search
  • Overture House Echoes The Malabar Style Architecture| Thought Parallels

    Overture House Echoes The Malabar Style Architecture| Thought Parallels

    The 10000 sq. ft. family home of the Ayanis is located in the leafy surrounds of Payyoli, Kerala – a state with unique culture and traditions, coupled with its varied topology. Mr. Ayani recently decided to branch off from the city to his native village where he could live close to his family and relatives. He believes that this home will be a part of their extended family environment. The family desired the expression of architects who could read the surrounding landscape and acknowledge the splendor of its essence. Their appreciation of the design process and the realization of the demands of the place made achievable dialogue between client and architects.

    Visit: Thought Parallels

    Intended to feature biophilic design, the house’s distinctive form echoes the traditional Malabar style architecture. It is partly inspired by the ‘tharavadu’ (traditional houses) of Kerala, a repository of the Indian culture. Westerly breezes are directed over the facade, creating a calm, protected zone on its leeward-side. The house’s primary form is created by a series of mild-steel frames in a bold expression of structure. Principals Shabna and Nikhil aim to integrate the environment to create graceful, life-enhancing spaces. They constantly draw on the littoral lifestyle, referencing the ancestral architecture, while creating a serene, coastal feel.

    The stylistic analysis of the context is inspired by the classicism of casual modernism. From outside, the house has a peaceful quality; simple white walls with effortless openings. In many ways, it’s like a person. Though deceivingly modest from the street view, the inside is colossal as a result of the way the design builds into the lush green landscape. The appearance of the house is adorned by details such as the courtyards, the segregation of the social and private spaces and the volumetric play of the interior ceilings. This gives integrity and individuality to each space. The programmatic allocation is simple, it consists of five bedrooms, a kitchen, a formal living-dining space, a family living-dining space and a covered parking. All this is unified in a single volume with the two courtyards that mark the difference between the social and private spaces, which are distributed through a central corridor. Nestled in a beautiful setting, an a frame house harmoniously blends with nature through large windows that fill the space with natural light and offer stunning views of the surrounding scenery.

    Each introverted space is visually connected to the opulent exteriors, an approach to benefit health and well-being. “We want to nurture a family here. The kids should be able to play and the house should be welcoming for company..” The Ayanis are very particular about the division of social and family spaces. To cater to this need, willfully the social space has been positioned away from the family area. On entering the house, the main corridor provides an immediate view through to the two smaller courtyards. Hardwood screens have been installed to visually connect the indoors with the outdoors. Further, the design solution focused on the interaction of the family living-dining area with the large courtyard. The limits between interior and exterior spaces are diluted.

    Nature is summoned into the house which becomes greener towards the large courtyard. In terms of materiality, the house exhibits elements that integrate it into the imagery of the location, recalling the traditional houses with variables that provide a modern touch without radically breaking with the aesthetics sought by the client. The interior work is mainly explored in search of a meaningful integration of shape, color, texture, and design, the entire space integrates the different planes and volumes. The overlay of Indian Teak Wood in contrast with the Kotah Stone creates a juxtaposition of subtle textures from the ceiling to the walls and floor, visually softens the project as a minimalist lavish residential space.

    This along with a seemingly delicate steel structure, synergistically connects with the coastal environment to create a calm and concordant composition. The residence also includes a variety of renewable energy methods to curb energy consumption. A solar panel system has been incorporated to delve into the idea of sustainability. The landscape design preserves existing native species, aiding both the reduction of water use for irrigation and lowering temperatures with the surrounding vegetation. The ultimate goal is to create luminous living spaces with natural ventilation while simultaneously exploring the possibility of using renewable energy. An aspiration to achieve enduring spaces.

    Fact File:

    Architects: Thought Parallels

    Area: 10000 ft²

    Year: 2019

    Location: Kerala

    Design Team: Nikhil Mohan, Shabna Nikhil, Akshay, Jithin, Najeera, Aparna, Jinesh, Faazil

    Clients: Mehaboob Ayani

    Content Writer: Moxa Sheth

    Photographs: Ashik Aseem

    Source: ArchDaily

    Website: https://www.thoughtparallel.com/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtparalles/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtparallels/

    Simple Living Amidst A Modest And Simple Home Is The Highlight Of This House | Thomas Parambil Architects

    Located close to the historically-rich South Indian city of Mysuru, Solum embodies the endeavour towards living simply and close to nature. The client hails from a business background and yet harbours a fondness for the modesty and simplicity of an agrarian lifestyle. The young entrepreneur had always dreamt of developing a full-fledged farm self-sufficient in […]

    Read More

    This Home With An Earthen Design Opens Out To Lush Farms Outside And Cosy Interiors Inside | Bhutha Earthen Architecture Studio

    Adorn, a home filled with earthen design and the laughter of a family of four, nestles in the peaceful neighborhood of Selvapuram, Coimbatore. “On one side, it shares boundaries with cozy family homes; meanwhile, the other side opens to expansive fields dotted with tall trees.” The fresh air scented with greenery sets a calming atmosphere […]

    Read More

    The Chair Affair | India’s Iconic Furniture Design Competition 2025

    What if the simplest object in your home could turn into a design icon? Tectona Grandis Furniture and The Architects’ Diary come together to introduce the Chair Affair. This is India’s first-of-its-kind furniture design competition that dares architects and designers across India to rethink the most essential piece of furniture – the Chair. Beyond function, […]

    Read More

    15 Courtyards in Houses: Designing Tranquil Spaces That Elevate Homes

    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 […]

    Read More

    15 Architecture Fonts Every Architect Should Know

    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 […]

    Read More

    Farmhouse Designs in India: 15 Inspiring Styles To Know

    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 […]

    Read More

    This Tropical Home Design Features A Striking Sloped Terracotta Roof In Kerala | Vriksha Architects

    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 […]

    Read More

    10 Types of Roof Materials: For the Diverse Climate of India

    Types of roof materials in India depend on the diverse climate and varied architectural styles. Each of them caters to specific needs, preferences, and environmental conditions. From traditional thatched roofs in rural areas to contemporary green roofs in urban landscapes, the evolution of the types of roofing materials reflects both cultural heritage and modern technological […]

    Read More

    50 Indian Door Design For Main Door To Enhance the Curb Appeal

    The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]

    Read More

    50 Best Pillar Design Ideas And Inspirations For Indian Spaces

    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 […]

    Read More
  • Alluring, Warm And Cozy Interiors | Design Quest

    Interplay Between Traditional And Modern Elements In A Residence | Prayog Design Studio