In the monsoon of 2023, our client came to us with a newly purchased 3 bedroom apartment of the recently launched Prestige Hillside Gateway Apartments in Kakkanad, Kerala. Similar to most apartments, this one too had limitations in space in terms of a flexible layout.

On our first visit, the main requirement that our client put forward was that they needed the currently existing 3 bedroom apartment to feel free flowing, expansive and inviting. The opening to the balcony and windows of the apartment let in cooling winds but this couldn’t reach most of the spaces.

After putting in a fair amount of thought, we realised that our solution to the challenges observed on site would be to bring in flexible elements into the project.

This Apartment With A Flexible Layout Is Free Flowing And Full Of Light | Elemental

We needed the foyer to house a console table to keep essentials such as keys and phones. This came with a few stools usable for the client to either add to the seating cluster in the living room when there are visitors or to put on shoes as they leave the home making full use of the flexible layout.

Living Space Layout

The living space houses a seating cluster along with a simple TV stand and a ladder for keeping artefacts. “The textured wall appears as a repeated element in many parts of the project.” The furniture here was custom-made to make the room feel spacious and the movements around the space comfortable. “They selected less bulky pieces of furniture to add to the spacious feel of the room.”

Dining area

The dining area is home to a six-seater dining table and a bar cabinet with storage. On entry into the home, to the left of the dining table, we see the kitchen, and to the right, we see the study. “Translucent sliding partitions separate these spaces, aligning with the flexible layout of the house.”

The rattan and wood-based partitions add a touch of groundedness to the space. These allow the space to be flexible – with the natural light coming in from the study to flow to the dining area and even further into the kitchen. The partitions also allow privacy when required.

Kitchen Rearrangement

“The designers rearranged the kitchen facilities to maximise storage. They moved the space initially assigned for the washing machine to the newly obtained utility area. This change allows the addition of a breakfast counter, which serves both as a cooking area and as an extension into the dining space during large gatherings, maintaining a flexible layout.”

The inbuilt microwave oven also adds to the neatly done cabinets. The wood finishes of the cabinets and white backsplash tiles are in alignment with the rest of the finishes around the home.

Study + Guest room

“The designers converted the third bedroom of the apartment into a study and guest bedroom with collapsible walls, allowing users to add privacy as needed.” The standing desk and the sofa-bed enhance the flexibility of the space.” The inbuilt cupboard with space allotted for shoes and lofts adds to the storage facility of the home.

Powder room & Utility

The attached bathroom of the third bedroom has been modified to become the powder room and utility. “A new access from the third bedroom to the dining area enables this. The designers converted the shower space into a utility area with washing machine facilities and storage, separated from the powder room by a fluted glass sliding partition. They also redesigned the powder room, adjusting the countertop’s shape and size.”

Master Bedroom

“The designers finished the wall shades of the room to match the rest of the home.” Simple pendant lights and table lamps have been custom-made to match the theme of the entire home. “The designers custom made all the minimal wooden furniture to allow ease of movement and enhance the sense of spaciousness.”

Bedroom 2

“The wall finishes, cupboards, and inbuilt bed and bedside design extend the house’s theme. The minimalist custom light on the bed and bedside table complements this look.” The sliding doors of the cupboard have been designed to allow movement within the facility.

Balcony

An additional seating was added to the balcony to make the most of the urban views. The balcony is also home to our janitor’s closet which helps keep the interiors neat and tidy.

Fact File

Designed by: Elemental

Project Type: Apartment Interior Design

Project Name: Vanishing Walls

Location: Cochin

Year Built: 2025

Duration of the project: 2023 – 2025

Project Size: 1600 Sq.ft

Principal Architect: Ar. Amrutha Kishor

Team Design Credits: Ans Maria Sunny, Shaifana Naushad, Nimmy Mariam Sunny, Neha Ann Liju, Saad Sheji, Riya Susan Mathews, Haritha Gangadharan, Anugraha Neelankol, Avani Jayaprakash, Reethu Anna Kuriakose, Fathima Neamah, Christina Ann Benny, Anna Grace Benny, Shanel George, Hafees Haneefa, Tresa Jose, Mohammed Fahim, Sreethu Venugopal & Adithi M

Photograph Courtesy: justin_sebastian_photography

Project Managers: Mr. Martin & Mr. Siju

Products / Materials / Vendors: Finishes – Space Design Contractors / Wallcovering / Cladding – Space Design Contractors / Construction Materials – Space Design Contractors / Lighting – Lamtain Lamps Doors and Partitions – Space Design Contractors / Sanitaryware – Vikas Sanitary & Peekay Ceramics Furniture – Oryx Furniture / Kitchen – Space Design Contractors / Paint – Space Design Contractors Artefacts – Nurvi Living

Firm’s Website Link: Elemental

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Firm’s Facebook Link: Elemental

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