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 with native flora that further accentuates its connection to nature.
Editor’s Note: “Wrapped in Kerala’s tropical surroundings, Aangan unfolds beneath terracotta slopes like a quiet wonder. With the mango tree standing as a witness, this home gathers moments filled with old memories. Moreover, Aangan serves as an extension of Earth itself, where time slows and life comes alive with native spirit.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
This Tropical Home Design Features A Striking Sloped Terracotta Roof In Kerala | Vriksha Architects
Cobblestone pavement, laid in a circular pattern, defines the entrance to the house and lends a distinctive charm to the design. Bangalore stone complements the look, harmonizing with the tropical surroundings to create a natural, earthy ambiance.
At the heart of Aangan lies a spacious central courtyard, an open-concept design that fluidly connects all common areas. Thus, fostering interaction and a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.
A notable feature of the project is the preservation of an existing mango tree, which has been integrated into the design as a central element, reinforcing the home’s commitment to sustainability and respecting the natural landscape.
This five-bedroom haven is a perfect blend of contemporary architecture and traditional tropical elements, offering a serene and timeless retreat that resonates with Kerala’s tropical climate and cultural essence.
The playfulness of spaces brought forth pause moments, inviting one to gaze into the intimate gardens. It also encouraged grabbing a book for a reading binge and settling into the ‘nadumuttam,’ surrounded by the greens.
The sanctuary of the house, The Dining space, takes the interior up a notch. The journey from the “Nadumuttam” leads to the Dining, where it branches into other interior chambers. The dining table gets the spotlight in this double-height space, evoking the sense of freedom.
The Mahogany and Moroccan flooring working together, enhances the intimacy of this space. The panoramic view from the dining features the large round windows and Staircase.
‘Aangan’ was the culmination of a dream for the family, bonded by the threads of precious moments. The colors and textures of natural materials — exposed brick and rubble, Kotta stone, mahogany, and steel — remained functional while seamlessly merging with the greens. The central “nadumuttam”connected visually to the inside.
The round window, encouraging the airflow into the space, captivates the viewer’s attention with the unique scale and the harmony in colors. All trailing to the view of staircase, ascending with Mahogany treads and industrial railing. Collaborating in bringing forth the synergy between tradition and innovation.
The hallway leads to a patio near the dining area, offering a cozy nook for enjoying quiet reading moments. Indoor plants thrive under the sunlight streaming through the skylight.
The contours of the rubble wall serve as a token of sustainability, eventually leading to the window that frames the view of nature. The harmony of the earthy materials transforms into something magical.
A traditional bedroom exudes a blend of cultural elements and natural charm, with rattan mesh accents adding a sense of lightness and texture.
A shared kids’ bedroom is not only a solution for limited space but also an opportunity to strengthen the bond between siblings. It creates lasting memories through late-night giggles and secret conversations. It combines the innocence of childhood with a touch of elegance, creating a space where dreams are nurtured and imaginations flourish. It’s a room where two little girls can embrace their femininity, express their creativity, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
This enchanting, colourful girls’ room is a world of sweetness and charm. Every detail is carefully crafted to create a magical haven that celebrates femininity and elegance.
Lush tropical plants in vibrant greens and rich hues greet you on the patio, creating a serene oasis, while the fragrance of blooming flowers fills the air.
This traditional bedroom features a brick wall, rattan mesh, Moroccan tiles, and a tropical-filled patio. It harmoniously blends cultural influences with natural beauty, offering a retreat that soothes the senses and inspires the soul.
Aangan offers panoramic views of its natural surroundings. Every aspect of the design, from the layout to the placement of windows, is meticulously crafted to capture the essence of Kerala’s green views and fresh air. This ensures the bedroom maintains a constant connection to nature.
Aangan is not just a home but a serene retreat—where traditional elements and modern design converge to celebrate the beauty of tropical living.
Fact File
Designed by: Vriksha Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: aangan
Location: Kondotty, Kerala
Year Built: 2023
Project Size: 4000 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Shameem Imthiyas
Photograph Courtesy: jenseer_arch.photographer
Firm’s Instagram Link: Vriksha Architects
For Similar Project >>> The Brick House Exterior is a Jewel in the Dense Urban Fabric
In a landscape where aspiration quietly waits, Granthalay emerges as a circular building and sanctuary for learning—gathering people, knowledge, and place into a shared civic moment. Granthalay is conceived as a civic institution that extends beyond the conventional idea of a library, responding to the acute lack of educational and community infrastructure in the district […]
A dilapidated old manor house in Jaffna peninsula, with warped roof beams, warped door windows and many structural defects were presented to the architects for refurbishment- by clients- to be refurbished as a retirement home for themselves who were returning to Sri Lanka after escaping to overseas due to the 25 years old North East […]
This residence is a sincere exploration of how architecture can remain simple, climate sensitive, cost-effective, and emotionally grounded, without compromising on spatial quality or design intent. Conceived as a 3BHK modest home for a small family, the project stands as a testament to what is possible when thoughtful planning, craft-oriented construction, and material intelligence come […]
Design, when it emerges as a living tapestry, turns the experience of living into a vibrant everyday narrative. Baldota House in Alandi, Pune by ARCHOS accommodates three generations under a single roof in the area spanning 7500 Sq. Ft. Spearheaded by the family’s desire for a generous space and a theatrical essence along with balanced […]
Few homes are celebrated for their iconic interiors, while some are celebrated for their open layouts. True to its unique context and subtleties, this home with a monochromatic palette, designed by Ar. Saumya Khanna & Ar. Sudhir Ambawata Co – founders & principle architects of SSDA Architects brings the essence of volumetric design and a […]
Adopting sustainable living today, both in design and daily life, is crucial for reducing our environmental footprint and preserving resources for future generations. In the design of this bamboo pavilion, this means using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and creating spaces that harmonize with natural surroundings. In daily living, sustainability involves mindful consumption, reducing waste, conserving […]
Tucked into the lush landscape of Thiruvananthapuram, Aashiyana is a residence that balances context, climate, and craft. Designed by architect Srijit Srinivas, this bungalow is conceived as more than a tropical retreat-it is a spatial journey where bold colour, filtered light, and thoughtful materials orchestrate a distinctive atmosphere. Nestled Amidst Lush Landscape Aashiyana Balances Craft […]
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 […]
Project 1374 is located in one of the plotted developments in the north of Bangalore, characterized by well-demarcated plots, open spaces, spacious roads, and organized infrastructure. Trees flank the wide streets, dividing the plots with dense canopies offering shaded avenues. Abutting the plot stood a cluster of trees- a quiet presence. We borrowed these trees […]
‘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 […]