The 15-cent site with an existing house, a warehouse bounded by numerous fruit trees, is located only a kilometre away from Kollam beach, Kerala. Nested in a quiet neighbourhood with lush green landscape the client desired to have a house that seamlessly blends with the surroundings.
Open Plan of Residence Born Out of Adjacency to The Sea, Coupled With the Humid Climatic Conditions of The Region | The Design Room
Visit : The Design Room
Adjacency to the sea, coupled with the humid climatic conditions of the region, encouraged us to adhere to an open plan. The vision was to design an energy-efficient house that would benefit from natural phenomena like cross ventilation, passive cooling and day lighting. Thereby, the plan and volume of the spaces were carefully worked out in order to improve the efficiency of the built spaces.
A conscious study was undertaken to locate the built space without hampering the existing vegetation within the site. The idea of a large central courtyard emerged as a design solution to retain adult trees in the heart of the site. Subsequently, the proceeding-built spaces evolved around this central courtyard which served as the foci, thus enabling uninterrupted flow of fresh-air and a visual continuity to every other space within the house. Large openings and cross ventilation ensured comfortable indoor environment. Appropriate details like perforated false walls and double volumes were incorporated on the south and west side of the house in order to craft thermally efficient and cooler interior spaces.
The interior layout of the rooms was meticulously designed for effective circulation and movement through the house. The design also compliments the openness in plan and has a minimalistic style. Materials were carefully considered and selected based on local availability and its thermal effect on interior spaces. Laterite bricks from Kannur were used extensively with precise construction details, as a substitute for cladding on the exterior walls. The laterite blocks offer an interesting texture to the façade while the innate porosity of the material reduced heat transfer.
Parasol roofs inclined at 12 degrees, were incorporated to bolster passive cooling of the interiors and as a structure that can conceal the solar panels installed on them. Aaron’s courtyard today runs entirely on sustainable energy generated from these roofs.
The landscape scheme for the residence acknowledges the existing vegetation and attempts to blur the boundaries of the built structure. The idea was to craft evocative niches which sit almost unseen and blend modestly with its immediate adjacencies. The plant list was consciously compiled in response to the growing conditions and the aesthetic requirements of the client. The transitory and seasonal variation in the landscape imparts enthusiasm and comfort to the built spaces.
A good design, in our thinking, is one that is socially relevant, environmentally conscious, emotionally resonant, and aesthetically pleasing. Aaron’s courtyard is a genuine attempt to inculcate design elements from a climate-responsive perspective and amalgamate quintessential regional techniques and local craftsmanship.
FACT FILE
Designed by : The Design Room
Project Type : Residence
Project Name : Aaron’s Courtyard
Location : : Trivandrum , Kollam, Kerala, India
Principal Architect : Ar. Nanga Kishor, Ar. Sebastian K John, Ar. Vivin Shankar
Photography Courtesy : Out of Focus
Firm’s Instagram Link : The Design Room
Firm’s Facebook Link : The Design Room
Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL) blurs the boundaries between structure and nature with the conceptualization and design of the elemental villas at Ananta Spa and Resort, Ajabgarh. Nestled amidst the majestic Aravalli ranges, the design of the resort draws inspiration from the vastness of its surroundings and natural elements. Each villa type, including Earth, Lagoon, […]
The design of Habitat 0 begins with the central concept of a vacation home community organized around a circular form. This layout places individual spaces radially around a central circular courtyard, creating a communal space where every area has access to expansive views of the surrounding greenery. The circular design is essential in fostering a […]
Nestled in the tranquil village of Thenipalam, Malappuram, Aman is a 2,800 sq. ft. residence, manifesting its Urdu namesake, meaning peace, sanctuary, and security. Designed by Vaktra Architects, this traditional Kerala home is a testament to simplicity, blending Kerala’s tropical ethos with contemporary elegance. This Traditional Kerala Home is Rooted in Simplicity and Modern Elegance […]
Pranjali – The Doctor’s Bungalow is a peaceful and practical modern bungalow design located in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The name Pranjali, meaning “a graceful offering” or “a gesture of respect,” reflects the spirit of this residence—a calm, humble, and thoughtful space created for a doctor couple seeking balance in their busy lives. The design goal […]
The contemporary style architecture house is located in the lively urban context of Thaltej, Ahmedabad nestled within a private cluster of four bungalows. Though the home enjoys the benefits of community, it also maintains a high degree of privacy and seclusion. This is achieved through a carefully considered spatial arrangement, despite the proximity of a […]
Screenwriter and director Megha Ramaswamy approached Fractal Chaos to design an organic home as a weekend retreat in Pasli Gaon, Velhe—a village about 150 km from Pune. The site is located between the Deccan Plateau and the Western Ghats, which gives it a unique ecology with 4 seasons. Drawn to the land by a bordering […]
Situated in the bustling residential neighbourhood of Koorkenchery, Thrissur, Dr. Lakshmi’s residence stands as a refined architectural response to a narrow 15.53 cent plot. The 4214.07 sq ft home is a seamless blend of modern traditional kerala house, with an Indonesian inspired grey white exterior that exudes sophistication. The design strategically employs linear planning, integrating […]
Imagine a home that breathes with the breeze, where sunlight filters through lush foliage, and the vibrant hues of nature are an extension of your living space. Tropical houses are architectural marvels; a profound dialogue between human habitation and the natural world, born from centuries of adapting to warm, humid climates. Far from rigid structures, […]
Kerala style homes have courtyards surrounded by rooms on each side. Traditional Kerala-style homes have a central courtyard known as Nadumuttam surrounded by rooms. These homes promote natural light and ventilation according to the region’s climate. These homes, due to the feature of courtyards as their core spaces, offer beautiful opportunities for social gatherings. This […]
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 […]