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This Contemporary Tropical House Design Captures The Essence Of Rural Charm | Urban Hive

As cities continue to grow and evolve, there is a growing desire to incorporate elements of rural living into urban design. By embracing rural living principles, cities can create more eco-friendly and sustainable spaces. Rural living is not just about wide-open spaces and rolling hills. It’s also about community, sustainability, and a connection to nature. This contemporary tropical house promotes well-being, social connection, and environmental sustainability.

Editor’s Note: “Set in the quiet rhythm of rural Ernakulam, ‘The Linear Loft’ is a soulful interplay of nostalgia and nuance. In every detail, it reclaims the essence of the past through slow mornings, whispered conversations, and sunlit stillness. Here, minimalism has a meaning, and tropical textures breathe life.” ~ Anusha Sridhar

This Contemporary Tropical House Design Captures The Essence Of Rural Charm | Urban Hive

contemporary tropical house

Despite being located in Ernakulam, this home is in a rural city area, far from the chaos. The Linear Loft might be in a rural context, but sure, it isn’t trying to blend in; rather, it stands out, for all good reasons.

contemporary tropical house

Design Philosophy

Designed by Ar. Ragima Ramachandran of URBAN HIVE, the four-bedroom home is a lesson in clean & minimal design. The design philosophy that runs throughout all our projects is to get the cues and advantages from the site and utilize them to enhance the quality of the space.

contemporary tropical house

Design Brief

The residents were clear with their brief – “Living in a traditional rural house for years, they sought a fresh look while preserving their lifestyle. Due to the longevity of the site, the house is perceived as an entity that embodies linearity in design – “The Linear Loft”.

contemporary tropical house

Entrance

Walking into the home, one is sure to experience an energizing boost due to with a sudden exposure to greenery inside the house.

contemporary tropical house

Upon entering, one might assume conventionality. In the blink of an eye, you encounter plants and greenery instead of welcomed by a usual living room.

contemporary tropical house

Design Elements

We can all agree to one thing- the house defies norms. Windows, bays, verandas and the great hall capture different scales of the near and distant landscapes.

contemporary tropical house

From audacious abstract elements of traditionality embracing modernity to indoor greenery, surely the sight leaves a lasting impression.

contemporary tropical house

Incorporating Traditional Elements

The home embodies maximalist vernacularism with traditional details and accessories against a backdrop of modernist contrast. In simple words, the home takes traditional elements and views them through a modern perspective. It confidently incorporates traditional assets, used them to frame their old memories, grounding to roots.

contemporary tropical house

Art & Decor

The remnants from the site were used for crafting accessories like lights, lanterns, teapoy, seats and artworks, enhancing the interior by managing the budget effectively. The most enjoyable part of the design was creating a chandelier out of handrail remains.

contemporary tropical house
contemporary tropical house

Courtyard

The living room, secluded from the entrance at the opposite end of the courtyard, is a perfect blend of informal and formal space. As the crowd gets bigger during gatherings, the courtyard turns out to be an informal seating area, making the space bigger.

Informal Sitting Area

The large veranda in the entrance opens wide to a landscape encompassing an informal sitting space for casual chats with the neighbourhood. The semi-transparent plant fence, reminiscent of rural houses, serves as a medium for the residents to see their neighbours fostering casual conversations on the veranda.

The laterite highlight wall divides the living-dining area, being a feature in itself, creating more privacy for the dining yet connected to other spaces.

The living-dining area faces the road- East side of the plot, inviting the morning sun, hides the bed spaces, giving them more privacy. The double heights act as a hot air vent, creating a sense of spaciousness.

Kitchen

‘The tummy needs to be small, ’ they say, and thus it becomes imperative to bring out the best with the small space in terms of design. A small, simple layout embracing a contemporary look. A space that transitions to the dining area as the function demands.

This home is a balanced contrast of textures, color & emotion. A design that is both contemporary yet traditional in its soul.

Fact File

Designed by: Urban Hive

Project Type: Residential Architecture Design

Project Name: The Linear Loft

Location: Karumaloor, Ernakulam, Kerala

Year Built: 2024

Duration of the project: 3 Years

Project Size: 2400 Sq.ft

Project Cost: 74 Lakhs

Principal Architect: Ar. Ragima Ramachandran

Design Credits: Darsana Ajayakumar

Photograph Courtesy: Running Studios

Products / Materials / Vendors: CUBOARD WORKS – URBAN HIVE / FLOORING – CHAITHANYA CURTAINS – ROOT COTTONS / FURNITURE – ROOM GEAR / Furniture – TEAK, PLY with mica laminate for beds / Kitchen – laminated WPC boards / Paint – Asian paints / Cladding – laterite Cladding

Firm’s Instagram Link: Urban Hive

For Similar Project>>>  This Aesthetic Courtyard House With Lush Landscape Design Offers A Calm Aura To The Users

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