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.
Editor’s Note: “Guided by Kerala’s climate patterns and inspired by its traditional architecture, this home illuminates an old soul with modern elegance. Built around an old mango tree, the home adores simplicity and minimalistic design approach. With walls moulded in earthy laterite, roof sculpted with mangalore tiles, and furniture carved from wood, this home is a testament to contemporary ethos with simplicity interwoven in it.” ~Rajvi Dedakiya
This Traditional Kerala Home is Rooted in Simplicity and Modern Elegance | Vaktra Architects
“When the clients approached us, they envisioned a home free from over-ornamentation. Simple, modern, yet rooted in Kerala’s climate. Aman became a canvas where minimalism meets warmth” shares Ar. Insaf.
“Every detail, from the preserved mango tree to the natural materials, was intentional” adds Ar. Salwa.
Set on a 16-cent L-shaped plot, the house faces east despite its southern entry, a decision guided by Kerala’s sunlight patterns. A mature mango tree, cherished by the client, shaped the layout, ensuring nature remained at the forefront.
A clean, minimalist aesthetic. Functional outdoor spaces: a front yard, backyard, and landscaped courtyard. Climate-responsive design with modern sensibilities.
To fulfil this, the kitchen was placed on the northeast side, connected to a textured RR masonry screen wall that stretches to the plot’s eastern edge. This wall, clad in earthy laterite, frames the backyard and porch while pivoted wooden shutters offer glimpses of the lush surroundings.
The home is thoughtfully divided into three zones:
Sit-out & Living Room: A welcoming space with clean lines and soaring ceilings, anchored by Jaisalmer marble flooring that glows in natural light.
Family Living, Dining & Kitchen: The heart of the home, where daily life unfolds. A patio extends from the family area, merging indoors with outdoors.
A sculptural wooden staircase becomes a focal point, while a built-in bay window in the dining area invites family gatherings.
Bedrooms: Each features cozy bay windows designed for reading or quiet conversations. Soft light filters through, blending privacy with nature’s embrace.
The design embraced raw, natural textures to amplify the home’s minimalist soul. Floors: Jaisalmer marble (living areas) and rugged Kota stone (kitchen). Walls: RR masonry cladding and laterite stone, celebrating Kerala’s vernacular craft. Wood: Stairs, shutters, and furniture in warm reddish tones add organic warmth.
Walls in white, yellow, and cement grey create a calming backdrop. Floral-patterned fabrics on sofas, chairs, and cushions infuse subtle vibrancy. Handpicked artworks, paintings, and pendant lights echo the home’s understated elegance.
Aman reimagines the traditional Kerala home through a minimalist lens. Courtyards become meditative retreats, while open layouts and natural materials honour the region’s architectural DNA.
“It’s a space for both solitude and social connection—where families gather, monsoons are celebrated, and peace is perpetual,” reflects Ar. Insaf.
Fact File
Designed by: Vaktra Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Aman
Location: Malappuram, Kerala
Year Built: 2024
Duration of the project: 2021-2024
Project Size: 2800 Sq.ft
Project Cost: 85 Lakhs
Principal Architects: Ar. Badarul Insaf & Ar. Salwa
Team Design Credits: Ar. Jasim & Swafwan
Photograph Courtesy: concreto_grapher
Firm’s Instagram Link: Vaktra Architects
For Similar Project >>A Meticulously Designed House that Caters to a Joint Family while Embracing the Principles of Vastu Shastra
Situated on a compact 1200 sft south-west corner plot, this residence was conceived as an inward-looking sanctuary for a family of four — a home that balances privacy and openness, light and enclosure, within the dense urban fabric. This Residence Was Conceived As An Inward-Looking Sanctuary For A Family Of Four | The Insideout Studio […]
‘Roots’ was an experiment to build sustainably but not confer to the design language typically associated with sustainable buildings. This residential project re-considers the expression of sustainable architecture through a minimalist and materially grounded lens. Located on a 4,000 sq.ft. plot, the designers conceived the house for a family of three and their pet, organizing […]
This project was planned in between lockdown when the client realized the importance of open space close to nature, aligning with a greenery house design that was required by the client’s aging parents and his young kids. Editor’s Note: Rooted in stillness and shaped by togetherness, this home flows gently between the indoors and nature […]
The Sanctum in Amritsar, designed by Renesa Architecture Design Interiors Studio, stands as a rare architectural experiment in India. It is an attempt to reinvent the domestic typology through geometry, material, and spatial narrative. Spread over 12,000 sq ft on a generous 3 acres plot, the house positions itself as a contemporary meditation on permanence and […]
Mishti’s House by KD ASSOCIATE is a striking example of contemporary residential architecture that blends modern aesthetics with mindful design. The facade features a harmonious mix of exposed red brick, smooth white plaster, and wooden-toned vertical fins, creating depth and visual balance. A unique geometric lattice screen with a Buddha motif serves as both a […]
Located in HMT Layout, Bangalore, Isha_Srinidhi Nilaya stands as a multi-generational home designed on a compact 60×40 ft (2400 sq. ft) East facing plot, with a total built-up area of 8000 sq. ft. East Facing a lush public park, the residence responds to its urban setting through a layered design that balances privacy with a […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
Architecture font choices go beyond style—they shape how your work is perceived. From portfolios to presentations, the right architecture font instantly communicates clarity, precision, and personality. As architects, we design not just with space but with every detail, including typography. Selecting a strong architecture font shows your commitment to visual storytelling and design consistency. In […]
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 […]