‘HRIDAYAM’: An integration of art, food, and culture that creates a dynamic and engaging built environment that enhances the human experience, celebrating different tastes and cultures. The project brief was to renovate a traditional 120-year-old tharavadu into a 100-seat restaurant area with an academy and library, without losing its historical significance. For this renovation architecture, we develop a design concept of breathing new life into old buildings to transform forgotten spaces into vibrant stories where history intervenes with traditional modernity.
Editor’s Note: Hridayam is a place that feels like a deep breath, calm, rooted, and alive. It carries the whispers of a 120-year-old tharavadu, where the past lingers in weathered walls and the present hums through shared meals and quiet corners. Under the shade of an old mango tree, time slows, stories unfold, and life simply flows. ~Isha Bora
This Renovation Architecture Integrates Art, Food, & Culture | ONFLOW Art And Architecture
We additionally added an external structure of outdoor dining space under a mango tree. Moreover, it exhibits an exquisite integration of nature and architecture.
A unique corner, as “Vayanashala” is provided by the reuse of old ladders. Thus, transforming them into unique and functional bookshelves that breathe new life. Moreover, it makes it a truly unique and inviting space for readers to explore. Traditional antique pieces are reused as decor items in the interiors to find rebirth in the creation of innovative designs.
The choice of earthy color palettes, rugged beauty of cement oxide, warmth of wood, earthiness of laterite, and character of reused old roof tiles create a unique and inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy memorable meals in a charming, sustainable, and visually captivating environment.
The ‘Hridhayam’ project is a thoughtful architectural response to the monsoon climate, seamlessly blending traditional and sustainable design elements. The clay tile sloped roof efficiently channels rainwater, ensuring quick drainage and protecting the structure, while also providing thermal comfort.
The central courtyard enhances ventilation, reducing indoor humidity and serving as a natural rainwater catchment area. The use of laterite stone masonry, with its porous and weather-resistant properties, ensures durability in the face of heavy rainfall and high humidity.
The L-shaped planning promotes cross ventilation and creates semi-sheltered spaces, offering protection from the rains while maintaining a connection to the outdoors.
Retaining a mango tree provides natural shade and assists in managing water runoff, while the planned addition of a Ficus tree in the courtyard adds a central visual focus, improves soil stability, and enhances the microclimate. Together, these elements reflect a sensitive and adaptive approach to monsoon conditions.
Fact File
Designed by: ONFLOW Art And Architecture
Project Type: Restoration/Renovation
Project Name: HRIDAYAM
Location: Munduparamba, Malappuram, Kerala, India
Year Built: 2023
Duration of the project: 2022 – 2023
Built-up Area: 3800 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Mohammed Junais T, Ar. Bismina Akbar, Ashar Ali & Anshid P
Photograph Courtesy: hamdan muhammed
Firm’s Instagram Link: ONFLOW Art And Architecture
Firm’s Facebook Link: ONFLOW Art And Architecture
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