Set in the endless green backdrop, the ‘Box House’ is located in a calm suburban area of Thrissur, outside the hustle and bustle of city. The single family residence offers a secure sense of home to the family by creating for them a world within itself.
Editor’s Note: The contemporary compact home explores the mesmerising vantage points while also experimenting with light and shadow from perforations within spaces. The grey facade that frames all fenestrations in teal has the surprise element of a terracotta jali wall. The interior courtyard has a minimalist design with spaces that encourage an informal gathering. Every corner, especially the area under the staircase, is given importance and function. – Gopika Pramod
Box House has a serene atmosphere inside-out | Vardhaan Architecture Studio
This 1600 sq ft. residence is designed in a two layered site topography, exploring all the advantages of the adjoining paddy field .The site with its downward layered topography posed several challenges that one could imagine. The clients requirements were solid, three bedroom house with a sense of privacy from neighboring plots. The two storey building from the outside is a strategically designed house with multiple levels that flows down gently into a slope. By respecting and responding to the context in which it sits, the ‘Box House‘ reflects the lifestyle of the house owners in every way.
The site slopes down from the road towards east. Instead of altering the slope, the functions of the house have been organized in two levels. The house is stacked with layers of semi open spaces and cutouts that peel away as one traverses from the entry to the core of the house.
The upper level accommodates a small entrance, living room and stair. The lower level accommodates the dining space, kitchen and bedroom. The two levels centers around the two storey high courtyard.
Bedrooms, dining space, kitchen and formal living overlook the courtyard creating a soothing visual experience for the user.
With jali walls and long windows on one side and light wells on the roofs, the courtyard creates a play of light on the floor that is paved with natural stone and lined with tropical plants. The courtyard transforms into an activity zone and comes alive during household gatherings.
The formal livings and bedrooms are illuminated by large windows and jali walls which produce a constantly shifting show of light and shadow. Changing floor levels and raised ceilings enhance the visual transparency inside the house.
Spaces here were conceived to allow a natural flow and interaction within, wrapped in the most stimulating elements of nature, light and water.
The material palette is a combination of exposed concrete and terracotta which helps in creating a natural atmosphere blending with lush green exterior. With emerald blue windows, Grey colored flooring and ceiling and white walls the interior follows a primary color scheme.
The project as a whole sits in harmony with the calm and lush green scenery, yet offers all modern functional facilities without compromising on the planning and zoning concepts.
Fact File
Designed by: Vardhaan Architecture Studio
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Box House
Location: Thrissur, Kerala
Year Built: 2022
Plot area: 5.4 Cents
Project Size: 1600 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Amrutha Anilkumar
Photograph Courtesy: ashiltchandran
Video Credits: Sanjay jayadeep
Firm’s Instagram Link: Vardhaan Architecture Studio
Firm’s Facebook Link: Vardhaan Architecture Studio
For Similar Project >> A Modern House in Kerala with a Natural and Earthy Look
Nestled within Prakriti Farms, this residence epitomizes rustic farmhouse interior design charm and a deep connection with the natural world. Its elegance lies in its emphasis on elemental materials and its seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. With three bedrooms and a spacious living area, the home was strategically designed in an L shape to […]
House of Heights: How design shapes relationships and well-being? “A house can transform its people. The living room, the tallest space in my home, is where we socialize, express our feelings, and spend the most time—an open arena for life’s conversations. The impact of front elevation design on home and harmony further emphasizes how thoughtful design […]
Spacious, inviting, and intimate, courtyards have an integral place in the vernacular architecture across India. Beyond their climatic purposes, courtyards assume the role of a social space, a space for contemplation, and a space where something happens. Their presence in various forms, proportions, and sizes has been a ubiquitous feature in Indian vernacular architecture. The […]
Located in Bangalore, opposite a large neighborhood park, a set of 4 houses was to be built—one of which was to be the personal house for the client, and the others were to be let out. The intent of these Bangalore homes was to create a quiet presence on the street and evoke a sense of […]
The modern residence integrates contemporary architecture with biophilic design principles, offering a luxurious and nature-connected living experience. The exterior features clean lines, landscaped lawns, and vertical green walls that soften the structure while promoting sustainability. The minimalist contemporary interior designs of this are designed with an open-plan layout, double-height ceilings, and large glass openings, ensuring […]
Some homes are big on square footage but don’t maximize space—and then some compact ones make the most of precious space at a premium. Located in Bangalore, this 3,000 sq. ft. villa interior design exemplifies this residential project, exploring staggered volumes that led to creating spaces at multiple levels, including a mezzanine floor. As per […]
In the heart of Gurugram, where the city’s energy pulses with both hard work and hard play, a 2600 sq. ft. rooftop terrace design has been transformed into the ultimate hangout spot. Designed for the young and the young at heart, this terrace captures the spirit of a city that knows how to balance the […]
In the vibrant town of Kannur, Kerala, the contemporary house design of this residence is more than a home—it’s a sanctuary designed to nurture both body and soul. Built for a family of five, it blends minimalist elegance with everyday comfort, creating a space that feels alive, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature. Editor’s Note: […]
The one-acre site of Saukhya Farm is nestled in the lush valley of Beze Village, on the outskirts of Nashik. Surrounded by small farms, it offers sweeping views of Beze Dam and the surrounding hills. The clients’ brief was to transform the site into a farmhouse and to cultivate part of it into an orchard. Work […]
Nestled on the bustling Karnavati Road in Ahmedabad, this modern residence spans over a 10,881 sq. ft. corner plot, seamlessly integrating form, function, and tranquility. The house is thoughtfully planned in an L-shaped configuration of this house design, with its entry oriented to the east and a lush garden strategically placed in the southwest corner […]