search
  • This Deck House Boasts the Highest Vantage Point in the Area | Durga Sarath Architects 

    Our clients had a distinct vision for the purpose of this deck house, it needed to be an elegantly designed space. To be suitable for hosting gatherings with family and friends. while also serving as a private retreat. With heavy contours and captivating views of the hills, the project revolves around social spaces. With a penchant of adventure and a sociable lifestyle, the family had long yearned for a personal getaway. Through the onset of the pandemic, it crystalized their desire for a remote haven, far removed from the hustle. Nestled in the city of Ernakulam in Kerala, where they currently resided. Situated amid lush greenery on a sprawling one-acre plot, this property boasts the highest vantage point in the area. It is far away from everything till the silence is soft with the sounds of birds and insects, where the air is fresh and clean.

    Editor’s Note: “In the middle of Ernakulam, amidst beautiful hills, a vision emerged from the impact of the pandemic COVID-19. An elegant hideaway that embraces gatherings with loved ones blends perfectly with serene isolation. With its green dimensions, the house breathes with Mother Nature, combining stone and glass to highlight the interplay of daylight and shadow. The Deck House stands as a timeless example where each space draws quality views and every view of the skyline becomes a spectacle to the eyes.” ~Baarat Krishna

    This Deck House Boasts the Highest Vantage Point in the Area | Durga Sarath Architects 

    deck house

    Embracing Topography and Nature in Design

    When we visited, it was such a commanding site with heavy contours that images came crowding in. The landscape was an essential element to develop this project along with the site topography since a larger part of the site consisted of stones.

    deck house

    However, after several learnings and discussions about the site and its surroundings, the entire design then evolved into a flexible space where one of the main guidelines of the project was to keep exploring visual amplitude and nature’s connection.

    deck house

    Design Concept

    The design concept aimed to intricately intertwine the built environment with the natural surroundings.

    We placed the house at the far end of the plot to create a generous and welcoming entrance, while organizing the plan in a linear shape

    deck house

    deck house

    The project revolves around social spaces where all the activities of the house interact with one another providing functionality to the house.

    deck house

    Since the best views of the landscape are oriented towards the south, glass doors were incorporated in the design to give the main façade a singular language. The deck being the highlight of the project, the private and the social spaces were designed accordingly.

    Material Palette

    We chose the material palette with a focus on balancing environmental requirements and practical use.

    deck house

    The green entrance door sandwiched between the two stone walls gives the visitor access to the open veranda which maximizes the entire space and then to the open deck which operates as a welcoming and unifying element for the house.

    deck house

    We designed each room to direct attention toward the enticing landscapes, adding another dimension to the overall spatial experience.

    deck house

    deck house

    Instead of using solid walls to enclose the rooms, we employed glass as a vertical element to maximize the connection with the surrounding natural environment. By opening the glass doors, a seamless transition occurs, transforming the interior into a veranda-like extension.

    Interior Design

    The overall interior design has a palette inspired by nature. The living, dining and kitchen areas harmonize with the bedroom through similar tones, and natural materials such as stone and wood have been used throughout the space.

    To create privacy, sliding wooden doors were designed that make it possible to create open or closed spaces on the first floor in different situations, whether to have more intimate moments with family and friends or to have a social gathering at once, this space entertains both.

    A veranda which envelops the first floor maximizes the entire space with natural lighting, cross ventilation and greater contact with nature, even from inside the house.

    The construction was extremely demanding and rigorous, articulating the foundations reinforcement and protections. Post tensioned slabs were also introduced in the building. In addition to the main house, there were three other special constructions – the Pool, the Bar and the Outhouse.

    We believe a home is always a mental state of mind and the Deck House is where tranquillity and comfort interact to create a space for guests of all ages.

    Fact File

    Designed byDurga Sarath Architects 

    Project Type: Residential Architecture Design

    Project Name: Deck House

    Location: Kuttikkanam, Idukki, Kerala

    Year Built: 2023

    Built Up Area: 4752 Sq.ft

    Principal Architects: Sarath S Kumar & Durga Cholapurath  

    Photograph Courtesy: Syam Sreesylam

    Firm’s Instagram Link: Durga Sarath Architects 

    For Similar Projects >> A Climate Responsive Courtyard House In Kerala With An Earthy Palette And Natural Materials

     

    Coexistence House Sits In Harmony With Nature To Create A Nostalgic Residence | D.L.E.A

    The design of Coexistence House is rooted in the philosophy of living in harmony with nature. The site, located in Perungudi—a rapidly urbanising neighbourhood of Chennai—held a unique character with its mature mango and coconut trees, remnants of an older garden deeply tied to the memory of the place. The client’s deep emotional connection to […]

    Read More

    Modern Materials And Functional Spaces Come Together To Create An Ideal Delhi Home | SSDA Architects

    There are countless options when designing a home; each story is distinct to the person who creates it. “When we were asked to craft a home that revolved around the idea of practicality and modern materials, we decided to create a space that felt contemporary and brought in the idea of nature”, says Ar. Saumya […]

    Read More

    This North-East Facing House Exudes Peace And Quiet In A Noida Neighbourhood | aura architecture studio

    In the dense rhythm of Noida, where homes rise in the hustle of chaos and silence is rare, a slender home offers a pause. The land set its own terms — a north-east-facing house orientation, a mandated front garden, and trees that had stood tall long before the first drawings took shape. Instead of overwriting […]

    Read More

    This Himalayan House Abandoned for 50 Years Now Has A New Identity | Studio Bardo

    Editor’s note – Rarely do we encounter homes where a strong story and context come together so seamlessly. Studio Bardo takes on this challenge with great sensitivity, redesigning an abandoned Himalayan house in the Himalayas into something far more than just a residence. Here, every intervention is rooted in culture, memory, and place—reviving the character […]

    Read More

    A Colonial House in Delhi Is Turning Heads For Its Country Style Grandeur | groupDCA

    Editors’ Note – This colonial house in Delhi carries an ambience of grandeur, infused with the elegance of Victorian-style colonialism. Expansive living, dining, and kitchen areas open into light-filled spaces framed by large glazing that connect seamlessly to the surrounding landscape. Inside, tropical interiors with bold geometry add a contemporary layer of comfort. The residence […]

    Read More

    This Hilltop House in Indore Is Redefining Aesthetically Refined Living | OutsideIn Consultants

    “Hilltop House” is envisioned as a contemporary yet context-sensitive residential project that harmonizes architecture and interior design to create a sanctuary perched on a scenic elevation. The design will respond directly to the topography, climate, and panoramic views, while delivering a highly functional, comfortable, and aesthetically refined living environment. This Hilltop House in Indore Is […]

    Read More

    Golden Accents Stand Out in the Interiors of This Noida Bungalow | Axiom Design Studio

    This southwest-facing bungalow, with golden accents in its interiors, is a refined expression of contextual and climate-responsive modern architecture. The home embraces its orientation with an intelligent façade design that balances aesthetic appeal and environmental performance. With the sun’s harshest rays hitting the structure in the latter half of the day, the architects incorporated a […]

    Read More

    Farmhouse Designs in India: 15 Inspiring Styles To Know

    The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]

    Read More

    This Tropical Home Design Features A Striking Sloped Terracotta Roof In Kerala | Vriksha Architects

    Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]

    Read More

    50 Indian Door Design For Main Door To Enhance the Curb Appeal

    The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]

    Read More
  • The Design of this Andhra House is based on Vastu and Biophilia | Madhuri Reddy Architects

    Interior Design of this Modern Office has Punches of Colours | Nishchay Design Studio