search

This Hill Side Residence has all the Charm of a Traditional-Tropical House | Urbane ivy

A tropical house with an impressively innovative spread of pitched roofs and everything local.

This Hill Side Residence has all the Charm of a Traditional-Tropical House | Urbane ivy

Visit: Urbane ivy

Editor’s Note: In its vast abundance to embrace the extraordinary, ‘Punarjani’ celebrates its triumph over ethically infused traditional design. The use of pitched roos is done in an efficient and clever way. The spaces are united in their efforts to portray a home teeming with accents of local products and practices. The value of dense vegetation is realized and involved in a way that transforms spaces. ~ Nishal Sevak

Design concept

Punarjani means rebirth and here it’s the rebirth of an ancestral house i.e. the ‘tharavadu’ to take up the previous house in a modern way. It is situated in the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram, overlooking a temple. Measuring around 3500 sq. ft. on the westside, this hill side residence has all the charm of a traditional-tropical house.

The open spaces are designed such that it requires minimum maintenance, therefore the courtyard is outside the house. The green spaces and the landscape is adorned by natural vegetation with locally available plants and materials.

The inspiration behind design

The initial idea emerged from the clients requirement that ‘it should be a tropical residence with traditional values’. The design brief includes the strong dominance of the function of the house. The clients had memories in the ancestoral home. It used to be a gathering place for the family during festivals and they wanted to continue it.

So, to incorporate these requirements, the design began with the idea of providing active social spaces for which the house is split into two units; a formal and an Informal unit which were connected by a courtyard.

Structural intricacy

The structure is designed in a way that the sitout and formal living areas are detached from rest of the house. Thus, this helps in maintaining privacy and helps the sitout-formal living space to act as an outhouse also. The courtyard between also enacts as a gathering space, where the sitout acts as a stage for activities in gatherings.   

The open spaces are carefully designed such that it requires minimum maintenance. Therefore the courtyard us provided outside the house but still with adhering both the building units. The green spaces and the landscape is adorned by natural vegetation with locally available plants and materials.

The incredibility of the roof

The roof being the major element in the elevational treatment ,is cladded with manglore tiles. Another peculiar feature about this house is its connection with the nearby temple. The house is designed keeping in mind the location of the temple. The balconies overlook the temple, from where the rituals and other temple activities can be viewed from the house, the elevation of the site also provides an easy visual connection to the temple precinct.

For the love of everything local

The whole concept of the house revolves around traditional kerala architecture like the use of roofing tiles and ‘Athanangudi’ flooring. The requirement to fulfill the needs of the tharavadu activities as its regeneration gave the name Punarjani, which is traditional elements showcased in a modern way.

Fact File

Designed by: Urbane ivy

Project Type: Residential Architecture Design

Project Name: Punarjani

Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Year Built: 2021

Duration of project: 2 Years

Plot Area: 12 Cents

Project Size: 3500 Sq.ft

Project Cost: 1.25 Crores

Principal Architects: Anand Raveendran, Vishnu AR, Nikhil AS & Nancy Mary Ann K

Photograph Courtesy: Urbane ivy

Products/Materials/Vendors: Wallcovering / Cladding – wood / Construction Materials – Brick / Lighting – Luker / Doors and Partitions – wood / Sanitaryware – Grohe, Jaquar, Toto / Windows – wood Furniture – custom made / Flooring – Vitrified tiles / Kitchen – Ebco / Paint – Asian paints

Firm’s Instagram Link: Urbane ivy

Firm’s Facebook Link: Urbane ivy

For Similar Project >>> A Luxury Apartment Building that Combines the Nature of Communal-Living with a Sense of Privacy

This Office with Garden Blurs Boundaries between Work and Retreat | Arcline Architects

The thought was to create a space which would act as a formal real estate workspace in the daytime and a family retreat in the evening. By its name, as it is, ‘Leveled. This office with a garden is defined using levels, in terms of volumes, surfaces as well as edges. These levels are rationalized […]

Read More

These Courtyard Villas Connect Deeply with Nature and Everyday Rhythms | The Grid Architects

Nirmay (निर्मय) reflects purity and holistic well-being. Envisioned as a quiet sanctuary amidst the noise of urban life, these courtyard villas offer a way of living that is calm, conscious, and deeply connected to the land. Rooted in sustainability and ecological harmony, the design responds to both nature and the everyday rhythms of its inhabitants. […]

Read More

This Organic House Rolls into the Vibrant Green Landscape Naturally | Prithvi Architects

Winterfell is a work of camouflaged design, an organic house that melds seamlessly with the terrain, rolling into the vibrant green landscape and naturally positioned boulders. Set in the scenic village of Shoolagiri within the Sanctity Ferme community in Tamil Nadu, Winterfell offers an idyllic retreat from urban life—a place to live close to nature. […]

Read More

Tipu Villa is a Heritage Home Blending Boldness and Sophistication | DabStudio

The design concept of Tipu Villa embodies a harmonious balance of boldness and sophistication, crafting spaces that exude refinement and elegance, resulting in a true heritage home. Key design elements include exclusive use of Indian-sourced materials, including Indian teak wood, veneer, natural Kota lime stone, and yellow lime stone, promoting cultural charm and heritage. Tipu […]

Read More

The Outdoor Office is a Response to Uninspired Office Design | Kiasma Studio

Office spaces are often defined by uninspired, industrial aesthetics—endless rows of cubicles, glaring fluorescent lights and austere décor. It’s easy to become desensitized to the potential for beauty in these environments where we spend so much of our time. And with the demands for extended work hours becoming an accepted norm, the line between work […]

Read More

This Modern Farm House Reflects Harmony with Nature and Heritage | Studio HC

Nestled amidst the serene outskirts of Bangalore, this 1.25-acre modern farm house embodies a seamless fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern design sensibilities. Every detail of the property reflects an unwavering commitment to creating a space that harmonizes with its natural surroundings while honoring heritage. This Modern Farm House Reflects Harmony with Nature and Heritage […]

Read More

The Interior Contemporary Design Celebrates Openness and Dramatic Volumes | DesigNiche Architecture

The client envisioned a home that embodies openness and fluidity through interior contemporary design. He is drawn to expansive volumes and dramatic spatial experiences, including double-height ceilings and multiple floors. Each family member should have a distinct, personal space, yet all areas must remain visually and spatially connected to foster a strong sense of togetherness. […]

Read More

This Brahmaputra Riverfront Is a Rhythm of Nature and Stillness | atArchitecture

The Brahmaputra riverfront rejuvenates a natural water lily pond, creates a new river edge, and seamlessly connects the site to the adjacent heritage museum, fostering public interaction. Editor’s Note: “A combination of contours and current, the design of the Brahmaputra riverfront unfolds like a living memory. Quietly celebrating time and terrain, every curve echoes the […]

Read More

A Modern Bali House With Timeless Tropical Charm | Biombo Architects

Located in the coastal village of Pererenan, Bali, House Terra is a contemporary response to tropical living, designed by Biombo Architects as a family retreat. The project balances built space and landscape, creating a strong connection between architecture and nature while offering shelter from the island’s monsoon climate. Editor’s Note: “House Terra, more than a […]

Read More

Minimal Home Interior Design That Honors Heritage in a 15′ Wide Plot | Dinterplay Architects

Located on a 15′ x 95′ ancestral plot in a pal village, Surat, India, this residence is designed for a multi-generational family of seven. This minimal home interior design solves light and space challenges within a narrow plot. The family wanted to stay connected with their community and preserve their cultural roots. The site has […]

Read More
  • This Luxurious Villa Spans Over 8000 sq. ft. with a Palette of Earthy Tones and Greys | Villa Ortiga

    50 Plunge Worthy Swimming Pool Design Inspirations You Need