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
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.
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.
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
The project revolves around social spaces where all the activities of the house interact with one another providing functionality to the 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.
We chose the material palette with a focus on balancing environmental requirements and practical use.
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.
We designed each room to direct attention toward the enticing landscapes, adding another dimension to the overall spatial experience.
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.
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 by: Durga 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
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