Editor’s Note: Among the dense and lush greens of Kerala, this eloquent residence is a true testament to tropical etiquette. The welcoming ambiance leads to experiencing elements, from the quint Koi pond to the central courtyard, the simplicity of the interiors honors the outdoors for its wonderfulness. ~ Nishal Sevak
Conceived for an NRI client based in Japan, The Tropical Open House is a homage to family values and Southern architecture. He along with his wife and 2 kids initially planned of building a house in the city of Trivandrum. But somehow that idea did not materialize and he decided to build a house in his hometown Kalady. The site is 29 cents and was filled with nutmeg jackfruit and teak trees. Few matured teak trees were cut and used for construction. Other nutmegs and jackfruit trees within the area of construction were cut and all the other trees were retained.
The Tropical Open House is a Homage to Family Values and Southern Architecture | JKM Design Consortium
Visit: JKM Design Consortium
The building is placed towards the rear end of the site to accommodate for front yard for landscape and garage. The requirements were fairly simple- 4 bedrooms, family living, formal living, dining, kitchen, work area, parking for 2 cars and a small swimming pool for kids. The idea of swimming pool was added on later. In the initial stages it was conceived as a small tropical water body.
Along with the requirements the client had also stated that since they are settled abroad the home should be quite welcoming for them and especially for their children since they were quite aloof and distant from their native place.
Also they wanted the home to be entirely open so that effective communication and visual connectivity is well present in the house. Even if the children are having a time outside, parents spending time in the kitchen or living should be able to have a look at them.
Considering the requirements and the brief the plan was conceived with the garage and maximum space in the front(east), kitchen in the northeast, formal living in the south east, bedrooms in the west and the double height open living/dining in between these two blocks.
The swimming pool is placed adjacent to the double height living/dining space in the northern side. The building is placed in the east west direction as that was what the site demanded.
The home is designed with a courtyard in the southern side of the living cum dining and the swimming pool in the north with sliding wooden glass windows on either side of the living cum dining to ensure maximum cross ventilation and also to establish a good relationship with the outdoors.
Landscaped courtyards are present in front of the formal living and kitchen. The pivot operable wooden glass windows of the formal living opens out into a tropically designed koi pond towards the west and a landscaped courtyard in the east providing maximum views towards the outside. The design ensures the inmates of the house to enjoy nature from every part of the house.
The bedrooms on the south west overlooks the landscaped courtyard and and bedrooms on the northwest overlooks the swimming pool.
The bedrooms on the first floor opens out into a balcony. The balcony on the first floor further extends out onto the terrace with is covered with baby metal which reduces heat considerably. There are intentionally created interaction spaces on the terrace which is well used.
Landscape is given supreme importance. The deliberate creation of nature which encloses this home ensures an active interaction between other nature’s beings and members of the family. The usage of natural materials with good amount of cross ventilation and surrounding landscape keeps the house cool even during peak summer.
Fact File
Designed by: JKM Design Consortium
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Tropical Open House
Location: Kalady, Manickamangalam, Kerala
Year Built: 2022
Built-Up Area: 4500 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Mathew Jose
Photograph Courtesy: Nathan Photos
Firm’s Website Link: JKM Design Consortium
Firm’s Instagram Link: JKM Design Consortium
For Similar Project >>> A Striking Brick House with Hints of Traditional Design and Essence of Reformed Living
Nestled within Prakriti Farms, this residence epitomizes rustic farmhouse interior design charm and a deep connection with the natural world. Its elegance lies in its emphasis on elemental materials and its seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. With three bedrooms and a spacious living area, the home was strategically designed in an L shape to […]
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 […]
Spacious, inviting, and intimate, courtyards have an integral place in the vernacular architecture across India. Beyond their climatic purposes, courtyards assume the role of a social space, a space for contemplation, and a space where something happens. Their presence in various forms, proportions, and sizes has been a ubiquitous feature in Indian vernacular architecture. The […]
Located in Bangalore, opposite a large neighborhood park, a set of 4 houses was to be built—one of which was to be the personal house for the client, and the others were to be let out. The intent of these Bangalore homes was to create a quiet presence on the street and evoke a sense of […]
The modern residence integrates contemporary architecture with biophilic design principles, offering a luxurious and nature-connected living experience. The exterior features clean lines, landscaped lawns, and vertical green walls that soften the structure while promoting sustainability. The minimalist contemporary interior designs of this are designed with an open-plan layout, double-height ceilings, and large glass openings, ensuring […]
Some homes are big on square footage but don’t maximize space—and then some compact ones make the most of precious space at a premium. Located in Bangalore, this 3,000 sq. ft. villa interior design exemplifies this residential project, exploring staggered volumes that led to creating spaces at multiple levels, including a mezzanine floor. As per […]
In the heart of Gurugram, where the city’s energy pulses with both hard work and hard play, a 2600 sq. ft. rooftop terrace design has been transformed into the ultimate hangout spot. Designed for the young and the young at heart, this terrace captures the spirit of a city that knows how to balance the […]
In the vibrant town of Kannur, Kerala, the contemporary house design of this residence is more than a home—it’s a sanctuary designed to nurture both body and soul. Built for a family of five, it blends minimalist elegance with everyday comfort, creating a space that feels alive, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature. Editor’s Note: […]
The one-acre site of Saukhya Farm is nestled in the lush valley of Beze Village, on the outskirts of Nashik. Surrounded by small farms, it offers sweeping views of Beze Dam and the surrounding hills. The clients’ brief was to transform the site into a farmhouse and to cultivate part of it into an orchard. Work […]
Nestled on the bustling Karnavati Road in Ahmedabad, this modern residence spans over a 10,881 sq. ft. corner plot, seamlessly integrating form, function, and tranquility. The house is thoughtfully planned in an L-shaped configuration of this house design, with its entry oriented to the east and a lush garden strategically placed in the southwest corner […]