search

A Utilitarian House Transformed Into A Tropical Living Space | NO Architects Designers 

A Utilitarian House Transformed Into A Tropical Living Space | NO Architects Designers 

This subtle addition of nature-inspired aesthetics has transformed a contemporary utilitarian house into a tropical living space, with a unique Indian identity.

The project is a climatically efficient home rooted in the cultural context of India, which is the result of several iterations and explorations through a continuous design process. The house is built on a West facing site, with a remarkable old Bead tree, commonly called ‘Manjadi’, right at the entrance. This leguminous tree with rough-textured bark, bright polished red seeds, and vibrant green leaves inspired the project, from the inception of design.

Visit: NO Architects Designers and Social Artists

It has an open plan with freely flowing spaces and connected volumes to overcome the limitations of a linear footprint. The green court and water garden added for passive cooling acts as an open to the sky, family space protected from the harsh tropical weather.

The interior of the house is defined by an interplay of light, darkness, and colors. The master bedroom on the first floor opens to a linear balcony with a slidable wooden partition, for protection from the afternoon heat. It also has a weathered steel jali on the outer façade, with an intricate water cut pattern, that filters the twilight sun. It resembles a lantern at night, paying homage to the rich craft heritage of India. The kitchen is a more utilitarian version of a traditional Asian kitchen, in pastel shades.

The color palette displays a sharp contrast of earthen tones with different hues of blue, accentuated by a combination of warm and white lighting. Both the exteriors and interiors show hints of the magical blue, in varying shades.

The landscape design for this house introduces varying colors and textures to the native lush green flora of the tropics. The plants are individually picked to create a unique sustainable combination, that requires minimal maintenance.

Anyone who has spent their childhood roaming the green and verdant landscape of rural Kerala would have fond memories of collecting the seeds of the Manjadi tree that resembles rubies. The wild beauty of these seeds, combined with their relative rarity made them coveted objects to kids. This tree also forms an integral part of the cultural landscape of India depicted in many folktales and stories. This subtle addition of nature-inspired aesthetics has transformed a contemporary utilitarian house into a tropical living space, with a unique Indian identity.

Fact File:

Architects: NO Architects Designers and Social Artists

Project Location: Kollam, Kerala

Design Team: Harikrishnan Sasidharan, Neenu Elizabeth,

Akhila Menon, Babin Babu, Robin Joseph, Mayuresh Muley, Jasmin Khatun, Sonali Nath

Clients: Sini Jayachandran and Jayachandran.G

Landscape:  NO Architects Designers and Social Artists

Consultants: Varun Baby, Educe Consultants

Photo Credits: lal @redzphotography

Email: noarchs@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/architectsNO/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noarchitects/

Ananta Spa And Resort: A Retreat Rooted in Nature and Luxury | Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL)

Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL) blurs the boundaries between structure and nature with the conceptualization and design of the elemental villas at Ananta Spa and Resort, Ajabgarh. Nestled amidst the majestic Aravalli ranges, the design of the resort draws inspiration from the vastness of its surroundings and natural elements. Each villa type, including Earth, Lagoon, […]

Read More

The Circular House Design Creates A Strong Connection Between Space and Nature | RA Design Studio

The design of Habitat 0 begins with the central concept of a vacation home community organized around a circular form. This layout places individual spaces radially around a central circular courtyard, creating an environment where every space has access to expansive views of the surrounding greenery. The circular design is essential in fostering a deep […]

Read More

This Traditional Kerala Home is Rooted in Simplicity and Modern Elegance | Vaktra Architects

Nestled in the tranquil village of Thenipalam, Malappuram, Aman is a 2,800 sq. ft. residence, manifesting its Urdu namesake, meaning peace, sanctuary, and security. Designed by Vaktra Architects, this traditional Kerala home is a testament to simplicity, blending Kerala’s tropical ethos with contemporary elegance. This Traditional Kerala Home is Rooted in Simplicity and Modern Elegance […]

Read More

Pranjali is a Modern Bungalow Design Rooted in Calm and Humility | Samast Design Studio

Pranjali – The Doctor’s Bungalow is a peaceful and practical modern bungalow design located in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The name Pranjali, meaning “a graceful offering” or “a gesture of respect,” reflects the spirit of this residence—a calm, humble, and thoughtful space created for a doctor couple seeking balance in their busy lives. The design goal […]

Read More

The Stone-Crete House Is A Brutalist Ode To Contemporary Style Architecture | MPA Design Studio

The contemporary style architecture house is located in the lively urban context of Thaltej, Ahmedabad nestled within a private cluster of four bungalows. Though the home enjoys the benefits of community, it also maintains a high degree of privacy and seclusion. This is achieved through a carefully considered spatial arrangement, despite the proximity of a […]

Read More

This Retreat in Velhe Shows How Organic Homes Connect Deeply with Nature | Fractal Chaos

Screenwriter and director Megha Ramaswamy approached Fractal Chaos to design an organic home as a weekend retreat in Pasli Gaon, Velhe—a village about 150 km from Pune. The site is located between the Deccan Plateau and the Western Ghats, which gives it a unique ecology with 4 seasons. Drawn to the land by a bordering […]

Read More

This Modern Traditional Kerala House Stands As A Refined Architectural Response | i2a Architects Studio

Situated in the bustling residential neighbourhood of Koorkenchery, Thrissur, Dr. Lakshmi’s residence stands as a refined architectural response to a narrow 15.53 cent plot. The 4214.07 sq ft home is a seamless blend of modern traditional kerala house, with an Indonesian inspired grey white exterior that exudes sophistication. The design strategically employs linear planning, integrating […]

Read More

10 Tropical Houses in India: A Symphony of Design and Nature

Imagine a home that breathes with the breeze, where sunlight filters through lush foliage, and the vibrant hues of nature are an extension of your living space. Tropical houses are architectural marvels; a profound dialogue between human habitation and the natural world, born from centuries of adapting to warm, humid climates. Far from rigid structures, […]

Read More

Kerala Style Homes: 15 Must-Know Projects In India

Kerala style homes have courtyards surrounded by rooms on each side. Traditional Kerala-style homes have a central courtyard known as Nadumuttam surrounded by rooms. These homes promote natural light and ventilation according to the region’s climate. These homes, due to the feature of courtyards as their core spaces, offer beautiful opportunities for social gatherings. This […]

Read More

This Tropical Home Design Features A Striking Sloped Terracotta Roof In Kerala | Vriksha Architects

Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]

Read More
  • How to Maintain Your Air-Conditioner in Time for Summer

    Apartment Interior Complementing The Luxury In Its Self | Kayz Studio