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
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 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.
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 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.
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
Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL) blurs the boundaries between structure and nature with the conceptualization and design of the elemental villas at Ananta Spa and Resort, Ajabgarh. Nestled amidst the majestic Aravalli ranges, the design of the resort draws inspiration from the vastness of its surroundings and natural elements. Each villa type, including Earth, Lagoon, […]
The design of Habitat 0 begins with the central concept of a vacation home community organized around a circular form. This layout places individual spaces radially around a central circular courtyard, creating an environment where every space has access to expansive views of the surrounding greenery. The circular design is essential in fostering a deep […]
Nestled in the tranquil village of Thenipalam, Malappuram, Aman is a 2,800 sq. ft. residence, manifesting its Urdu namesake, meaning peace, sanctuary, and security. Designed by Vaktra Architects, this traditional Kerala home is a testament to simplicity, blending Kerala’s tropical ethos with contemporary elegance. This Traditional Kerala Home is Rooted in Simplicity and Modern Elegance […]
Pranjali – The Doctor’s Bungalow is a peaceful and practical modern bungalow design located in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The name Pranjali, meaning “a graceful offering” or “a gesture of respect,” reflects the spirit of this residence—a calm, humble, and thoughtful space created for a doctor couple seeking balance in their busy lives. The design goal […]
The contemporary style architecture house is located in the lively urban context of Thaltej, Ahmedabad nestled within a private cluster of four bungalows. Though the home enjoys the benefits of community, it also maintains a high degree of privacy and seclusion. This is achieved through a carefully considered spatial arrangement, despite the proximity of a […]
Screenwriter and director Megha Ramaswamy approached Fractal Chaos to design an organic home as a weekend retreat in Pasli Gaon, Velhe—a village about 150 km from Pune. The site is located between the Deccan Plateau and the Western Ghats, which gives it a unique ecology with 4 seasons. Drawn to the land by a bordering […]
Situated in the bustling residential neighbourhood of Koorkenchery, Thrissur, Dr. Lakshmi’s residence stands as a refined architectural response to a narrow 15.53 cent plot. The 4214.07 sq ft home is a seamless blend of modern traditional kerala house, with an Indonesian inspired grey white exterior that exudes sophistication. The design strategically employs linear planning, integrating […]
Imagine a home that breathes with the breeze, where sunlight filters through lush foliage, and the vibrant hues of nature are an extension of your living space. Tropical houses are architectural marvels; a profound dialogue between human habitation and the natural world, born from centuries of adapting to warm, humid climates. Far from rigid structures, […]
Kerala style homes have courtyards surrounded by rooms on each side. Traditional Kerala-style homes have a central courtyard known as Nadumuttam surrounded by rooms. These homes promote natural light and ventilation according to the region’s climate. These homes, due to the feature of courtyards as their core spaces, offer beautiful opportunities for social gatherings. This […]
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 […]