The vision for this Kerala traditional house project was to provide the client with luxurious space and finishes. The client wanted a fusion of traditional elements with all the functionalities of a modern house that can accommodate their extended family members too. Elements of traditional Kerala architecture like the shaded veranda and the multi-levelled sloping roofs laid with Mangalore pattern clay tiles add to the charm.
Editor’s Note: “This traditional Kerala house by Designloom Architects combines timeless architecture with modern luxury. The shaded verandas, sloping clay-tiled roofs, and rain courtyard add gentle charm to the dwelling while the interiors blend a warm color palette offer aesthetics. The classical decor with cozy spaces provide a balance between tradition and modernity.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
This Kerala House Lays Out A Traditional and Luxurious Space | Designloom Architects
The entrance veranda is dramatised further by the adjacent rain courtyard that houses a Buddhist statue. The installation embodies the nature of the house, which is to be as tranquil and calm as the ‘zen philosophy’.
The rain that falls unhindered into the courtyard can be enjoyed from various viewing positions from inside and outside the house.
The breezy veranda and illuminated courtyard act as a transition space between the interior and exterior. The interior spaces are voluminous and free-flowing.
The living room is spacious and well lit using clerestory windows and skylights that also enable natural ventilation. The Pooja is given prominence with doorways adorned with wooden details and side-planters.
The balcony at first, the floor overlooking the rain courtyard below, renders an unexpectedly dramatic view. The interior decor and design of the house have a glossy bronze, champagne-beige, and touches of gold shade, which further adds to the luxurious ambience.
A dash of cool grey breaks the monotony of the warm coloured interior. Carefully selected lighting enhances its warm glow.
Double-height spaces further increase the voluminous character of the interior. The well-ventilated hallways, high ceilings, and open spaces generate a breezy and cool atmosphere inside the home. The furniture that embellishes the interiors is the right balance between minimalist and classic decor that elevates the quality of the spaces.
The patio adjoining the dining space opens up to the exterior using a sliding folding door. The steel staircase stands proudly between the living room and dining space, curtained by a layer of vertical lines of steel balusters. The staircase, while bolstering the connection between the two spaces, also helps to separate the spaces as well.
The kitchen conforms to the colour palette of the interior. The porthole window in the kitchen opens to the rain courtyard and breaks the sharp-crisp lines, while meanwhile providing privacy for the kitchen.
The open and closed niches of the shelving in the common areas act as screening, display, and a perforated separating element that doesn’t hinder the air flow and the visual continuity of the said spaces.
The house proudly occupies a 35-cent property, perfectly aligned to create an impression of grandeur while ensuring uncompromised privacy in its design.
The bedrooms are warm and cosy, with spacious dressers and bathrooms. The kids’ bedroom is provided with a cool colour palette that merges well with the overall aesthetic of the interior.
The bay windows in the rooms add to the aesthetic and utility of the space. Utmost importance is given to the storage spaces and wardrobes. The fabrics used in the decor are of soft pastel colour, beautifully complementing the interior palette.
Fact File
Designed by: Designloom Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: The Zen Haus
Location: Kerala
Year Built: 2023
Duration of the project: 2 Years
Project Size: 6000 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Ar. Mithun O Raghavan & Ar. Meghna Anilkumar
Photograph Courtesy: Designloom Architects
Structure Engineers: Team3 Constuctions
Products / Materials / Vendors: Wallcovering / Cladding – LATERITE STONE / Terracotta Bricks / Jalli / Cement Texture / Sponge wall Texture / Construction Materials – Column Footing & Frame Structure + LATERITE BRICKS / Lighting – Dewton / Jaquar Lighting / Sanitaryware – Geberit/ Vitra/Sternhagen Windows – Teak Wood / Upvc Windows / Flooring – Nexion Tiles / Sternhagen / Kitchen – Hettich / Trojan Ply /Merino Lam / Paint – Asian Paints / Hardware – Hettich
Firm’s Website Link: Designloom Architects
Firm’s Instagram Link: Designloom Architects
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