Nadhi is a simple home design that questions and reimagines the aspects of habitation and living in simplicity. With a limited budget and limitless possibilities, Nadhi is an exploration of how emotional circuits with humans, spaces and nature could be achieved.
Live like the river flows, carried by the surprises of its own unfolding. Located on a quiet 20 cents of land, surrounded by lush greens of paddy fields is the abode of Mr. Sooryan Nair and his family. The clients wanted a home that reflected their simple ways of living.
Editor’s Note: “Inspired by the traditional Nalukettu style of home in Kerala, this residence is located within lush green fields and a narrow stream flowing nearby. The pitched roof with an internal courtyard and skylight evokes a sense of tranquillity. Inside, a captivating interplay of shades and shadows breathes life into the space, infusing the dwelling with vitality and charm.” ~Simran Khare
Simple Home Design That Reimagines The Aspects Of Habitation | ARK Architecture Studio
The site is located in Venjaramood, Trivandrum, within lush green fields. A narrow stream flows very nearby, which is a delightful sight indeed. Moreover, the design intent was to bring in the peace and tranquility the site offers within the home.
Nadhi is a modern-day adaptation or reimagination of a Nalukettu home in Kerala. The basic zoning of Nadhi is inspired by the concept of a flowing river. A main axis with terracotta flooring runs centrally, connecting the ends of the house like a linear river stream with spaces and areas placed along the banks.
While the sunlight comes in through the skylight and large openings. This narrates the spaces and their stories during the day. The core area of Nadhi is the living-dining-courtyard volume that breathes life into this home.
The designer placed the courtyard as a spill-out space between the living and dining areas. While treating it with the same volume as the rest of the living-dining space.
Without the usual double height volume, the courtyard resembles Nalukettu with very simple and minimal elements of landscape, as well as a highlight wall with a flowing brick pattern depicting the concept.
Different levels of seating areas are provided on the perimeter of the living and dining area facing the courtyard for different kinds of sitting postures, which was in turn a conscious decision so that the inhabitants don’t get confined to the spaces assigned for such activities.
All in all, the impression of Nadhi or the welcoming sight as we enter, is the courtyard with a tangible yet transparent plane separating the sitout and courtyard.
Nadhi is naturally lit during the day with sunlight and moonlit during the night, with light flowing seamlessly throughout the grand overhead opening in the courtyard.
Overall, the residence sits towards the rear end of the site, offering a lot of space outdoors for the family to spend their time. The upper floor bears a long passage naturally lit by the jaali screen, with a reading area overlooking the core space of Nadhi as well as the river.
The designer chose Majenta – yellow color theme, for the interiors to infuse the unique positivity, that the color holds. Majenta stands for harmony and emotional balance while yellow stands for positivity.
The elevation of Nadhi is a simple structure, following the simplicity of this home. The aesthetics of a first image of what a house should look like during our childhood was the key driving factor of the form of Nadhi.
Fact File
Designed by: ARK Architecture Studio
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Nadhi
Location: Venjaramood, Trivandrum, Kerala
Year Built: 2023
Project Size: 2052 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Ar. Rahul Kumar & Ar. Malavika Mahesh
Photograph Courtesy: 148 south
Firm’s Website Link: ARK Architecture Studio
Firm’s Instagram Link: ARK Architecture Studio
Firm’s Facebook Link: ARK Architecture Studio
For Similar Project >>> A Striking Brick House with Hints of Traditional Design and Essence of Reformed Living
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 an environment where every space has access to expansive views of the surrounding greenery. The circular design is essential in fostering a deep […]
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 […]