Ameer Residence is a visionary architectural endeavour melding the elegance of contemporary kerala house design with minimalistic approach and vernacular. With contemporary architecture’s use of large glass facades and skylights, this project redefines the contemporary Kerala house. It infuses with vernacular sophistication and a sense of openness.

Situated amidst Kerala’s lush landscape, this glass house aims to create a seamless integration between indoor luxury and outdoor serenity. No space is wasted. All the walls are either filled with full glass windows or either with sophisticated artwork.

Editor’s Note: “Embraced by a lush green landscape, this abode in Kerala perfectly blends contemporary Kerala architecture with a minimalist and vernacular approach. Carved from natural stone, a majestic 28-step staircase sets a dramatic tone as it ascends toward the entrance. Inside, the walls are adorned with exquisite artwork, while glass panels dissolve the boundaries between indoors and the lush outdoors, creating a harmonious blend of natural beauty and modern design.” ~Simran Khare

Melding The Elegance Of Contemporary Kerala House Design | Nou Architects

Design Philosophy

Our design philosophy combines innovation with tradition, crafting spaces that are timeless yet cutting-edge. From the intricate 28-step staircase to the pioneering use of cast-in-situ terrazzo flooring, each element reflects our commitment. The commitment is to pushing boundaries while respecting the natural environment.

We create spaces that seamlessly blend with their surroundings, enriching both aesthetics and experience

Entrance and Foyer

The grand entrance beckons with a towering steel door. Further leading into the foyer, adorned with a bespoke shoe rack doubling as a showcase for exquisite handmade sculptures.

Moving further, a captivating artwork complements the space. Further inviting guests into a realm suffused with natural light and the verdant allure of tropical foliage peeking through the glass. Thereby creating an ambience of timeless elegance.

Living Spaces

The foyer serves as a gateway to two distinct areas: the inviting guest living space on the right and the cosy family living and dining area on the left. However, in the guest living area, a collection of off-white sofas is complemented by a striking red diwan and accents. Further adding a pop of colour against the backdrop of natural travertine marble cladding. 

This marble seamlessly extends to the outdoor sit-out. Thereby, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors while maintaining privacy through strategic furniture placement and the staircase layout.

Moreover, on the eastern side of the building lies the family living space. It is bathed in morning sunlight, creating an ideal spot for enjoying a cup of coffee.

A large glass panel on one wall provides a picturesque view of lush tropical plants. Whereas on the opposite, a console table adorned with artifacts stands against a backdrop of a natural wood panel artwork.

This area also houses the private lift entrance and offers the front deck balcony access. Thereby, completing the harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics in the family living quarters.

Common Dining 

The dining area, an expansive open space, features a bespoke 10-seater dining table illuminated by a dazzling chandelier. Moreover, enhancing the sense of spaciousness is a sizable round mirror, offering a distinctive dining experience.

The crockery shelf, crafted from fluted glass, adds a touch of elegance and practicality while being conveniently accessible from the utility room adjacent to the kitchen.

Central to the project’s vision was the imperative to craft a timeless piece of architecture. This ambition was met with a meticulous approach to detail and an unwavering dedication to quality, ensuring that the residence would stand as a testament to enduring beauty for generations to come. Moreover, the endeavor to enhance the natural surroundings with carefully curated landscaping was paramount.

Additional Spaces/ Interesting Spaces 

The upper living area is however, the epitome of intrigue, boasting a grand double-height ceiling adorned with a skylight and expansive glass windows on two sides, flooding the space with natural light.

A custom paneled wall proudly displays the initials of each household member, adding a personal touch to the room.

Within this captivating space, a designated TV area awaits, flanked by two luxurious leather sofas and an inviting ottoman.

The TV console, a marvel of design ingenuity, takes center stage as a wooden floating shelf that seamlessly extends to other walls, serving multiple functions: from additional seating to a floating table, and even transforming into a shelf with a convenient handle.

Truly, a masterful blend of style and functionality.

Bedrooms 

The four bedrooms are uniquely tailored to suit the individual tastes of their occupants.

The first bedroom blends traditional cane elements with luxurious leather accents, boasting a large window offering serene views of a nearby water body, tailored for the parents’ comfort.

The second bedroom, adorned in pink and golden hues, also provides access to the tranquil pond, catering to the daughter’s preferences for elegance and serenity.

The third bedroom, designed with an olive green palette, features windows on two sides, offering a sweeping 180-degree view of the surrounding landscape, along with access to a private balcony. Indeed perfect for the son who enjoys natural vistas and solitude.

As for the youngest son, the fourth bedroom exudes a funky vibe with vibrant paintings, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere tailored to his youthful spirit.

Inspiration for this project

With an eye towards modernity and a touch of luxury, the family, having lived abroad for the past two decades, sought to infuse their home with a sense of openness and sophistication. This vision materialized through the incorporation of unique and captivating elements such as travertine marble, epoxy terrazzo cast flooring, and expansive glass windows, lending the residence its distinct character.

Furthermore, the vertical zoning and strategic placement of each space harmonize effortlessly with the natural contours of the site, seamlessly blending the home with its surroundings. A focal point of this integration is the breathtaking 28-step natural stone carved staircase, which not only serves as a functional element but also adds a unique elevation to the overall aesthetic. Thereby embodying the family’s commitment to both modern elegance and environmental harmony.

Challenges faced during the process of design ideation till execution of the project.

The primary challenge embraced by the project lay in the intricate fusion of engineering precision with the skilled craftsmanship of local stone sculptors. This synergy was most notably exemplified in the creation of the awe-inspiring 28-step staircase, adorned with acute angles and crowned by a majestic slanted glass skylight. Thereby symbolizing the seamless integration of innovation and tradition.

Another daring venture undertaken was the introduction of cast-in-situ terrazzo flooring, a pioneering feat previously unseen in Kerala. This distinctive flooring technique not only lent the interior a unique allure but also extended seamlessly to the steel staircase, showcasing a bold commitment to cohesion and innovation throughout the design.

By meticulously sculpting the outdoor spaces, the project team succeeded in creating captivating vistas that seamlessly integrated with the interior, enriching the overall experience of the home and imbuing it with a sense of tranquility and harmony.

Fact File

Designed by: Nou Architects

Project Type: Residential Architecture Design

Project Name: Ameer Residence

Location: Vadakara, Kerala

Completion Year: 2024

Plot Area: 18000 Sq.ft

Built-up Area: 7000 Sq.ft

Principal Architects: Shakir Ameer & Nourin Shine

Photograph Courtesy: Shakir Ameer

Consultants for the Project: Er. Shine Chinnan Shine Builders Consulatancy

Products / Materials / Vendors: Wallcovering / Cladding: Travertine and Stones by Stone Smith Calicut / Lighting: Bela Casa, Aura Calicut / Sanitary ware: Vitra / Windows: Tostem by Zackle Engineers / Furniture: Homework Calicut / Flooring: Terrazzo Epoxy Cast in Situ by Vyara / Kitchen: Surabhi Kochi / Paint: Jotun / Artifact: Custom maid by Nourin Shine / Hardware: Hettich

Firm’s Instagram Link: Nou Architects

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