The 15-cent site with an existing house, a warehouse bounded by numerous fruit trees, is located only a kilometre away from Kollam beach, Kerala. Nested in a quiet neighbourhood with lush green landscape the client desired to have a house that seamlessly blends with the surroundings.
Open Plan of Residence Born Out of Adjacency to The Sea, Coupled With the Humid Climatic Conditions of The Region | The Design Room
Visit : The Design Room
Adjacency to the sea, coupled with the humid climatic conditions of the region, encouraged us to adhere to an open plan. The vision was to design an energy-efficient house that would benefit from natural phenomena like cross ventilation, passive cooling and day lighting. Thereby, the plan and volume of the spaces were carefully worked out in order to improve the efficiency of the built spaces.
A conscious study was undertaken to locate the built space without hampering the existing vegetation within the site. The idea of a large central courtyard emerged as a design solution to retain adult trees in the heart of the site. Subsequently, the proceeding-built spaces evolved around this central courtyard which served as the foci, thus enabling uninterrupted flow of fresh-air and a visual continuity to every other space within the house. Large openings and cross ventilation ensured comfortable indoor environment. Appropriate details like perforated false walls and double volumes were incorporated on the south and west side of the house in order to craft thermally efficient and cooler interior spaces.Â
The interior layout of the rooms was meticulously designed for effective circulation and movement through the house. The design also compliments the openness in plan and has a minimalistic style. Materials were carefully considered and selected based on local availability and its thermal effect on interior spaces. Laterite bricks from Kannur were used extensively with precise construction details, as a substitute for cladding on the exterior walls. The laterite blocks offer an interesting texture to the façade while the innate porosity of the material reduced heat transfer.Â
Parasol roofs inclined at 12 degrees, were incorporated to bolster passive cooling of the interiors and as a structure that can conceal the solar panels installed on them. Aaron’s courtyard today runs entirely on sustainable energy generated from these roofs.
The landscape scheme for the residence acknowledges the existing vegetation and attempts to blur the boundaries of the built structure. The idea was to craft evocative niches which sit almost unseen and blend modestly with its immediate adjacencies. The plant list was consciously compiled in response to the growing conditions and the aesthetic requirements of the client. The transitory and seasonal variation in the landscape imparts enthusiasm and comfort to the built spaces.
A good design, in our thinking, is one that is socially relevant, environmentally conscious, emotionally resonant, and aesthetically pleasing. Aaron’s courtyard is a genuine attempt to inculcate design elements from a climate-responsive perspective and amalgamate quintessential regional techniques and local craftsmanship.
FACT FILE
Designed by : The Design Room
Project Type : Residence
Project Name : Aaron’s Courtyard
Location :Â : Trivandrum , Kollam, Kerala, India
Principal Architect : Ar. Nanga Kishor, Ar. Sebastian K John, Ar. Vivin Shankar
Photography Courtesy : Out of Focus
Firm’s Instagram Link : The Design Room
Firm’s Facebook Link : The Design Room
Modular houses are prefabricated structures built in modules manufactured and assembled on-site. They are built under controlled plant conditions, using the same materials, and designed to the same codes and standards as conventionally built facilities but in about half the time. As a result, this reduces the construction cost to 30% to 50% less than […]
Brick houses have been a cornerstone of architecture for centuries, celebrated for their durability, aesthetic versatility, and timeless appeal. In modern design, architects continue to explore innovative ways to incorporate brick into residential spaces, blending traditional materials with contemporary needs. While the design of each brick house is unique, there are several ways to incorporate […]
Architecture is not just a profession, it is an evolving journey of discovery, adaptation, and growth. At Elev8 2025, Architect Hiren Patel takes us on a journey into the design philosophy of Monkey Forest Villa. He explores the architectural elements that contribute to the home’s artistry. He also offers insight into the story of his design […]
Nestled in the serene embrace of a quiet residential colony, Charcoal Charm stands as a testament to modern architecture home innovation, seamlessly blending with its surroundings. Designed for a prominent businessman’s family, this 4BHK residence not only caters to the family’s need for privacy and comfort but also provides a rejuvenating retreat from the bustling […]
Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]
The initial impression of this contemporary residence design is one of striking visual interplay, where bold architectural gestures redefine conventional aesthetics. A diagonally laid brick veil, its textured surface meticulously arranged to capture the shifting light throughout the day, becomes a dynamic façade element, casting ever-changing shadows that animate the exterior. Editor’s Note: “The yellow […]
Namana is an east-facing home situated on a compact 60’x50’ plot beside a serene vineyard. Designed for a family of three, the single-story residence emphasizes spatial fluidity, natural illumination, and a tactile material palette that evokes warmth and simplicity. Editor’s Note: “Namana, a quiet dialogue between light, material, and space, is a home that listens […]
“We want a modern oasis to retire to with our little boys on the weekends” was a brief given to us by our clients who are busy medical professionals with a very hectic life in the city. Inspired by the essence of prairie-style homes, the couple wished to cherish and recreate their favourite moments from […]
Nestled between the bustling residential and industrial edges of Bengaluru, Ihita stands as a bold architectural statement, embodying a harmonious blend of traditional Indian house design and modernity. The home challenges conventional urban residential design by prioritizing openness, natural light, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Through the strategic use of large […]
When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]