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: 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
Editor’s Note: Some places feel rooted because they belong to their surroundings rather than trying to stand apart from them. Coffee Sangam in Andhra Pradesh takes this approach through a raw, tactile palette of brick, stone, teak, and mild steel. The random rubble compound wall extends the landscape into the architecture, while the Corten steel […]
Envisioned as a contemporary home rooted in Indian sensibilities, this residence sits on a south-facing urban plot. The design accommodates the evolving lifestyle of a multi-generational family. The project integrates architecture and interiors to create functional, climate-responsive, and emotionally connected spaces. Each level balances privacy with interaction. The design also allows flexibility for changing family […]
Editorial Note: Some homes are shaped by the memories, objects, and stories their residents carry with them. Ungana in Chennai, meaning “merge” in Swahili, brings together a well-travelled family’s collection of antiques and everyday rituals within a narrow urban plot. A double-height living space becomes the heart of the home, connecting the kitchen and dining […]
House of the Framed Atrium explores how a contemporary home can revolve around light, connection, and shared experiences. The design follows the ideas of a Living Atrium, Living with Nature, Framed Volumes, Vertical Living, and Timeless Materiality. The residence connects a sequence of interconnected spaces around a dramatic triple-height atrium. The atrium forms the heart […]
A Mock-up That Became a Home – For an architecture practice, a mock-up often helps test an idea before the team translates it into a larger project. It allows architects to work at full scale, examine materials and construction techniques, and understand their limitations. The process also gives them room to test different brick bonds and […]
The house began not with a formal brief, but with a conversation about the kind of life the clients hoped to build within it. Set between the denser urban fabric of Kannur and the quieter residential landscapes of North Kerala, the project responds to a desire for openness and connection. At the same time, the […]
“Pravah” — A House That Breathes is envisioned as the main concept of this home revolves around a fluid, light-filled home where architecture becomes a continuous experience of movement, air, and connection. Located in Pal Gamtal, Surat, the project is a residential redevelopment on a 1,850 sq.ft. plot within a dense urban fabric. The site, […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been 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 […]