This 2,300-square-foot beachfront holiday retreat, set on a 14,300-sq-ft site, features a narrow portion facing the sea, inspiring its linear design. Elevated on circular stilts, the home offers unobstructed views of Vypin Beach.
Editor’s Note: “Seascape, a beachfront retreat captures the essence of minimalistic living while embracing its striking natural surroundings. The 2,300-square-foot abode is elevated on circular stilts and features skylights, asymmetrical roofs, and a harmonious indoor-outdoor transition. Thoughtful design features include a double-height living room, shell-inspired washroom, and panoramic ocean views, balancing function and drama.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
This Beachfront Retreat Offers Unobstructed Views Of Vypin Beach | Studio From Around Here
The design brief called for a two-bedroom, minimalist holiday home with flexible outdoor spaces for a family of four. Additionally, it allows them to host gatherings, enjoy life by the beach, and create art in their free time. The design prioritizes open, light-filled spaces while preserving 85% of the site for gardening. Thus, creating a harmonious balance between nature and architecture.
The main entrance and staircase are strategically positioned to face west, ensuring that users enjoy horizon views upon entering or exiting the home. This placement also separates the private areas on the north side from the lively communal spaces on the south. Moreover, it enhances the home’s functionality. Additionally, the design incorporates a unique open-to-sky, shell-inspired washroom near the entrance on the ground floor, offering a refreshing transition from the beach to the home.
The living space is a grand double-height area designed to foster interaction and relaxation. An open kitchen flows into this living room, creating a sense of continuity. A mezzanine adds intimacy and access to the terrace. Thereby, offering an engaging interplay of volumes and doubling as a sleeping area when required.
This space also features a cozy library nook, complementing the grandeur of the double-height living area under a Mangalore-tiled roof. Moreover, it makes it perfect for entertaining.
The ground floor includes a private study, designed as a quiet retreat for work or creative pursuits. It opens into the large garden area, creating a seamless connection with the outdoors and reinforcing the sense of tranquility. Additionally, the study reflects the minimalist ethos of the home while offering the privacy and focus necessary for the family’s needs.
The kitchen combines elegance and functionality, with teak wood shutters, a white countertop accented by warm orange striations, and a copper-colored backsplash. It flows seamlessly into the public living area, encouraging social interaction. A covered balcony adjacent to the kitchen offers a perfect spot for dining, complete with provisions for a barbecue grill and stunning sunset views.
A well-lit corridor, lined with a bay window and circular skylights, leads to the two bedrooms. These rooms feature asymmetrical sloped roofs, clerestory windows, and deep balconies that enhance natural ventilation and light.
The bathrooms are thoughtfully designed with frosted glass walls and scenic step-out areas. The master bedroom is located at the end of the building. Moreover, it boasts a corner balcony that provides panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. Thus, ensuring a peaceful and luxurious retreat.
Circular skylights punctuate the corridor leading to the bedrooms, flooding the space with natural light and creating dynamic patterns throughout the day. These skylights, combined with clerestory windows in the bedrooms, enhance the interplay of light and shadow. Thus, contributing to the home’s serene and airy ambiance.
Fact File
Designed by: Studio From Around Here
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Seascape
Location: Kochi
Year Built: 2023
Duration of the project: 2020-2023
Plot Area: 14,325 Sq.ft
Project Size: 2300 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Ar. Shreya Daffney & Ar. Saran Babu
Team Design Credits: Ar. Anudipti & Ar. Amal Raphael
Photograph Courtesy: Nathan
Products / Materials / Vendors: Finishes – Oxide, Paint , exposed cement plaster / Construction Materials – Brick, RCC / Lighting – locally sourced / Doors and Partitions – custom made on site / Sanitaryware – Jaquar / Windows – locally sourced / Furniture – custom made locally / Flooring – Yellow Jaisalmer, Leather – finish Kota / Kitchen – Ebco Fittings / Paint – Asian paints / Hardware – Ebco fittingsConsultants for the Project: Civil – Studio From Around Here / Interior Designers – Studio From Around Here / Landscape Architects – Studio From Around Here / Structure Engineers – Valluvassery builders Contractors – Valluvassery builders / Project Managers – Mr. Aju Valluvassery
Firm’s Instagram Link: Studio From Around Here
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