Set within the lush landscapes of Bharanikavu in Kollam, Arcade – a single storey residence that blends tropical modern architecture with colonial and traditional elements. Designed for a businessman, his wife (a teacher) and their two daughters, this house showcases a shared interest for elegance rooted in familiarity.
This Single Storey Home Sits Amidst Lush Landscapes | De.Solve Studio
From the very start, clients expressed their deep admiration towards the grandeur of single storey colonial palaces and the characteristics of traditional Kerala architecture, seeking to see these influences translated meaningfully to their residence.
The design interprets these ideas through a contemporary lens, balancing ornamentation with restraint and reintroducing past elements thoughtfully. It places the building mass away from the road in a linear formation, ensuring full visibility and a strong street presence.
The façade introduces the single storey home’s defining gesture through a series of graceful arches. These arches sit beneath sloped tiled roofs and flat slabs, creating a layered architectural composition. The design meticulously proportions these multiple roof forms to achieve visual balance while responding to the tropical climate. The interplay of arches and layered roofscapes emerges as the most striking architectural feature of the house.
Entrance lobby, designed as a transition space which blurs the lines of exterior and interior spaces. Conceived as an open space, the entrance is surrounded on all four sides by lush greenery. This greenery filters daylight, while a tranquil waterbody enhances the entry with soothing sensory experience.
From this green foyer an interconnecting corridor divides the house into two distinct zones. The semi-public wing accommodates a convertible space which can be used both as a guest bedroom and an office space if required.
To the other side lies the private zone, where a family living room, dining area, kitchen and three bedrooms unfold around an internal corridor which is wrapped around a private courtyard. This courtyard forms the climatic and emotional heart of the house drawing in natural light and ventilation while visually connecting the family spaces.
Extending from it, a swimming pool is positioned in the most private corner of the plot, where it not only ensures seclusion but also helps cool the passing breeze before it flows into the courtyard and adjoining living areas.
Inside a palette of soft whites and warm wood defines the atmosphere. The arched windows and wooden frames echo the architectural language of the exterior, creating continuity from exterior to interior.
Warm morning light from the east and the softer evening glow from the west wash the interiors in a natural golden tone, enhancing the warmth of the materials and enriching the spatial experience throughout the day.
The interplay of filtered light, greenery and material tactility fosters a sense of quit luxury grounded in simplicity. Through its rhythmic arches, layered roofs and courtyard centered planning, Arcade becomes an environment where climate, privacy and everyday rituals coexist in harmonious balance.
Fact File
Designed by: De.Solve Studio
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Arcade
Location: Bharanikavu, Kollam, Kerala
Year Built: 2025
Duration of the project: 1 Year
Project Size: 4488 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Ar. Arjun V A, Ar. Anoop P Nair & Ar. Ananthan S
Photograph Courtesy: iksha.in
Interior Styling: Adheena Baburaj, Dhi design studio
Products / Materials / Vendors: Wallcovering / Cladding – Lamit Monsoon Black tumbled stones Construction Materials – Red bricks / Lighting – philips, white teak company, silvan lights / Doors and Partitions –Teak Wood / Sanitaryware – kohler & jaguar / Facade Systems – Wood and Glass / Windows – Wooden / Furniture – Wooden / Flooring – Vertified Tiles – Simpolo / Kitchen – Simpolo kitchdeck Full body Counter Top / Paint – Asian Paints / Wallpaper – Asian Paints
Firm’s Instagram Link: De.Solve Studio
Firm’s Facebook Link: De.Solve Studio
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