Located in the heart of Kochi in Kerala, India – TAPAS’ apartment architecture offers a tranquil retreat from urban life. The name “TAPAS” comes from the Sanskrit word तपस्, which refers to a variety of austere spiritual practices, emphasizing self-discipline, reflection, and mindfulness. This concept serves as the foundation of the project. Here, the architecture fosters a serene environment that encourages residents to embrace a slower, more mindful way of living. Nestled between its natural surroundings and the built form, TAPAS harmoniously blends simplicity, nature, and craftsmanship. The building comprises six apartments spread across G+3 floors and a co-working space on the ground floor.
Editor’s Note: “The TAPAS in Kerala, redefines apartment architecture into slow living as a way of life, catering to nature, craft, and awareness. With raw brick and concrete finishes, lush greenery, and large overhangs, the building accommodates six families. A carefully curated design tackles the cityscape, maximizing light, ventilation, and privacy while incorporating sustainability and peace.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
This Apartment Architecture in Kochi Embodies The Concept Of Slow Living | Fahed+Architects
TAPAS was founded with the intention of embracing the slow living concept, which sees apartment architecture as a medium for connection and mindfulness. The idea behind the building’s design is to create a calm atmosphere. That helps residents feel more connected to their surroundings and nature. The project, draws inspiration from the subtleties of daily life. Hence, it is all about creating meaningful interactions between people, space, and nature while also emphasizing simplicity and craftsmanship.
The use of raw materials like brick and bare concrete reflects a simple and honest architectural language. The structure encourages people to take their time and notice the subtle harmonies between the natural surroundings and the constructed form, as well as the textures and light. Furthermore, large windows blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. Also, an abundance of greenery, and open-air areas, which foster a peaceful and reflective ambiance.
Like any major architectural project, TAPAS had its share of difficulties. Given the urban setting of the project, there were challenges in maximizing natural light and ventilation without sacrificing privacy. Aside from making sure the vegetation did not compromise the building’s structural integrity, the design team also had to carefully consider how to incorporate the greenery that cascades from the building’s façade while maintaining the desired visual softness.
Brick and bare concrete are the main building materials of TAPAS. The team chose these materials not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their durability and sustainability. Moreover, the building gains depth from the painstakingly stacked bricks that form a textured, nearly tactile façade.
Large, well-placed windows let in plenty of natural light, enhancing the dynamic brickwork throughout the interior spaces. The building methods used demonstrate a strong dedication to craftsmanship. This is seen in the meticulous and precise placement of each brick.
The living areas are expanded outside by the large roof overhangs that cover the balconies and courtyards and bring nature inside the architecture. The addition of cascading vegetation maintains a harmonious balance between the natural and built environments while softening the harsher edges of the building.
The building methods used demonstrate a strong dedication to craftsmanship, as seen in the meticulous and precise placement of each brick. The living areas are expanded outside by the large roof overhangs that cover the balconies and courtyards and bring nature inside the architecture. The addition of cascading vegetation maintains a harmonious balance between the natural and built environments while softening the harsher edges of the building.
Furthermore, common areas with a strong connection to nature, like outdoor courtyards and corridors, help residents feel a feeling of community. The deliberate use of air, light, and vegetation improves the overall spatial experience by creating a setting that is at once peaceful and harmonious with its surroundings.
Fact File
Designed by: Fahed+Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: TAPAS – The Art of Mindful Living
Location: Ernakulam, Kerala
Year Built: 2022
Built-up Area: 8611.13 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Fahed Majeed
Photograph Courtesy: Nayan Krishna, Ram Naresh
Source: ArchDaily
Firm’s Website Link: Fahed+Architects
The Firm’s Instagram Link: Fahed+Architects
For Similar Project >> A Nuanced Fusion of Minimalism and Scandinavian style, this Home is a Testament to Balance of Simplicity
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 […]
“The sky’s ever-changing canvas, painted with hues of blues at dawn and greys and blacks at dusk, seamlessly weaves itself into the very fabric of this home’s architecture and interior.” Located in a comparatively narrow lane of bungalow plots, this modern exterior house design borrows its modern straight-line form and color from the sky. A […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
The residence is sensitively designed and compatible with the neighborhood. Distinct from neighboring structures, the building creates a strong relationship to the streets by virtue of its large windows in facades. While there are dramatic and larger scale elements that define the building, it is also broken down into comprehensible human scale blocks with an […]
This contemporary residence, covering 7500 square feet, combines modern design with timeless elegance to create a peaceful and luxurious retreat within a busy urban environment. The home is built around large frames that open up to nature, blending the interior with its surroundings. The design focuses on craftsmanship and harmony, making the simple contemporary house […]
Imagine walking into a sunlit room with high ceilings, warm wooden floors, and a view of a leafy courtyard. How do you feel? Calm? Inspired? At ease? That’s not just your mood—it’s your brain responding to the space around you. Neuroarchitecture is an evolving domain that merges the understanding of neuroscience, psychology, and architecture to […]
Architecture is more than just the construction of buildings, it is a reflection of our values, art, culture, and society. It is a movement towards new, promising, and philosophical design strategies. One such movement that significantly influenced the architectural landscape is Postmodernism architecture. In this research article, readers will find a comprehensive guide for Postmodernism […]
Mango Tree House is an artfully designed personal residence that seamlessly integrates traditional architectural elements with the comforts of modern living, embodying the essence of traditional modern home design. Some houses are more than just structures; they hold stories, memories, and a deep connection to the land. Mango Tree House is one such space—one that […]
What if the home of the future didn’t have walls? Modern architecture homes aren’t just about aesthetics – it’s a rebellion. A conscious break from tradition. In a world obsessed with innovation, our homes are becoming laboratories of design, sustainability, and radical thought. Modern architecture homes are sharp-edged, glass-wrapped, tech-infused sanctuaries that defy the standard. […]