‘House Of Tropics’ A Classic Design Inspired By Nature | Urban Zen
‘House of Tropics’ a classic design, inspired by nature in the tropics is a warm and inviting home with reminiscent of a farmhouse where interior interacts with outdoors. It is designed in respect with straight lines and open spaces, exuberating elegant décor.
Visit : Urban Zen
Shifting to the outdoors, the species of plants chosen for the front garden are also inspired by the interior theme. Temple trees, low height palms, ferns and water plants like lotus, and water lilies have been planted. The low height pool is edged with local grey granite stone, forming the central element of the garden. Stepping stones and white pebbles patches add an interesting nuance to the space creating a variety of surfaces that one can look at, feel and touch. The space on one side of the entrance gate frame is designed with knotted wooden planks so that it blends in with garden on the inside.
Starting from the ground level of the house, with garden spaces all around, that are lifted up from street level enabling a good flow of light into the home while giving it ample ‘breathing space’ in the living area.
As we move further indoors, the double height dining area is picture perfect, aided with a concoction of indoors and outdoors coming across through the glazed framing overlooking the trees in the podium garden. The open kitchen attached to the dining area also adds as a picturesque element creating an eye pleasing space.
While going up, the staircase of the house is one of the main elements designed. It occupies a prominent central location in the house. The detail is inspired by the tree top perspective in forest. It is composed of metal wires in tension kept in place with small anchors on the side of each tread. The variation of color on the wooden parquet flooring adds to the dramatic space making it a highlight.
Sketching an art centric view while climbing up from stilt floor to the ground floor, the details of the staircase are combined with the beauty of the pool outside consisting of colorful koi fishes for therapeutic purpose and aesthetically pleasing setup.
Approaching the private scape above, luxurious bedrooms are designed with a focus on natural material. Materials like rough cut stone, heavy grained timber and bamboo have been used throughout the house to bring in the look and feel of the tropics. The ceiling has 3D wood tiles to give a rich, dense feel of timber and to make the living areas distinctive. The stone backdrop of the wall resting the head of the master bed is a modern-rustic design, lending a touch of natural texture to a contemporary space.
The semi-private space on the floor above is inspired from the tropical plantain leaf. The folded wooden partitions have been designed to screen certain areas like the drawing room and first floor corridor for privacy and aesthetics. The spotlights on the floor and ceiling illuminate these panels, forming an interesting diagrid pattern on the plain white gypsum board ceiling. To break free from the traditional doorway entrance, providing a modern twist and maintaining the flow of living spaces on the ground floor, the rotatable panels are designed.
A marble outdoor sculpture of a holy Hindu cow feeding her calf is the key focus of the garden. The serenity of Mother Nature is framed perfectly with the sculpture, landscape and greenery singing together in harmony.
Thus it is a design that sets this home apart amongst all the others in the neighborhood in a stately manner.
Fact File :
Architecture Firm : Urban Zen
Name of the project: House of Tropics
Typology: Residential
Completion date : November 2018
Location: Road No 72, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Area: 13,000 Sq.Ft.
Designer : Rohit Suraj
Photography Credits: Ricken Desai
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/UZliving/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/urbanzenofficial/?hl=en
Rohit Suraj’s Profile :
Instilling fascination, elevating the human spirit and initiating conversation are the cornerstones of Urban Zen’s design story. A passionate proponent of independent thinking and creative change, Rohit Suraj, Urban Zen’s Founder and CEO, is a TedX Speaker and has been awarded as one of the Top 50 Architects and Interior designers of 2019. Apart from several national and international awards over the years, Rohit has, designed and executed a vast spectrum of projects of varying scales and profiles.
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 […]