards the south, glass doors were incorporated in the design to give the main façade a singular language. The deck being the highlight of the project, the private and the social spaces were designed accordingly.
We chose the material palette with a focus on balancing environmental requirements and practical use.
The green entrance door sandwiched between the two stone walls gives the visitor access to the open veranda which maximizes the entire space and then to the open deck which operates as a welcoming and unifying element for the house.
We designed each room to direct attention toward the enticing landscapes, adding another dimension to the overall spatial experience.
Instead of using solid walls to enclose the rooms, we employed glass as a vertical element to maximize the connection with the surrounding natural environment. By opening the glass doors, a seamless transition occurs, transforming the interior into a veranda-like extension.
The overall interior design has a palette inspired by nature. The living, dining and kitchen areas harmonize with the bedroom through similar tones, and natural materials such as stone and wood have been used throughout the space.
To create privacy, sliding wooden doors were designed that make it possible to create open or closed spaces on the first floor in different situations, whether to have more intimate moments with family and friends or to have a social gathering at once, this space entertains both.
A veranda which envelops the first floor maximizes the entire space with natural lighting, cross ventilation and greater contact with nature, even from inside the house.
The construction was extremely demanding and rigorous, articulating the foundations reinforcement and protections. Post tensioned slabs were also introduced in the building. In addition to the main house, there were three other special constructions – the Pool, the Bar and the Outhouse.
We believe a home is always a mental state of mind and the Deck House is where tranquillity and comfort interact to create a space for guests of all ages.
Fact File
Designed by: Durga Sarath Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Deck House
Location: Kuttikkanam, Idukki, Kerala
Year Built: 2023
Built Up Area: 4752 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Sarath S Kumar & Durga Cholapurath
Photograph Courtesy: Syam Sreesylam
Firm’s Instagram Link: Durga Sarath Architects
For Similar Projects >> A Climate Responsive Courtyard House In Kerala With An Earthy Palette And Natural Materials
In a landscape where aspiration quietly waits, Granthalay emerges as a circular building and sanctuary for learning—gathering people, knowledge, and place into a shared civic moment. Granthalay is conceived as a civic institution that extends beyond the conventional idea of a library, responding to the acute lack of educational and community infrastructure in the district […]
A dilapidated old manor house in Jaffna peninsula, with warped roof beams, warped door windows and many structural defects were presented to the architects for refurbishment- by clients- to be refurbished as a retirement home for themselves who were returning to Sri Lanka after escaping to overseas due to the 25 years old North East […]
This residence is a sincere exploration of how architecture can remain simple, climate sensitive, cost-effective, and emotionally grounded, without compromising on spatial quality or design intent. Conceived as a 3BHK modest home for a small family, the project stands as a testament to what is possible when thoughtful planning, craft-oriented construction, and material intelligence come […]
Design, when it emerges as a living tapestry, turns the experience of living into a vibrant everyday narrative. Baldota House in Alandi, Pune by ARCHOS accommodates three generations under a single roof in the area spanning 7500 Sq. Ft. Spearheaded by the family’s desire for a generous space and a theatrical essence along with balanced […]
Few homes are celebrated for their iconic interiors, while some are celebrated for their open layouts. True to its unique context and subtleties, this home with a monochromatic palette, designed by Ar. Saumya Khanna & Ar. Sudhir Ambawata Co – founders & principle architects of SSDA Architects brings the essence of volumetric design and a […]
Adopting sustainable living today, both in design and daily life, is crucial for reducing our environmental footprint and preserving resources for future generations. In the design of this bamboo pavilion, this means using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and creating spaces that harmonize with natural surroundings. In daily living, sustainability involves mindful consumption, reducing waste, conserving […]
Tucked into the lush landscape of Thiruvananthapuram, Aashiyana is a residence that balances context, climate, and craft. Designed by architect Srijit Srinivas, this bungalow is conceived as more than a tropical retreat-it is a spatial journey where bold colour, filtered light, and thoughtful materials orchestrate a distinctive atmosphere. Nestled Amidst Lush Landscape Aashiyana Balances Craft […]
Situated on a compact 1200 sft south-west corner plot, this residence was conceived as an inward-looking sanctuary for a family of four — a home that balances privacy and openness, light and enclosure, within the dense urban fabric. This Residence Was Conceived As An Inward-Looking Sanctuary For A Family Of Four | The Insideout Studio […]
Project 1374 is located in one of the plotted developments in the north of Bangalore, characterized by well-demarcated plots, open spaces, spacious roads, and organized infrastructure. Trees flank the wide streets, dividing the plots with dense canopies offering shaded avenues. Abutting the plot stood a cluster of trees- a quiet presence. We borrowed these trees […]
‘Roots’ was an experiment to build sustainably but not confer to the design language typically associated with sustainable buildings. This residential project re-considers the expression of sustainable architecture through a minimalist and materially grounded lens. Located on a 4,000 sq.ft. plot, the designers conceived the house for a family of three and their pet, organizing […]