A house in Kerala Perched in Natural Habitat | Zherow Architects
Editor’s Note: Zherow Architects have designed this residence among nature. The house disguises itself in natural colors so as to blend with the surroundings. The facade is an interesting juxtaposition of elements, colors, and materials. The courtyard space is evidently a heartfelt insert that binds the house together. ~ Nishal Sevak
Nestled in the picturesque Villiappally region of the Calicut district, FM House stands as a contemporarytestament to the ever-evolving tastes of its occupants.
The modern single-story design strategically aligns a linear layout with juxtaposed volumes, seamlessly harmonizing with the natural landscape.
Upon passing through the gates, a spacious plot greets the visitors formerly occupied by theowner’s previous residence.
In response to Kerala’s flooding, Zherow Architects conceived a home that combines modernity with a profound connection to its surroundings.
The foyer, with its terraced plantation, ushers you into a double-height living that sets the tone for its understated yet elegant interiors.
Beige-colored sofas and fluted tiled walls of the TV unit take centre stage in this inviting space.
As you journey through a corridor, your attention is captivated by an enchanting courtyard, seamlesslyblurring the lines between indoors and outdoors with lush vegetation.
This contemporary interpretation of traditional courtyards in orthodox-designed homes in Kerala stands as an inviting space for leisure activities.
Its double-height ceiling exudes grandeur, adorned with a chandelier and circular skylights that offer an ever-changing view of the sky.
Overlooking this serene scene, a central dining area becomes the heart of the house. Adhering to a warmcolor palette of tan hues, it features plush chairs and a quartz stone tabletop.
All the selections were exquisitely customized by the architecture firm itself. Surrounding this central space are three bedrooms and a kitchen.
The placement of children’s and master bedrooms is towards the front and share a common washroom. The children’s bedroom radiates innocence with its light blue colors, while the master bedroom exudes a palette of greys and browns, accentuated by wooden flooring.
The kitchen with its minimal design features a quartz stone counter with shutters crafted using a lacquered glass finish.
A remarkable staircase showcasing fine craftsmanship faces the dining area and is light up by a rectangular skylight.
This staircase departs from the conventional approach of using RCC, boasting a unique construction created from GI GP I-Section. It uses wooden treads that appear to float towards the first floor, where two more bedrooms and terraces await.
In crafting this residence, Zherow Architects have embraced a design philosophy deeply rooted infunctionality.
Through thoughtful calibration, the entire project achieves a delightful balance of colors and materials. Abundant apertures throughout the house emphasize both natural light and aesthetics.
With corner windows in the living area and bay windows in the bedrooms offering distinct vistas. Wooden skirting and fluted wooden panels frame unique views in each space, elevating the overall architectural allure.
Shades of grey, tan, and saffron primarily adorns the interior and exterior spaces, while the ceilings feature gypsum with veneer and plywood borders. With chandeliers gracing the living room, courtyard, and staircase, lighting takes centre stage.
It is strategically placed to accentuate various activities and enhance the livability of different spaces. The landscaping takes a modest approach by adorning the periphery of the site, it engages inhabitants through multiple convivial nodes. An industrial parking accommodates the entrance, while a swing at the rear of the property offers a moment of respite.
The design of the FM House not only showcases a harmonious fusion of modern aesthetics and environmental consciousness but also places a strong emphasis on spatial connectivity. The firm’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the innovative use of materials, the strategic placement of skylights and windows, and the open courtyard, all of which contribute to a dynamic and holistic living experience.
This design approach enables the house to adapt and evolve with its inhabitants while consistently offering a serene and sophisticated ambience.
Fact File
Designed by: Zherow Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture & Interior Design
Project Name: FM House
Location:Â Orkkatteri, Kerala
Year Built: 2022
Duration of the project: 2 Years
Project Size: 3800 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: ER Mohammad Ajmal.K , ER Ashhar NK & ER Ajmal Abduilla.PV
Team Design Credits: Roshan PV
Photograph Courtesy: Akhil Komachi
Products / Materials / Vendors: Wallcovering / Cladding – Marble Gallery – Calicut , Peekey Instore- Chokli/ Construction Materials – Local Places / Lighting – Diera Lights, Kannur / Sanitaryware – Marble Gallery, Peekey Instore/ Windows – Teak and Upvc / Furniture – Hidesign, Calicut / Flooring – Marble Gallery – Calicut, Peekey Instore- Chokli/ Kitchen –Chillumeda, Kallachi/ Paint –Jotun Indiaartefacts – Stories/ Wallpaper –Stories/ Hardware –Chillumeda, Kallachi.
Firm’s Instagram Link: Zherow Architects
For Similar Projects >> A Lavish Home that Combines Luxury, Greens, and Simplistic Elegance | AH Architects & Maatiscape Architects
Paati-veedu in the Tamil language means grandmother’s home. The client wanted a traditional courtyard house after having lived in a multilevel home with limited light, ventilation, and disjointed spaces. The site is on a 40×60 ft (2400 sq. ft.) property with the north side facing the street. Editor’s Note: “Rooted in nostalgia yet modern in […]
Coloured glass is incorporated into the east facing elevation of the house with a plan designed to interact beautifully with morning sunlight. As the sun rises, light filters through the coloured glass, casting vibrant, colourful rays throughout the interior and creating a dynamic, uplifting atmosphere. Each piece transforms into a radiant, gem-like feature when struck […]
Tiles for walls are more than just practical elements of your home interiors—they are design statements that bring both beauty and functionality to your spaces. Have you ever wondered how a simple change in wall tiles can transform an entire room? With endless options in materials, textures, and designs, tiles can enhance any room, from […]
The vision for this Kerala traditional house project was to provide the client with luxurious space and finishes. The client wanted a fusion of traditional elements with all the functionalities of a modern house that can accommodate their extended family members too. Elements of traditional Kerala architecture like the shaded veranda and the multi-levelled sloping […]
The Punjab home design is an oasis of solitude, where the structure itself turns inward, embracing the idea of seclusion. Strategic use of barriers like landscaping, walls, and enclosed courtyards ensures privacy without sacrificing the connection to the natural environment. Large windows and skylights are utilized selectively, allowing for natural light to flood into the […]
Ar. Sahiba Madan, founder of Insitu and KalakaariHaath, shares her journey that goes beyond trends, to timeless design. Her inspiration from Indian culture, art, and artists is reflected throughout her journey. After pursuing architecture as a core, Sahiba established her home decor and furnishing and an interior design studio in 2014 and 2018 respectively. She […]
Given a marble’s beauty and timelessness, the variety and types of marble are extensive and boundless in the modern world. Different types exhibit different colors, patterns, and textures based on their origin. That being said, selecting the right type and variety that suits your space is crucial to justify the beauty of marble. Regardless of […]
Marble bathroom designs transform your bathroom interiors to a great extent, considering marble’s purity, shine, and grace. With bold veining, rich texture, and different colorations, marble can transform an ordinary bathroom into a different level of refined relaxation. From sleek, minimalistic designs to strong statement pieces, marble suits your styles, rendered to be equally complimentary […]
The east facing house is part of a dense residential neighbourhood in Udaipur. The client brief required us to design a multiple-generation home with multiple purposes. The architecture intent was to carve out volumes and intersperse the client’s requirements with spatial voids, gardens, and terraces. This House Facing East is in a Dense Residential Neighborhood […]
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 […]