Tucked upon the lofty hills of Carmel, Hesed, which alludes to kindness, is an contemporary architecture vision located in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India. The vision originated from the owner’s wish to embrace the natural terrain and at the same time offer modern comforts to his joint family. The client’s family consists of 8 members. So, the design was focused on providing enough space for all purposes.
Earthy Sophistication with Whimsical Color Palette redefines Contemporary Architecture | Saleek Ahmed Architecture
Visit: Saleek Ahmed Architecture
Built upon 1213.8 sqm of verdant terrain, this house was placed over an existing plateau in the highest point of the lot, to make best of the views over the hills.
The house is divided into two levels, a double height living room is designed along with a semi open courtyard in the dining area given for a feel of openness and for augmenting natural cross ventilation on all sides.
With an uneven contour, it was a challenge to develop the site without making any major changes to the topography and nature.
Hanging plants suspend a green curtain over the front entrance of the house and protect the main entrance from heat and dust.
A round window in the living room pulls in nature’s beauty into the house. Hesed encompasses the modern fabrications and furnishings needed to maintain a contemporary lifestyle, at the same time keeping in frame the traditional stance in which the family grew up.
Conforming to the natural contours of the terrain, the outside landscaping provides a cool siesta area around a lotus pond. Hesed also promotes a sustainable lifestyle with a dedicated 5KW hybrid solar system, biogas from kitchen waste, cultivation of vegetables and fruits on-site and the reuse of harvested rainwater for sanitary and irrigation using a 30,000-litre capacity of underground tank.
The lower level has three bedrooms, office, living and dining; and the first level has two bedrooms and a reading space. A steel-wood combo staircase and simple wireframe furniture is selected to maintain a sense of lightness.
The open book compartments in aquamarine color with two comfy sofas gives the calm and quiet space for the reading.
The kids room has a built-in bunk bed with cabinets to utilize storage spaces. Leading off from the first-floor bedroom is the balcony ensuring a panoramic view beyond the misty hills.
Natural brick cladding provided on the exterior wall prevents direct sunlight on the wall and thus minimizes heat transfer inside the house. The red brickwork also contrasts with nature’s greenery and gives a rustic living vibe. A sloped roof on top of the concrete slab with louvers in the front and back was constructed for heat reduction. The louvers exhale out the hot air through the air passages.
Natural stones from ‘Kota’ and ‘Kadapa’ have been used in the flooring to provide cooling and slip resistance. The terracotta lattice in the living and dining rooms aid in good cross ventilation, making use of nature’s air, which is so essential in the warm humid tropical context in which the house is located.
Fact File
Designed By: Saleek Ahmed Architecture
Project Type : Residence Architecture Design
Project Name: Hesed
Year Built : 2021
Location: Pathanamthitta, Kerala
Duration of project : 15 Months
Built up : 4300 Sq.ft
Project Cost : 3000/Sq ft
Principal Architect : Saleek Ahmed
Photograph Courtesy : Turtlearts Photography
Products & Materials : Finishes: Rustic & Modern / Wallcovering: Brick, Laterite & Natural Stone / Construction Materials: Solid brick / Lighting: Dtale Décor / Doors and Partitions: Nilambur Teak Wood / Sanitaryware: Grohe, Kohler, Jaquar, Bathx / Facade Systems: Terracotta Vietnam Camp Jallis, Custom Diamond Concrete Jallis / Windows: Lesso EITI uPVC with Saint-Gobain Toughened Glass / Furniture: Nilambur Teak wood & Steel / Flooring: Interior- Kota, Kadapa, Vitrified tiles / Exterior: Tandur Stones & Cobble Stones / Kitchen: Plywood, PVC Mica / Walls: Imported Tiles / Flooring: Mirror polished Kota Stones / Paint: Berger Paints / Artefacts: Custom design by Architect, Instyle Creation The Purple Turtles / Hardware: Local & Imported Tiles / Carpet & Rugs: The Rug Republic / Bedding: D’décor, Instyle Creation
Consultants for the Project
Civil: Platinum Constructions
Landscape Architects: Saleek Ahmed
Structure Engineers: Platinum Constructions
Contractors: Platinum Constructions
Project Managers: Niyas M
Firm’s Website Link : Saleek Ahmed Architecture
Firm’s Instagram Link : Saleek Ahmed Architecture
Firm’s Facebook Link : Saleek Ahmed Architecture
For Similar Project>>Impactful Context and Dominance of Contemporary Architecture
The designers envision Asterix Café as a flagship destination that challenges café design conventions. While coffee culture often associates with warm, pastel tones, Asterix dares to be different by embracing darkness as its defining aesthetic. Designed by UrbanNest Design Studio, the bespoke cafe is a bold experiment in creating a multi-functional, community centric space where […]
Adorn, a home filled with earthen design and the laughter of a family of four, nestles in the peaceful neighborhood of Selvapuram, Coimbatore. “On one side, it shares boundaries with cozy family homes; meanwhile, the other side opens to expansive fields dotted with tall trees.” The fresh air scented with greenery sets a calming atmosphere […]
Situated in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Anandvan residence beautifully embodies biophilic design, fostering a deep connection with nature through its thoughtful integration of outdoor and indoor spaces through open courtyards. Open Courtyards And A Biophilic Design Connect The Outdoors With The Indoors | R+R Architects Location The location and surroundings played a significant role in determining the […]
Located in the breathtaking Sahyadri mountains of Igatpuri, Nashik, the sloping roof home is a masterclass in harmonizing architecture with nature. We’ve preserved the natural contours, shaping them into steps that enhance the landscape’s visual appeal. This Sloping Roof Home in The Sahyadri’s Sits Harmoniously With Nature | Unbound Studio Design Elements The design guides […]
The residence 36 is a double storey residence with 4 bedrooms, drawing room, double height living area, kitchen with dining area, home theatre and gym. The elevation is a synthesis of the verticality and spiritual symbolism of Gothic elements in the architecture with the proportional harmony and symmetry of Classical design. Gothic Elements And Classical […]
In a calm and serene residential area of Mysore, a 10,000 sq. ft. site with mature mango and coconut trees set the stage for Eden Kindergarten school. One half of the land was already occupied by an existing block, while the other half was shaded by the canopy of old trees. Instead of altering this […]
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 […]
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 […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]