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
Situated on a compact 1200 sft south-west corner plot, this residence was conceived as an inward-looking sanctuary for a family of four — a home that balances privacy and openness, light and enclosure, within the dense urban fabric. This Residence Was Conceived As An Inward-Looking Sanctuary For A Family Of Four | The Insideout Studio […]
‘Roots’ was an experiment to build sustainably but not confer to the design language typically associated with sustainable buildings. This residential project re-considers the expression of sustainable architecture through a minimalist and materially grounded lens. Located on a 4,000 sq.ft. plot, the designers conceived the house for a family of three and their pet, organizing […]
This project was planned in between lockdown when the client realized the importance of open space close to nature, aligning with a greenery house design that was required by the client’s aging parents and his young kids. Editor’s Note: Rooted in stillness and shaped by togetherness, this home flows gently between the indoors and nature […]
The Sanctum in Amritsar, designed by Renesa Architecture Design Interiors Studio, stands as a rare architectural experiment in India. It is an attempt to reinvent the domestic typology through geometry, material, and spatial narrative. Spread over 12,000 sq ft on a generous 3 acres plot, the house positions itself as a contemporary meditation on permanence and […]
Mishti’s House by KD ASSOCIATE is a striking example of contemporary residential architecture that blends modern aesthetics with mindful design. The facade features a harmonious mix of exposed red brick, smooth white plaster, and wooden-toned vertical fins, creating depth and visual balance. A unique geometric lattice screen with a Buddha motif serves as both a […]
Located in HMT Layout, Bangalore, Isha_Srinidhi Nilaya stands as a multi-generational home designed on a compact 60×40 ft (2400 sq. ft) East facing plot, with a total built-up area of 8000 sq. ft. East Facing a lush public park, the residence responds to its urban setting through a layered design that balances privacy with a […]
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 […]
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 […]