House of Heights: How design shapes relationships and well-being? “A house can transform its people. The living room, the tallest space in my home, is where we socialize, express our feelings, and spend the most time—an open arena for life’s conversations. The impact of front elevation design on home and harmony further emphasizes how thoughtful design choices influence the aesthetics and the connections and well-being.”
Editor’s Note: “This ‘House of Heights’ reflects the vertical grace of the tall trees surrounding it, fostering seamless connections with the landscape. Large windows, angled roofs, and double-height jalis blur the boundaries and invite nature into everyday experiences. This symphony grounds the house into its surroundings while also imparting it with openness, natural light, and vibrancy.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
The Impact of Front Elevation Design on Home and Harmony | Idam Design Studio
The Designer – When designing a home for oneself, the result is often deeply personal—each corner holds meaning. This is the story of a designer who collaborated with an architect to create a home that functions not only as a space but as a transformative environment for his family. Moreover, the house has shaped their daily lives, relationships, and well-being.
The Family – “I grew up in a small traditional house in Thamarakulam, surrounded by green farmland and tall trees. However, this environment inspired me to create a home embracing height and openness. The design features interconnected spaces with minimal barriers, allowing the space to breathe.”
The Designer – “We transitioned from dark, narrow rooms to a bright, airy home. Now, we spend more time together, especially in the sit-out area and living room. The windows offer different world views, and we enjoy cooking together while keeping an eye on the entrance. Additionally, the absence of walls between rooms makes everything feel open, and the upstairs simplicity suits our needs perfectly.”_Amma & Acha
The design draws inspiration from the tall trees on the site. Large windows offer views of the greenery, establishing an organic connection with the landscape. The house feels both rooted in the land and reaching towards the sky, blending indoor and outdoor spaces through glass and double-height Jalis.
The open-plan living areas encourage communication and shared experiences, yet the layout offers a few quiet nooks for personal moments — an exploration of more shared spaces than private. This has allowed the family to embrace a more holistic lifestyle, where the world doesn’t feel distant but deeply integrated into our daily rhythm.
The tall front elevation stands proudly, with a triangular side elevation offering an architectural surprise. The house features unique views through narrow and wide windows, creating different perspectives. The open kitchen serves as the heart of the home, with islands designed for interaction and visual access to all spaces. Full-height Jalis allow cross-ventilation, while sunlight filters through inclined concrete slabs, creating dynamic light patterns. Reviving the traditional red oxide material, the adjacent reading space is a celebration of texture and craftsmanship. The connected doors next open to the garden seamlessly linking indoors and outdoors. The bedroom’s full-height windows provide a view of the moon at night and the sun in the morning. The balcony, a peaceful retreat, offers sounds of birds and rustling leaves, ideal for yoga or meditation. The roof provides a perfect angle to watch sunsets, offering a quiet escape.
Fact File
Designed by: Idam Design Studio
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: House of Heights
Location: Kayamkulam, Kerala
Year Built: 2023
Project Size: 3067.71 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Jishnu Vijay, Govind S Mohan & Prijith Vijayan
Photograph Courtesy: Out Of Focus
Manufacturers: Hafele, Jaquar, Kajaria, Nuvocotto
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Instagram Link: Idam Design Studio
For Similar Project>> This Aesthetic Courtyard House With Lush Landscape Design Offers A Calm Aura To The Users
The thought was to create a space which would act as a formal real estate workspace in the daytime and a family retreat in the evening. By its name, as it is, ‘Leveled. This office with a garden is defined using levels, in terms of volumes, surfaces as well as edges. These levels are rationalized […]
Nirmay (निर्मय) reflects purity and holistic well-being. Envisioned as a quiet sanctuary amidst the noise of urban life, these courtyard villas offer a way of living that is calm, conscious, and deeply connected to the land. Rooted in sustainability and ecological harmony, the design responds to both nature and the everyday rhythms of its inhabitants. […]
Winterfell is a work of camouflaged design, an organic house that melds seamlessly with the terrain, rolling into the vibrant green landscape and naturally positioned boulders. Set in the scenic village of Shoolagiri within the Sanctity Ferme community in Tamil Nadu, Winterfell offers an idyllic retreat from urban life—a place to live close to nature. […]
The design concept of Tipu Villa embodies a harmonious balance of boldness and sophistication, crafting spaces that exude refinement and elegance, resulting in a true heritage home. Key design elements include exclusive use of Indian-sourced materials, including Indian teak wood, veneer, natural Kota lime stone, and yellow lime stone, promoting cultural charm and heritage. Tipu […]
Office spaces are often defined by uninspired, industrial aesthetics—endless rows of cubicles, glaring fluorescent lights and austere décor. It’s easy to become desensitized to the potential for beauty in these environments where we spend so much of our time. And with the demands for extended work hours becoming an accepted norm, the line between work […]
Nestled amidst the serene outskirts of Bangalore, this 1.25-acre modern farm house embodies a seamless fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern design sensibilities. Every detail of the property reflects an unwavering commitment to creating a space that harmonizes with its natural surroundings while honoring heritage. This Modern Farm House Reflects Harmony with Nature and Heritage […]
The client envisioned a home that embodies openness and fluidity through interior contemporary design. He is drawn to expansive volumes and dramatic spatial experiences, including double-height ceilings and multiple floors. Each family member should have a distinct, personal space, yet all areas must remain visually and spatially connected to foster a strong sense of togetherness. […]
The Brahmaputra riverfront rejuvenates a natural water lily pond, creates a new river edge, and seamlessly connects the site to the adjacent heritage museum, fostering public interaction. Editor’s Note: “A combination of contours and current, the design of the Brahmaputra riverfront unfolds like a living memory. Quietly celebrating time and terrain, every curve echoes the […]
Located in the coastal village of Pererenan, Bali, House Terra is a contemporary response to tropical living, designed by Biombo Architects as a family retreat. The project balances built space and landscape, creating a strong connection between architecture and nature while offering shelter from the island’s monsoon climate. Editor’s Note: “House Terra, more than a […]
Located on a 15′ x 95′ ancestral plot in a pal village, Surat, India, this residence is designed for a multi-generational family of seven. This minimal home interior design solves light and space challenges within a narrow plot. The family wanted to stay connected with their community and preserve their cultural roots. The site has […]