Nestled amidst the uneven contours of tropical terrain, this simple traditional Kerala house emerges as a refined embodiment of sustainable tropical architecture—a delicate blossom flourishing in perfect symbiosis with its verdant surroundings. Envisioned for a small family with equality for openness and an intimate connection to nature, the residence captures the essence of tropical living, creating harmony between architecture and nature and creating an immersive sensory experience. The simple traditional kerala house blends easily with its surroundings, creating a sustainable and comfortable retreat.
This Simple Traditional Kerala House Creates an Immersive Experience | Studio 3TwentyOne
The site’s naturally picturesque setting served as a canvas for creating a home that captures and celebrates its surrounding beauty. Every window is significantly positioned to frame the living artwork of the landscape, transforming the walls into living portraits of nature.
The residence is organised around a central core composed of three courtyards, which blur the line between indoors and outdoors. These courtyards anchor the living, dining, family room, and kitchen, fostering a sense of openness and connectivity while also preserving privacy for the bedrooms.
True to its tropical roots, Project MUKULIKA embodies the principles of sustainability, employing passive design strategies that enhance both comfort and energy deficiency.
Fenestrations are strategically placed along wind corridors. Thus, allowing fresh breeze to flow freely through the house and improving indoor air quality.
Drawing inspiration from vernacular forms, the attic features ventilation channels that reduce heat buildup, further cooling the interior naturally.
A water feature adjoining the verandah functions as a natural cooling agent, tempering the air as it flows into the home, while the colonnaded verandah has a transitional threshold that reduces solar heat gain and serves as an inviting prelude to the residence.
The selection of flora in the internal courtyards was carefully curated to enhance air quality, maintaining oxygen rich spaces even during the night hours.
Bathed in natural light, the residence radiates a warmth and vitality that not only elevates the user experience but also significantly reduces energy consumption.
Furthermore, from the morning light filtering into the living areas to the dappled sunlight in the courtyards, the house embraces the rhythms of the day. Thus, making it a lively yet serene environment.
The interior palette is a testament to the union of the organic and the refined. Moreover, it emphasises tactile, earthy materials that resonate with the natural surroundings.
The courtyards are framed by robust terracotta brick walls. Meanwhile, the ceilings, adorned with terracotta tiles, present an elegant contrast against the crisp, whitewashed walls. The entrance is a theatrical experience in itself. A footbridge spanning a serene Koi pond, where the motion of water and fish creates a tranquil underfoot journey.
This leads to a spacious foyer centred around a monstered plant, outering a brief teaser of the nature-infused design that permeates the rest of the home.
While rooted in the wisdom of vernacular architecture, which has evolved to respond to the tropical climate over generations, PROJECT MUKULIKA easily accommodates the modern lifestyle of its users.
The double height dining room, with its clerestory windows, utilizes the stack effect to naturally ventilate the home. Thus, allowing warm air to escape and cooler air to circulate.
This blend of time tested architectural techniques with contemporary design makes the residence comfortable in all seasons. Thus, creating a sanctuary that balances tradition and modernity.
This architectural masterpiece is more than a mere residence; it is a living dialogue between built form and nature. Project MUKULIKA is a sanctuary where sustainability, design elegance, and contemporary living combine in perfect harmony.
It is a testament to sustainable design, creating a tranquil yet sophisticated abode that aligns with both the nostalgic past and the dynamic present.
Fact File
Designed by: Studio 3TwentyOne
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Project Mukulika
Location: Kottayam, Kochi, Kerala
Year Built: 2024
Duration of the project: 2023-2024
Built-up Area: 3000 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Anupa Ria Kurian
Team Design Credits: Ashwika George & Sona Abraham
Photograph Courtesy: Running Studios
Products / Materials / Vendors: Finishes – Jotun Paints / Wallcovering / Cladding – C Antony, Kottayam / Sanitaryware – Kohler / Kitchen – Ajith wood works
Firm’s Instagram Link: Studio 3TwentyOne
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