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
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