The tanzanite house is situated in the coastal area of Cherthala. Due to its proximity to the sea, the site has sandy soil with minimum vegetation, open to the harshness of the sun. The brief was to build a simple contemporary modern house with ample natural light and ventilation. The house was envisioned as a voluminous grid situated towards the south east end of the site leaving almost half of the site for landscaping. The design evolved as three distinct linear blocks. The two distinct parallel blocks with public and private spaces respectively connected by an intermediate large semi-public dining area and then carefully punctured in various places to create pockets of airflow and light.
Contemporary Modern House With Ample Natural Light And Ventilation | Architecture Narratives
VISIT : Architecture Narratives
The idea of linear blocks with openings on both sides is an ideal response to the tropical climate of the region. This helps in regulating the humidity and reducing heat gain, keeping the different spaces cool naturally.
The two blocks operate as distinct zones, one housing the public spaces like living room, powder room and the stairs and the other holding semi-public and the private spaces like the family living area and the bedrooms. The spatial strategy of 2 distinct blocks with a central connecting space, courtyard and double height dining space allows seamless communication between various programmatic spaces yet respecting the privacy and utility of different spaces.
Upon entering, a courtyard was placed behind the front entrance, as an extension of the landscape. This helped in integrating the outside and inside blurring its boundary between interior and exterior of the house. The main door opens to the formal living area with large openings on one side of the room to provide uninterrupted view towards the landscape.
The dining area is a large double height space with a bridge above. The cut-outs in this space allows effective visual and oral communication between ground floor and first floor which unites the house into a single unit. The large door-window in the dining area spills out to the deck and landscape beyond, which helps in expanding the spaces during special occasions & functions. The system of stack ventilation is used in the double height space is beneficial in hot air escape through the strategically placed vents and ensures thermal comfort by allowing cold air to enter through the large openings in either side of dining area.
A linear wood and steel stair that leads to the bridge in the first floor above dining area, is conceived as a lightweight structure that opens out the narrow foyer that connects living and dining spaces.
The sunlit bridge chronicles the rays of the sun like clockwork during the day through the sizeable circular skylight which was brought down for scale. The bridge then leads to the master bedroom. The master bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe with an attached bath area. The balcony in the master bedroom was aptly placed in the southwest side in order to reduce the heat gain.
The client’s role in facilitating this project is immeasurable. The young couple aptly named their home as Tanzanite as an homage and love for their first home in Tanzania.
FACT FILE
Designed by : Architecture Narratives
Project Type : Residential
Project Name : Tanzanite residence
Location: Cherthala, Alappuzha, Kerala
Year Built : 2019
Duration of project : 2017-2019
Plot Area : 30 cents
Built up : 3400 sq.ft
Project Size : 3400 sq.ft
Project Cost Appx : 80 lakhs
Principal Architects : Ar. Muhammad Shaheen & Ar. Ashna Aliyar
Team Design Credits : Muhammad Shaheen, Ashna Aliyar & Rishi Kishor
Photograph Courtesy : Jeez Patrick
Products/Materials/Vendors : Finishes – Asian paints ultima protek / Wallcovering / Cladding – nil Construction Materials – Brick / Lighting – Hybec / Doors and Partitions – Natural wood /Sanitary ware -Kohler, Grohe / Facade Systems – Brick Masonry / Windows – George projects (Upvc window) / Furniture– Grandeur / Flooring – Kajaria tiles / Kitchen – local carpenters / Paint – Asian paints / Artefacts -Sourced from Tanzania.
Firm’s Website Link : Architecture Narratives
Firm’s Instagram Link : Architecture Narratives
Firm’s Facebook Link : Architecture Narratives
For Similar Project>> ‘THE GULLY HOME’ IS AN EMBODIMENT OF CLIMATE RESPONSIVE AND FUNCTIONAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Brick houses have been a cornerstone of architecture for centuries, celebrated for their durability, aesthetic versatility, and timeless appeal. In modern design, architects continue to explore innovative ways to incorporate brick into residential spaces, blending traditional materials with contemporary needs. While the design of each brick house is unique, there are several ways to incorporate […]
Nestled in the serene embrace of a quiet residential colony, Charcoal Charm stands as a testament to modern architecture home innovation, seamlessly blending with its surroundings. Designed for a prominent businessman’s family, this 4BHK residence not only caters to the family’s need for privacy and comfort but also provides a rejuvenating retreat from the bustling […]
Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]
The initial impression of this contemporary residence design is one of striking visual interplay, where bold architectural gestures redefine conventional aesthetics. A diagonally laid brick veil, its textured surface meticulously arranged to capture the shifting light throughout the day, becomes a dynamic façade element, casting ever-changing shadows that animate the exterior. Editor’s Note: “The yellow […]
Namana is an east-facing home situated on a compact 60’x50’ plot beside a serene vineyard. Designed for a family of three, the single-story residence emphasizes spatial fluidity, natural illumination, and a tactile material palette that evokes warmth and simplicity. Editor’s Note: “Namana, a quiet dialogue between light, material, and space, is a home that listens […]
“We want a modern oasis to retire to with our little boys on the weekends” was a brief given to us by our clients who are busy medical professionals with a very hectic life in the city. Inspired by the essence of prairie-style homes, the couple wished to cherish and recreate their favourite moments from […]
AADHYA is a thoughtfully designed three-bedroom home for a family of three, blending introverted and extroverted spaces in harmony. This modern tropical house design goes beyond mere functionality to become a sanctuary where design elements tell personal stories. With reclaimed terracotta roofing, exposed cement, and brick walls, the residence fosters a tactile connection to its […]
Nestled between the bustling residential and industrial edges of Bengaluru, Ihita stands as a bold architectural statement, embodying a harmonious blend of traditional Indian house design and modernity. The home challenges conventional urban residential design by prioritizing openness, natural light, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Through the strategic use of large […]
Architecture is a field that is wider than the construction of a single building; it represents culture, history, and human aspirations. From the ancient wonderlands of Bhutan to contemporary ones like Morphogenesis, architecture narrates tales of innovation, perseverance, and change. Whether you are a practicing architect, a student, or an enthusiast in quest of inspiration, […]
This rustic farmhouse for a family aims at re-defining tradition to blend in modern thought. Make it contemporary but traditional, was a brief given to the Architect by the client to redesign and build a century-old farmhouse sprawling across 3500 square feet on a 3-acre site in Morbe, Panvel. Editor’s Note: The redesigning of this […]