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  • 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

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