Nestled in the heart of Kerala, Pulkeezhe Variyath Tharavadu now serves as a library café. It preserves the rich heritage of an ancient Nair family whose legacy spans over six decades. The family holds the esteemed honour of conducting the sacred Ashtami Vilakku ceremony at the revered Guruvayur Temple. Following the partition of their ancestral lands, the charming Variyath Bungalow was bequeathed to P. V. Manohara Menon, Ajayakumar’s father-in-law. Nestled in the heart of Kerala, Pulkeezhe Variyath Tharavadu now serves as a library café. It preserves the rich heritage of an ancient Nair family whose legacy spans over six decades. The transformation allows the property to celebrate its history while welcoming a new generation of visitors.
7th Hue Architecture Collective
Editor’s Note: Some buildings hold more than memories. They become part of a community’s collective story, carrying the lives, traditions, and moments that unfold within their walls. Variyath Bungalow embraces that legacy by transforming a once-forgotten landmark into a place where heritage continues to evolve through public life. Rather than restoring the structure as a relic of the past, the design reimagines it as a library café where reading, conversation, and cultural exchange become everyday rituals. The result is a space that proves the most meaningful restoration is not simply about preserving a building, but about giving its stories a reason to be lived again. ~ Yashika Bajaniya
The Variyath home was once a vibrant haven for art and culture, where the family shared their passion and creativity with the community. Over time, the younger generation relocated abroad to pursue new opportunities. The older generation chose a quieter life, settling separately and leaving the home behind. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for the family.
The Variyath home was once a vibrant haven for art and culture, where the family shared their passion and creativity with the community. Over time, the younger generation relocated abroad to pursue new opportunities, while the older generation chose a quieter life and settled separately. As it stood the test of time, the bungalow transformed into an iconic landmark, symbolizing the area’s history and heritage. After 40 years abroad, the family returned home. However, the sight of the Variyath Bungalow in a state of neglect and disrepair filled them with dismay and disappointment. The client Mr. Ajayakumar decide to bring back the memories. Client decided to convert variyath to a public library cafe by keeping all the traditional values at the same time to provide all the modern facilities for the users.
Dr. Ajayakumar and Mrs Rakhi Menon, both ardent bibliophiles, have envisioned a new chapter for the Vanyath Bungalow. They aspire to transform it into a library that evokes the charm of Shakespeare and Company in Paris, situated within a 150-year-old edifice near the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.
As this vision takes shape, the architects are reimagining the 60-year-old Variyath Bungalow as a library café where literature, heritage, and community come together.
The designers conceived the project as a seamless blend of public interaction, reading culture, and spatial fluidity. They connected the ground-floor entry directly to the main road, leading visitors into the poomugham, a semi-public threshold where they can gather, read, or engage in casual conversations.
This space connects directly to the library, creating a welcoming and accessible reading environment that further extends into a rear verandah designed for discussions and small gatherings, eventually culminating in a central courtyard that acts as the heart of the house, bringing in light, air, and a sense of openness for users. The layout efficiently integrates supporting functions such as a pantry and backyard.
The designers organized the first floor around a continuous verandah that enhances movement and spatial continuity. They also included a fully equipped bedroom for visiting writers and guests. The idanazhi on the first floor functions as a welcoming VIP lounge. Natural textures and indoor plants enrich the space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Vibrant multi-coloured glass windows cast dynamic patterns of light, enhancing the overall spatial experience.
Natural textures bring warmth and depth to the space, creating a connection with nature. Indoor plants add freshness and a sense of calm to the interiors. The vibrant multicoloured glass windows introduce playful elements of colour and light. As sunlight filters through the glass, it casts dynamic patterns across the surfaces. These changing reflections create a lively and immersive environment throughout the day. The thoughtful combination of materials, greenery, and light enhances the character of the space.Together, these elements elevate the overall spatial experience, making it more engaging and memorable.
Fact File
Designed by: 7th Hue Architecture Collective
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Variyath
Location: Kerala
Year Built: 2023
Project Size:1800 Sqft
Principal Architect: Ar. Shyamraj Chandroth
Lead Team: Ar. Aziya H Mondal
Firm’s Instagram Link: 7th Hue Architecture Collective
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