Sumesh and his family want to build his dream home at his native place, Payyanur, a vibrant town known for its cultural heritage, traditions, and scenic charm also has a rich history that blends folklore like theyyam, spirituality, and artistry. Being a devout spiritualist and residing in a village with a rich cultural heritage, he wanted the symbolisation of the local context and the richness of the temple architecture to reflect in the very own space that can be defi ned as his home.
Editor’s Note: This residence by 3dor Concepts is an expression of its local context, drawing inspiration from temple architecture. An open-plan layout forms the heart of the home, where public and semi-public spaces unfold fluidly and connect with the landscape through generous openings and a central courtyard. The use of raw, exposed laterite stone, paired with intricate character of wood, lends the space a tactile and timeless quality.
This Dream Home Blends Scenic Charm And Rich History | 3dor Concepts
The site is situated in a rural area, which is closely associated with Theyyam, an ancient ritual art form that showcases the region’s spiritual depth and cultural pride. As we approach the site, we encounter the beauty of paddy fields and the intricate character of Northern Kerala temples. Hence, it was crucial that the design of this dream home enhances the context, rather than being an odd character in the midst of the rich culture. This was the root of the concept that later evolved as the core of the design.
The residence, its surrounding landscape, and every detail that comprises it, harmoniously evolve as part of the site context, as if it had always belonged there. The residence has its frontal approach welcomed by a pond, rhythmically adjacent to the sitout, which then leads to the main entrance of the house. The spaces follow an open plan layout, with the core public and semi-public spaces, such as the living, dining, and kitchen, forming the linear open core of the house.
The interiors of this dream home seamlessly blend with the landscape through the use of large openings and the courtyard space facing it. This is the core interacting zone of the whole residence, where the warmth of the sun, the subtleness of the rain, and the best view are all experienced, owing to the north orientation. The symmetry of the overall form is nuanced with a large door opening, additionally providing ventilation, and acts as the primary face of the house; the elevation that faces the main road that approaches it.
The design is rooted in its climatic context, incorporating climate-responsive features such as the thick laterite walls that provide insulation for the south-facing walls, and the large openings that enhance natural ventilation into the interiors. The bedrooms are minimal yet have their defined identity, be it the folded veneer panels above the headboard, or the theyyam painting that vibrantly stands out in the room; it fully realizes the intention- staying true to the concept throughout.
The materiality of the project solely focuses on the locally available material. The raw and exposed laterite stone, along with the warmth and intricate character of wood. Together, they softly blend together throughout the built form. The materials used are raw and simple, but the uniqueness lies in the variety of its carvings. The curves out of laterite, the floral grooves on the doors, and the wooden screens are designed in traditional style. The concrete slab cast has curves that soften its appearance. It provides large overhangs that serve as both protective features whilst are aesthetically appealing.
The overall detailing of each element adds further depth and character to every material that is used. The flooring has tiles that are raw and smooth-textured, blending with the overall theme. The wooden steps, along with the sleek metal rails, add an overall visually pleasing circulation core. The major environmental considerations revolve around having various climate-responsive features incorporated into the design. They focus on the overall thermal comfort and well-being of the occupants. The site is situated in a warm-humid context. It desires large overhangs that protect it from both the harsh sun and rain during the monsoon.
Furthermore, the large openings are a testament to maximising daylight and ventilation. They are strategically positioned in order to prevent glare. This residence is a blend of traditional design principles. It is rooted in its rich temple architecture context, and modernist principles. These are meticulously planned and executed towards the final outcome. From the seamless blend of locally sourced materials to the use of modern contemporary principles are certainly a source of inspiration to look back to the rich cultural heritage- and work towards the revival of vernacular style in modern buildings.
Fact File
Designed by: 3dor Concepts
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: VILAKK Residence
Location: Payyanur, Kerala
Year Built: 2025
Built-up Area: 3000 sqft
Principal Architects: Ahmad Thaneem, Muhammed Jiyad & Muhammed Naseem
Team Design Credits: Roshan, Ajmal
Photograph Courtesy: Studio IKSHA
Lead Team: Tejas M
Technical Team: Rahul V
Engineering & Consulting > Structural: DE FRAMEZ
General Contractor: DEEM
Interior Design: 3KITCH
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Website Link: 3dor Concepts
Firm’s Instagram Link: 3dor Concepts
For Similar Project >>> House of Silhouettes Reflects Contemporary Modern Architecture
The site is located in Ahilyanagar town of Maharashtra, with a design brief of 7,000 sq feet, while the house had to be designed for the hot and dry climate, which responds carefully to extreme temperatures, intense sunlight, and low humidity. The design focuses on reducing heat gain, improving natural ventilation, and creating comfortable indoor spaces with […]
“Pravah” — A House That Breathes is envisioned as the main concept of this home revolves around a fluid, light-filled home where architecture becomes a continuous experience of movement, air, and connection. Located in Pal Gamtal, Surat, the project is a residential redevelopment on a 1,850 sq.ft. plot within a dense urban fabric. The site, […]
SapanoUday is a contemporary residence that balances material rawness with layered textures and crafted detail, aligning modern living with cultural and spatial sensibilities. Designed by Hundreddesigns, the home responds closely to the client’s routines and artistic inclinations while thoughtfully integrating Vastu principles. HundredDesigns The designers defined the architecture through a minimal palette, using exposed concrete […]
KRIPA is a residence that reflects the personality and lifestyle of its homeowner — calm, open, and rooted in nature. The project focuses on creating light-filled, green spaces with minimal private zones, encouraging openness and connection. In a time when spaces are shrinking but expectations are rising, architecture becomes the medium to bridge this gap […]
The Sculpted Sanctuary is a masterclass in modern minimalist design. The project focuses on “Quiet Luxury”. It is the idea that a space doesn’t need bright colors or flashy decor to feel expensive. Instead, it uses raw natural materials, rich textures, and sharp architectural lines. This Home Is A Masterclass In Modern Minimalist Design | […]
SIDHARTHA, is a four-bedroom modern house which is functional and aesthetic driven by the specific needs of the client. The location of the site is in a dense neighbourhood in Bengaluru, India. The contemporary urban dwelling frequently negotiates competing demands. It balances generous daylight and visual connection to the street with privacy, dust control, and […]
Located in HMT Layout, Bangalore, Isha_Srinidhi Nilaya stands as a multi-generational home designed on a compact 60×40 ft (2400 sq. ft) East facing plot, with a total built-up area of 8000 sq. ft. East Facing a lush public park, the residence responds to its urban setting through a layered design that balances privacy with a […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
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 […]
Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]