When we mention sustainable architecture, are we talking about the human race that has to sustain in line with natural forces or is it nature that has to co-sustain with humans? What has nature to sustain? Why do we emphasize sustainable architecture and not the fact that humans are learning to co-sustain with nature disguised as superior in hierarchy? “Reflections” is what reflects in response to these questions. Minimizing the built footprint, natural ventilation allowance, not disturbing the landscape in its raw form definitely make for climate responsive architecture now but is also a clear imitation of a primeval Earth. This Raw Luxury we seek in this day and age, is by choice and freedom to choose, conscious post pandemic realization as opposed to primal survival techniques. ~Yamini Vaswani (Editorial Team)
Reconstructing Luxury with Sustainable Architecture | Thought Parallels
Visit: Thought Parallels
As a rising trend, the current pandemic scenario has resulted in a reverse exodus, with big-city dwellers mindfully seeking out off-the-grid addresses that offer them both sterile isolation and connectivity to essential resources. Built-in Kallada Kadavu, approximately 12 kms. away from the main city of Calicut, is Thought Parallel’s latest residential project ‘Reflections,’ executed by architects Nikhil Mohan and Shabna Nikhil.
Like a mirror that reflects the play of light and shadow, this glass-and-concrete build aptly gets its name from its ability to catch up to the physicality in the immediate environs: the sky, river, and greenery reflect on the St. Gobain solar-reflective glazing to create a unique ocular experiential: a façade that shapeshifts as day morphs into dusk. Most interiors offer a panoramic view from the windows gazing outside, whereas here, even the external veneer absorbs the imagery around and transmutes it into surreality. The lightweight steel-and-wood butterfly wing-shaped inverted roof makes the structure seem as though it would leapfrog anytime.
At its inception, this project was created as a weekend home for an NRI’s family but evolved into a socially distanced sanctuary after the uncertainty caused by last year’s events. The villa is built on the banks of the Chaliyar river, on a six-acre land parcel with some dilapidated, redundant structures, one of which enabled us for rebuilding on a skeleton structure, adhering to statutory regulations.
The site was afforested with mango, bougainvillea, jackfruit, neem, and other indigenous trees to organically offer green fencing as demarcation. It was a mindful decision to do this rather than opting for a manicured lawn as a sustainable incentive. The river is on the north-oriented most fenestrations in that direction, but the northern light also cleverly ensures glare-free natural lighting without heat gain. At the same time, the south was cordoned off with a blank striated concrete wall cutting out excess heat and harsh glare. This wall in turn became a feature wall at the entry, connected to the steeply sloping terrain by a dramatic bridge that ascends to the family rooms on the first storey, while public and house help can access the residence through the main door. A triangular reservoir was dug into the front lawn that forms a meditative focal point for when one is lounging in the living room.
The ambiance indoors is spartan but remains true to Kerala’s design vernacular. So, the urban concrete walls complement Kadapa tiling in the living room with terracotta brick inserts, art, and furniture from Heirloom Naga and antique four-poster beds in the two bedrooms.
More than address, this is a safe sanctuary where one can revel in the reflections of the river. Given today’s uncertainty, isn’t cordoned privacy and access to the outdoors a luxury in itself?
Fact File
Designed By: Thought Parallels
Typology: Residence Architecture & Design
Project Name: Reflections
Location: Kozhikode, Kerala
Built: 2020
Size: 2200 sq.ft.
Principal Architects: Nikhil Mohan, Shabna Nikhil
Photography Credits: Syam Sreesylam
Firm’s Website Link: Thought Parallels
Firm’s Facebook Link: Thought Parallels
Firm’s Instagram Link: Thought Parallels
Source: Archdaily
For Similar Projects >> Serenity Villa: An Extension of Luxury Parallel to Natural Forces and Sustainable Architecture
For years, asylum designs in India alienated patients and stigmatized psychiatric ailments. Ranchi has been the center of psychiatry in India, having two colonial-era asylums – CIP and RINPAS with imposing fortifications and cell-like enclosures. While numerous private outpatient clinics emerged gradually, inpatient facilities remained limited to governmental institutions. Thus, it owns to the prohibitive costs of […]
The word “Nirai” stands for complete. This stunning A-frame elevation of house is in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, on a plot of 60’ x 40’. The location is sparsely populated with the views of green, adjacent to just one other residence behind. The Stunning Elevation of the House Shines With Central Jaali And Dynamic Lighting | […]
The first phase of student residence for Thapar University delivers space for 1200 students in 4 towers around a new public space on the campus in Patiala. The L-Shaped towers (3 further towers under construction) are linked by an elevated garden podium which shades the public spaces and pavilions beneath from the intense heat of the […]
This terrace house design is located in Jubilee Hills, a hilly, up-market residential neighborhood in Hyderabad, India. It is filled with large, opulent residences, most of which are more vanity projects of its influential inhabitants than climate or context-sensitive structures. As such, every building, in an attempt to appear distinct and more striking in its immediate […]
In this extraordinary home, rustic industrial house design meets contemporary elegance, creating a cohesive living experience. The residence masterfully blends diverse elements to craft spaces that are both striking and harmoniously connected to their surroundings. This Rustic House Design is a Blend of Retro Chic and Contemporary Elegance | Design Paradigm Transparency is reimagined in […]
In the bustling city of Indore, we have crafted a modern villa exterior design of contemporary sophistication and practicality. With a neutral colour palette and statement pieces, every corner of this marvel exudes modern opulence. For this project, we envisioned a dwelling with the concept of modern comfort meets subtle elegance; the use of soft […]
In the bustling heart of Ahmedabad lies a hidden gem – a sprawling 4 bedroom house nestled on a surprisingly compact plot of 160 square yards (1440 sq. ft.) in Sarkhej. This architectural marvel, brought to life by the visionary team at Harikrushna Pattani & Associates, defies limitations by maximizing space, light, and functionality. A […]
This six bedroom house design stands as an embodiment of elegance and innovation. Meticulously designed, this six bedroom house design, complete with two living rooms and a state-of-the-art kitchen, epitomises sophisticated architecture and thoughtful planning. Every element of this residence tells a unique story, offering a living experience that is both refined and deeply personal. […]
How to Renovate an Indian Kitchen is an uphill task as kitchens are known for their vibrant and functional design in India. They are considered the heart of many homes. Where meals are more than just daily bread — they are a celebration of culture, family, and tradition. Renovating an Indian kitchen involves a careful […]
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 […]