This concrete house design is amidst coconut plantations and other native vegetation belonging to a typical northern Kerala landscape. It is a very quiet and tranquil setting that doesn’t invite any kind of intrusions. Altering this and bringing about any kind of change called for a respectful approach.
Editor’s Note: “With white walls, intricate screening and symmetrical geometry this residence in Kerala merges with the landscape setting a tranquil aura. The monolithic form of the residence with subtle interiors of grey and wooden accents evokes a sense of minimalism. The verdant plantations, terrace planters, and expansive bay windows elevate the living experience, creating a seamless blend of nature and refined simplicity.” ~Simran Khare
This Concrete House Design Is Set In A Site Covered In Coconut Plantations | Zero Studio
Thus, this concrete house design assigns its external facade the duty of ‘screening’ the built from the unbuilt. They further do this to place the volume in the most subtle way, avoiding stark contrast with the context.
The ‘screen’ or envelope of the house lines itself with a layer of landscape in the inner periphery, acting as a filtering member for the light and noise from the outside. It also enables a play of light inside during the day.
Moreover, it brings in fresh and humid air from the surroundings, filters it, and spreads it to different corners of the house. The facade metaphorically represents a ‘lantern’ where the external envelope shields and glorifies the beauty of the inner core – the light or the function; literally witnessed during the night.
The design features a clean, straightforward elevation where windows and doors wrap inside without revealing their identity. This further produces a monolithic form.
Once you enter the house, you are welcomed to a larger volume. This is where an elongated water body by the entrance dynamically knits all the common spaces into one.
We intentionally keep the walls minimal to provide unfettered access to the landscape in the periphery while ensuring the required privacy for bedrooms. While the screen and the subsequent landscape layer control the view towards the inner areas, the users are able to have a filtered view towards the outside through the same.
This more or less thins the idea of having an opaque boundary to the volume. It also serves its purpose of providing security going with an absolutely open planning. The palette for finishes in the interiors is mostly neutral to original shades without compromising this uncluttered appeal.
It is designed for a family of four – husband, wife, and their two kids who currently reside in the UK and come down during their annual holidays. They wanted their home to be set in their ancestral land. It enables them to be around their loved ones and host memorable gatherings while they were here.
The process behind delivering personalized and intimate spaces for each of the users from a common volume was very intense. Some delightful elements include the living area floating deck that opens into the garden, reading space in the stair landing. It also has a private balcony of the first-floor bedroom overlooking the plantation, the terrace planters, the bay windows and the prayer/ meditation room in the ground floor with a perforated wall that brings in interesting patterns of daylight. These are spaces that emote varying moods where these users can celebrate the wholesome experience of ‘homecoming.’
Fact File
Designed by: Zero Studio
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Screen-The Lantern House
Location: Tirur, Kerala
Year Built: 2022
Built Up Area: 5200 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Hafeef Pk, Hamid Mm (Late)
Photograph Courtesy: Ar. Hamid MM
Manufacturers: Saint-Gobain, Crabtree, EBCO, Faber, General, Hafele, Jaquar, Kapital Plywood, LG Hausys
Landscape Contractors: Land Systems / Structural Contractors: Cubix Ultra Builders / Structural Consultants: A & N Consultants / Design Team: Shabna K, Nidhinraj Kj / Plumber: Ansar Electrician: Mirshad / Industrial Work: Sareesh / Mep & Hvac Consultants: Elmek Solutions
Source: ArchDaily
Firm’s Instagram Link: Zero Studio
Firm’s Facebook Link: Zero Studio
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