search

The Residence Exudes Unique Character With its Earthy Tones and Rat Trap Bond | VSP Architects

‘HAVEN’ is situated near Vytila junction in Cochin – one of the city’s busiest and most densely populated regions.

The residence exudes a unique character through its earthy tones and rat trap bond. The plot’s irregular shape, narrow in the front and wider towards the rear, posed a challenge. The surrounding tight-knit context added to the difficulty. Designing spaces that were open, with adequate natural ventilation and light, while ensuring privacy, was a complex task.

Editor’s Note: “With spacious planning and courtyards serving as serene connectors, the residence evokes an aura of expansive tranquility. The captivating dance of light and shadow on the staircase weaves a refined ambiance, while the blend of Kota stone, reclaimed wood, exposed concrete, and brick crafts a rustic, comforting charm.” ~Simran Khare

The Residence Exudes Unique Character With its Earthy Tones and Rat Trap Bond | VSP Architects

rat trap bond

The careful articulation of the plan achieved this, deliberately keeping it fluid with vast open spaces and courtyards to compensate for the reduced exterior openings.

rat trap bond

Courtyards as Connectors

Courtyards act as connectors between the main living areas and help in creating an open ambiance, full of natural night and greenery, despite the introverted planning.

rat trap bond

rat trap bond

Additionally, designers added skylights above the main courtyard, carefully studying the sun’s path along the plot to create an ever-changing play of light inside.

rat trap bond

rat trap bond

There is a continuous visual link in the east-west direction, from the sit-out at the entrance to the intimate veranda at the rear of the house.

rat trap bond

rat trap bond

Privacy

This also forms a primary air circulation route and helps in reducing the openings on the north and south sides to ensure privacy from the surrounding residences.

The open terraces, designed using concrete flat slabs, add to the horizontality of the house along with multi-functional spaces.

The residence exudes a unique character through its earthy tones. Rat-trap bond is used for the brick masonry, which helps in reducing the heat as well as optimizes savings in cost.

The material palette is a combination of Kota stone, reclaimed wood, exposed concrete, and brick, which helps in creating a rustic, yet refined ambiance. Designers strategically place custom-designed mild steel grills to ensure visual privacy in certain areas.

The landscaping in the courtyards and external areas is of predominantly tropical, low-maintenance species, creating a lush tropical feel inside the spaces.

Furthermore, solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system have been incorporated as sustainable solutions for saving energy and resources. 

Fact File

Designed by: 
VSP Architects

Project Type: Residential Architecture Design

Project Name: HAVEN Residence

Location: Kochi

Year Built: 2021

Project Size: 2600 Sq.ft

Principal Architect: Vipin Prabhu & Sruthi Bijunath

Photograph Courtesy: Turtle Arts Photography

Structural Consultant: Hashim K Abdul Azeez

Manufacturers: Hafele, Jaquar, Tostem Aluminium

Source: ArchDaily

The Firm’s Website Link: VSP Architects

Firm’s Instagram Link: VSP Architects

Firm’s Facebook Link: VSP Architects

For Similar Project >>> A Striking Brick House with Hints of Traditional Design and Essence of Reformed Living

This Multi Generational Home Blends Aesthetics & Functionality | Design Consortium

This multi generational home is a testament to the ability of the design practice to blend aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. Keeping environmental sustainability and the welfare of the community at the forefront, Bhowal designed a home that was truly ahead of its time. His visionary approach and the Design Consortium’s expertise in providing a […]

Read More

Modern Luxury & Sophistication Shapes This Anand Home | Hiren Patel Architect Design

In this modern luxury home, courtyards spill into living spaces, and the lines between inside and outside dissolve into a seamless whole. This 17,800 sq. ft. bungalow in Anand, by Hiren Patel Architects, blurs the boundaries between landscape, architecture, and interiors, creating a home where nature isn’t just the backdrop but an integral part of […]

Read More

This Monolithic Home in the Himalayas Evokes a Singular Silhouette | Portal 92

Nestled in the foothills of the Shivalik range, the Himalayas is our latest project, Ekasham — a private residence refurbishment and redevelopment project, spread across an area of 2177 sqm. The monolithic home, through its volumes, composed of old and new structures, merges into a singular silhouette evoking the presence of a monolith from which […]

Read More

Ishaar, a Holiday Villa is Rooted in Brutalist Tactility and Calm | Addy’s studio

Ishaar is rooted in the belief that architecture should not just be seen, but deeply felt. Drawing from brutalist principles and natural tactility, the holiday villa is designed as a sensory retreat, where material, sound, light, and temperature shape the guest’s experience. Set amidst rural farmland, the villa dissolves into its landscape through a choreography […]

Read More

Vishram Vaadi Nu Ghar is a Countryside House Design Immersed in Greens | Ikshhana Design Studio

“Vishram Vaadi Nu Ghar” means a serene retreat amidst mango and chikoo farms, crafted to reflect the client’s vision in their mother tongue Gujarati. Vishram is a serene ground-touch structure offering breathtaking views of the Purna River and is a thoughtful example of countryside house design. Nestled amidst lush Amba and Chikoo Vaadi, the design […]

Read More

This Ezhupunna Home is Rooted in Eco-friendly Design | Judson Associates Architects & Interiors

This single-story sustainable home in Ezhupunna blends traditional Kerala architecture with tropical, eco-friendly design. Inspired by the “kullakadavu” concept, a central pond encourages family interaction while enhancing the landscape. This Ezhupunna Home is Rooted in Eco-friendly Design | Judson Associates Architects & Interiors Despite being near lakes and beaches, adding a pond improves year-round moisture […]

Read More

Modest Houses in New Anjar Reflect Clarity and Intergenerational Harmony | Sulemans Design Studio

In the heart of New Anjar, a small town tucked into the arid landscape of Kachchh, Gujarat, sits one of those modest houses designed with a quiet sense of clarity. Built for a Muslim family spanning three generations, the home isn’t trying to make a bold statement from its street-facing façade. Instead, it leans into […]

Read More

This Studio Architecture Blends Function with Quiet Versatility | BetweenSpaces

AME Studio was envisioned as a versatile yet understated architectural expression, reflecting our love for modest and unassuming architecture. AME Studio was envisioned as a versatile yet understated architectural expression, reflecting our love for modest and unassuming studio architecture. The design of AME Studio went beyond fulfilling a set of functional requirements; it was about […]

Read More

This Urban Residence Pairs Clean Lines with a Minimalist House Design Interior | Studio Rudrang

The house showcases a modern three-story residence exemplifying contemporary architectural design through its clean lines, geometric volumes, and a balanced interplay of materials. The facade skillfully combines textured tile cladding, smooth plaster, and contrasting color blocks in neutral shades of gray, black, and earthy rust, adding visual depth and dynamism. Expansive glass panels framed in […]

Read More

House of Silhouettes Reflects Contemporary Modern Architecture | Shaunak Singh and Associates

House of Silhouettes is located in Navratan, Udaipur. The plot is a corner one facing north and west 60’x40′ with a built-up area of 6500 sq.ft., designed in contemporary modern architecture as an independent house at three levels, including terrace. House of Silhouettes Reflects Contemporary Modern Architecture | Shaunak Singh and Associates This contemporary residence […]

Read More
  • Modern Restaurant Design Where Sophistication Meets Culinary Mastery | 9 Degree Design Studio

    The Interiors Of This Flat In Pune Does Justice To The Welcoming Family Inside | Think