Mango Tree House is an artfully designed personal residence that seamlessly integrates traditional architectural elements with the comforts of modern living, embodying the essence of traditional modern home design. Some houses are more than just structures; they hold stories, memories, and a deep connection to the land. Mango Tree House is one such space—one that I had the privilege of not only calling home but also reimagining through design. This renovation was not just about restoring walls and spaces but about preserving the soul of the house while embracing modern sensibilities.
Mango Tree House is a Reflection of Traditional Modern Home Design | Offbeat Studio
Every beam, every material, and every detail reflects a balance between heritage and contemporary living. At the heart of this transformation was the desire to maximize natural light and ventilation, ensuring that the home remained as open and breathable as the land it stood on.
Mango Tree House was originally built decades ago, nestled in the shade of an old, sprawling mango tree that has stood as a silent witness to generations of life within the home. The house had aged gracefully, but time had left its marks—cracks in the walls, a sagging roof, and spaces that felt closed off and dark. Rather than tearing down and starting anew, the renovation aimed to honor the house’s history while introducing elements that would make it more livable for modern times.
One of the key challenges was retaining the essence of the home while adapting it to contemporary needs. We meticulously restored the original wooden beams and terracotta-tiled roof, reinforcing them where necessary but ensuring that their timeworn beauty remained intact.
Every door, window, and column carried the weight of the past, and instead of replacing them, we rejuvenated them—sanding, polishing, and treating them with care to breathe new life into the home.
From the outset, the goal was to create a living space that felt open, airy, and connected to nature. One of the biggest shortcomings of the original design was its enclosed nature, with thick walls and small windows that limited cross-ventilation. Our solution was to strategically introduce larger windows, skylights, and open courtyards to invite natural light into every corner of the home.
The most significant transformation came in the form of an inner courtyard, which became the centerpiece of the house. This space not only provided a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors, but it also allowed for excellent ventilation. As a result, cool breezes flowed naturally through the house.
Additionally, we replaced some solid walls with jali (perforated screens) and glass partitions. As a result, this design choice helped maintain privacy while still allowing air and light to pass through effortlessly.
A home that embraces nature should also be built with materials that respect it. With sustainability as a core principle, we sourced locally available materials such as reclaimed wood, clay tiles, and lime plaster. These choices not only reduced our carbon footprint but also enhanced the house’s aesthetic, blending seamlessly with its surroundings.
To further maximize natural cooling, we incorporated traditional architectural elements such as high ceilings and deep verandas. As a result, these features provided shade and reduced heat absorption. They redid the flooring using locally quarried stone, which stayed cool underfoot even during the peak of summer. Each of these elements contributed to a home that was not just beautiful but also energy-efficient and climate-responsive.
Walking into Mango Tree House now feels like stepping into a harmonious blend of past and present. Sunlight streams in through clerestory windows, casting playful shadows on the walls. The mango tree, once an external guardian, is now an integral part of the house’s design. Moreover, a deck has been built around its roots, serving as a serene retreat.
More than a renovation, this project was a revival. In fact, it became a way to respect the home’s legacy while also ensuring it met the demands of contemporary living. The infusion of natural light and ventilation has transformed it from a place of nostalgia into a living, breathing space. As a result, it now feels as organic as the landscape surrounding it.
Born from the transformation of an old factory and existing residence, this project reimagines space with a fresh perspective. Therefore, it creates a home that is both functional and deeply connected to nature. As a result, this house stands as a testament to the idea that homes are not built—they evolve.
Fact File
Designed by: Offbeat Studio
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Mango Tree House
Location: Thrissur, Kerala
Year Built: 2024
Duration of the project: 2023-2024
Project Size: 5700 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Ar. Paul Varghese
Photograph Courtesy: Alim Yusuf
Firm’s Instagram Link: Offbeat Studio
For Similar Project >> A Nuanced Fusion of Minimalism and Scandinavian style, this Home is a Testament to Balance of Simplic
“Viraam,” a 4000 sq ft house design that embodies its literal translation: “a pause.” The vision is to create a sanctuary for relaxation, introspection, and to escape from the constant demands of daily life – an urban void for personal retreat. Editor’s Note: “Viraam is not just a house, it’s a pause. A place to […]
The facade of this Indian contemporary house design strikes a careful balance between solids and voids, with sculpted forms that reveal the inner workings of the space. The design plays with light and shadow, creating visual depth and intrigue from the exterior. The form resembles a cuboid that has been scooped out, while the outer […]
This 5 storey building takes inspiration from ancient haveli architecture. “Hailing from north India, the family held deep nostalgia for haveli, large residences with communal courtyards called chowks, projecting balconies called jharokhas and intricate brick or stone lattice screens called jaalis, vernacular to many western and northern regions of India,” said SJK Architects partner Vaishali […]
Set in the serene landscape of Nashik, the Dabholkar Residence by GDA is a home, embracing stone clad walls. Here, tradition and contemporary design exist in harmony. Designed to reflect the family’s deep connection to tradition and art while embracing the style of contemporary living, it is a space where architectural details, heritage furniture, artwork […]
This remodelling project aimed to revitalise a load-bearing house while respecting its original integrity and adapting it to contemporary needs. The design approach prioritised minimal structural intervention, allowing the existing framework to guide spatial reconfiguration. Careful consideration was given to preserving the load-bearing walls, which formed the backbone of the original construction. Openings were strategically […]
Redefining Indian temple architecture, the relocation of the existing shrine due to a new residential project presented an opportunity to design a space that seamlessly integrates tradition with contemporary needs. The given 400 sq. ft. site was envisioned not merely as a shrine to Lord Datta, a local deity, but as a vibrant community space, […]
Nestled within a 30×40 ft plot is the compact house design in Banashankari 6th Stage, Bengaluru. This residence for the Ellappans, reimagines traditional Indian living in a contemporary, spatially dynamic form. Designed for a family of three- Mr. Ellappan, his wife, and their teenage son- the house expresses a deep connection to vernacular roots while […]
This multi generational home is a testament to the ability of the design practice to blend aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. Keeping environmental sustainability and the welfare of the community at the forefront, Bhowal designed a home that was truly ahead of its time. His visionary approach and the Design Consortium’s expertise in providing a […]
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 […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]