Located in a site away from the commotions of the big city, this contemporary residence of 3100 sq ft, sits at a land parcel of 6 cents within a quiet residential area. Accommodating the client’s brief for this residential project within the site area constraints was a challenge. The site is located at Nettayam, which lies in the urban-rural transition zone of Trivandrum. The east-facing site had a downward slope and breathtaking views toward the west end of the plot.
Weaving the Essence of Indian Contemporary with Simplicity makes this Soulful Residence in Trivandrum | ARK Architecture Studio
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The exterior of the house reflects tropical modernism. A custom-designed lengthy armchair sits at the sit out space , overlooking the landscape of the site , for the clients to spend their quiet evenings at.
The client wanted a quiet and humble abode with minimal need of artificial lighting and airconditioning. The family of three wanted their dining area to be the heart of the project where they would spend most of their time together as a family.
The heart of the residence being the double height dining area , (as required by the clients ) was placed at a lower level and was flanked on one side by the internal sky lit courtyard with lush greenery . The steps leading to the dining area also acts as an informal seating area which extends onto an inbuilt seating adjacent to the courtyard space .
The steps leading to the dining area also acts as an informal seating area which extends onto an inbuilt seating adjacent to the courtyard space.
The green courtyard acted as a semi permeable transition space from the living to the dining area.The heart of the residence being the double height dining area , (as required by the clients ) was placed at a lower level and was flanked on one side by the internal sky lit courtyard with lush greenery . The steps leading to the dining area also acts as an informal seating area which extends onto an inbuilt seating adjacent to the courtyard space.
The upper floor being of a more private character , has a long bridge as a connecting element running on the east west axis. The bridge , overlooking the double height dining and courtyard area is well lit throughout the day. An existing mango tree opposite to the site was framed by the balcony doorway from the bridge providing a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing view.
A minimalistic design approach was adopted for this residence with the main concept of creating a quiet, cozy and humble abode, reducing the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning.
The shorter side of the site lying along the east west axis, and the downward sloping terrain was an added advantage in controlling the thermal condition of the building . Perforated terracotta screens of Jallies were carefully placed on this axis to maximise the flow of wind.
A long wind tunnel was introduced towards the west face of the residence which acts as the source for windflow in the built form through the principle of venturi effect .The perforated screen controls the intensity of the strong winds and ensures cool breeze throughout . A stack effect core was also created with the introduction of an internal courtyard . This shaft resulted in the interiors always remaining cool despite being situated in a humid climate region.
This 3-storey residence was vertically zoned to meet the functional requirements of the clients . The ground floor being the semi public zone was set to an open plan with the common spaces blending into a single linear space with intangible transitions in between.
Fact File
Designed by: ARK Architecture Studio
Project Type: Residence Architecture & Design
Project Name: Nirupamam
Location: Trivandrum, Kerala
Year Built: 2021
Duration of project: 1.5 years
Plot Area: 2613 Sq.ft
Project Size: 3100 Sq.ft
Project Cost Appx: 85 Lac
Principal Architect: Rahul Kumar
Photograph Courtesy: out of focus
Consultants for the Project
Civil: Green
Interior Execution: MojoHomes
Products & Materials: Wallcovering / Cladding: Nuvocotto Wall Cladding | Lighting: Aerglo | Sanitary ware: Jaquar | Facade Systems: Nuvocotto Jallies | Furniture: Studio Itbits | Flooring: Kajaria | Paint: Asian Paints
Firm’s Instagram Link: ARK Architecture Studio
Firm’s Facebook Link: ARK Architecture Studio
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