Reclaiming The Lost Glory Of House With Fresh Design Approach | Cognition Design Studio
The primary aim was to enhance the ambience in and around the house. The old house was planned in such a way that all the interior spaces were segregated from each other by walls
Visit: Cognition Design Studio
Context
Nestled in the outer suburbs of Pattambi in Kerala near the busy Shoranur-Pattambi Highway, this 15-year-old house was once a structure admired by the locals for its beauty. However, time and negligence in maintaining took the toll and the beauty of this residence faded away into nothingness. The Client approached the Architects with a very clear requirement – Reclaim the lost glory of the house, but this time with a very fresh design approach.
Design Concept
The architects decided to rethink the architecture of the house and give an entirely new outlook to the house. The primary aim was to enhance the ambience in and around the house. The old house was planned in such a way that all the interior spaces were segregated from each other by walls.
The first order of business was to change some of the interior layouts to create a more open-plan – walls were broken down and additional spaces were created. The existing staircase which took up a lot of space in the common area was also taken down. But most importantly, lots of large openings were created with the help of steel beams to connect the interiors with the lush exterior landscaping. This ensured that the exterior landscape was visible from almost all the common areas inside the house and that natural light flooded the interiors.
The Exterior
The exterior appearance of the house was changed radically. Old elements of the house were stripped and replaced with new volumes which were clean and minimal. A high compound wall was erected to ensure privacy to the landscaped areas inside – which was a very unique requirement by the client.
The compound wall featured two gateways – one for pedestrian entry and one meant for vehicular entry. The architects took great care to ensure that the compound wall blended well with the overall design of the exterior – adorning it with mutually complementing textures, stone cladding, and profile lighting.
The Interior
Interiors compose of minimal yet luxurious elements that suit the client’s stature. Wooden finishes adorn most of the interior spaces, highlighted by carefully designed lighting. Additional areas such as an outside kitchen and an open ‘Majlis’ became interaction spaces for the interior and the exterior.
The Majlis in the Koppan Residence is a semi-open area which can be accessed from both the interior and the exterior and acts as an extension of the dining room. The area is adorned with an Islamic Jaali wall made by CNC cutting teak wood panels.
The ‘Majlis’ area is inspired by elements from Islamic architecture, reflecting the client’s deep connection to the gulf countries. ‘Majlis’ in Arabic means ‘place of sitting’, the term is used to describe a place for social gathering. Traditionally it was one of the major facets of social life in the Gulf countries.
Landscape
Landscape design has been given prime importance in this project and the architects ensured that the line between interiors and exteriors were blurred. The sprawling landscape around the house is what gives the soul to this entire design. The architects were particular about maximizing landscape area around the house – thus a variety of plant species were planted that included creepers, climbers, shrubs and bushes, seasonal flowers, bamboos, fruit trees, roses, and a whole lot of lawn area.
There is a huge landscaped area in front of the compound wall which is filled with Arachis Pinto plant, which covers the ground in a bright green shade spotted with yellow flowers in the mornings. Thus, the house can be viewed from the outside as an elegant structure rising from amidst a sea of green and yellow.
FACT FILE:
Architecture Studio: Cognition Design Studio
Project Title: The Koppan Residence
Category: Renovation (Year – 2020)
Location: Pattambi in Kerala
Architects: Ar. Muhammed Faris and Ar. Mohammed Fazil
Photo Credits: Turtle Arts Photography
Website: https://www.cognitiondesignstudio.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cognition_designstudio/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cognitiondesignstudio/
Located in Udaipur– Rajasthan, this residential project enjoys a unique setting with panoramic views of Roop Sagar on one side and surrounding hills on the remaining three sides. The design brief focused on creating a modern and minimalist residence that exudes serenity and understated luxury. “The designers thoughtfully planned the house to include premium lifestyle […]
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 […]
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 […]
Located in HMT Layout, Bangalore, Isha_Srinidhi Nilaya stands as a multi-generational home designed on a compact 60×40 ft (2400 sq. ft) East facing plot, with a total built-up area of 8000 sq. ft. East Facing a lush public park, the residence responds to its urban setting through a layered design that balances privacy with a […]
Architecture font choices go beyond style—they shape how your work is perceived. From portfolios to presentations, the right architecture font instantly communicates clarity, precision, and personality. As architects, we design not just with space but with every detail, including typography. Selecting a strong architecture font shows your commitment to visual storytelling and design consistency. In […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
Inclusivity, inequality, gender bias, and pay gaps—are just a few of the challenges women continue to face. In a country where goddesses are worshipped, the question remains: when will true equality become a reality? When will society embrace inclusivity for all? To spark these conversations and drive change, The Architect’s Diary presents a groundbreaking list […]
Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]