This Modern House in Kerala is a commercial structure originally designed with columns and beams was transformed into a grand, luxurious, 13,000 sq. ft., three-level residence in the heart of Calicut city. The client’s initial dilemma was whether to continue with the commercial concept or turn it into a residence. Inspired by the philosophy, “Change is constant; metamorphosis is the key,” the project evolved into “AHVI”—meaning “breath of life,” symbolizing the act of giving soul to a physical structure and calling it “home.”
This Modern House in Kerala was Transformed Into a Grand Residence | En Haut Architects
The exterior elevation of AHVI is minimalist and simple, combining grey, brick red, and green leaflets cascading down the facade. Additionally, the exterior doesn’t reveal the vast volume and intricate interior spaces within. A long, private front verandah enclosed by a compound wall invites residents to relax while enjoying the breeze.
The grand living area, with its 4-meter-high ceiling, features one facade entirely in glass, flooding the space with natural light. Moreover, the opposite wall showcases golden marble and beige panelling.
To the left, the ceiling height suddenly increases, reaching a triple-height space. This becomes the central gathering point of the home, where sound from every corner can be heard.
Furthermore, this space is designed as a majlis setup, with a contrastingly colored wall and beautiful metal artwork. From here, one can view the dining area and catch a glimpse of the pool, accessible via a passage connecting to the kitchen.
The dining room, filled with natural light, highlights the luxurious beige and golden marble finishes, surrounding a 10-seater dining table. Additionally, the passage leading to the kitchen has wooden flooring, creating warmth and flow.
Adjacent to the dining room is the family living area. However, it connects to the formal living room via a window, which Roman curtains and a TV wall make discreet.
The pool is strategically placed in a private zone and is hidden from outside view. Meanwhile, service areas are positioned along the sides for functionality.
Next to the family living space is the parents’ master bedroom, adopting a minimalist, luxurious theme with custom wooden consoles and side tables, crafted from plywood and veneer. Additionally, the grey tones create a classy ambience. Thus, elevating the overall interior design.
The stairs sit at the far left of the house, while a lift facilitates the primary vertical movement.
Furthermore, on the first floor, there’s a mezzanine seating area and a verandah overlooking the majlis space on the ground floor. This level has two bedrooms: one designed with a peach-beige combination and walnut wood textures, complemented by hanging lights and a textured wall behind the headboard.
Moreover, the second bedroom features a cozy lounge with cushioned sofas, a large walk-in wardrobe, and custom-made furniture, complete with a spacious mirror.
Additionally, the third floor houses two bedrooms. The primary challenge in planning was working around the pre-built columns and beams. Thus, ensuring they didn’t interfere with the interior design.
Overall, this project taught us that creative thinking has no boundaries. As designers, we can transcend structural limitations (such as columns and beams) to create spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Fact File
Designed by: En Haut Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: AHVI
Location: Karaparamb, Kozhikode, Kerala
Year Built: 2023
Duration of the project: 1.5 Years
Project Size: 13000 Sq.ft
Project Cost: 4 Crore
Principal Architects: Abdul Shabeer. C.K & Rashad K.K
Team Design Credits: Rashid. P, Safeedha C.V , Saheedha C.V & Roshni T.T
Photograph Courtesy: Turtle Arts
Products / Materials / Vendors: Lighting – Euro Light / Doors and Partitions –Teakwood / Sanitaryware – Groha / Windows – Hosten Aluminium / Furniture –Nexto / Flooring – Italian Marble / Kitchen – WPC with Acrylic Laminate / Paint – Asian Paints / Artefacts – Port Interior / Hardware – Groha
Firm’s Website Link: En Haut Architects
Firm’s Instagram Link: En Haut Architects
For Similar Project >>> The Liquescent House is a Testament to Organic Architecture
Editors’ Note – This colonial house in Delhi carries an ambience of grandeur, infused with the elegance of Victorian-style colonialism. Expansive living, dining, and kitchen areas open into light-filled spaces framed by large glazing that connect seamlessly to the surrounding landscape. Inside, tropical interiors with bold geometry add a contemporary layer of comfort. The residence […]
“Hilltop House” is envisioned as a contemporary yet context-sensitive residential project that harmonizes architecture and interior design to create a sanctuary perched on a scenic elevation. The design will respond directly to the topography, climate, and panoramic views, while delivering a highly functional, comfortable, and aesthetically refined living environment. This Hilltop House in Indore Is […]
In the layered urban grain of Manjeri, the Timeless House reimagines a 1970s sloping roof residence through careful transformation. It’s a home that doesn’t shout for attention, but quietly repositions itself within its time and place, a sensitive reinterpretation of memory, material, and movement. Originally built in 1972, the house was structurally sound, featuring load-bearing […]
Editor’s Note: There’s something truly special about homes crafted with thought and care—where every corner and detail speaks to its users, becoming part of their memories. For siblings Akhila and Kaushik, Sona Reddy Studio brought this vision to life in One Summer House, a rustic farmhouse tucked within the vibrant city of Hyderabad. Designed with […]
This southwest-facing bungalow, with golden accents in its interiors, is a refined expression of contextual and climate-responsive modern architecture. The home embraces its orientation with an intelligent façade design that balances aesthetic appeal and environmental performance. With the sun’s harshest rays hitting the structure in the latter half of the day, the architects incorporated a […]
This North Facing villa opens towards the East to always soak in the cool and diffused light. Its orientation is mindful of the adjoining clubhouse and its expansive garden. The planning allows the villa’s private lawn to visually merge with it, creating a larger and cohesive space. With a connection to the open space at […]
An Urban Sanctuary Woven with Craft, Warmth, and Light Explicitly tucked into a quiet residential pocket, this home with a jaali facade is a thoughtfully layered expression of calm, character, and craftsmanship. Every surface and corner is rooted in intention — where light, material, and memory meet. The Jaali Design in this Layered Home Exudes […]
Set in the serene landscape of Nashik, the Dabholkar Residence by GDA is a home, embracing stone clad walls. Here, tradition and contemporary design exist in harmony. Designed to reflect the family’s deep connection to tradition and art while embracing the style of contemporary living, it is a space where architectural details, heritage furniture, artwork […]
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 […]
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 […]