Traditional architecture style that is designed to touch the Soul. This 2800 Sq.ft house creates an environment that helps one to open up into the stillness within, thus helping the user to experience a truer beauty, function, and meaning to the space. Aham stands beautifully in the middle of lush greenery and mesmerizing natural beauty of Kerala, grabbing one’s attention from very far itself with its traditional sloped roofing at different heights.
Unique Statement of Traditional Architecture Style in the Rural Context : Aham | i2a Architects Studio
Visit: i2a Architects Studio
The brief aims to revert to a grounded lifestyle setup through a design that captures the essence of being connected to one’s roots and values. The client’s understanding of the relevance of landscape and the design team’s conscious effort to integrate that with the activities inside built spaces pilot the project decisions.
Aham showcases its unique statement of traditional architecture style in the rural context of Kerala with a touch of modernity evoking the feel of newness and rawness. This type of architecture may exude a heightened soul-touching quality , reminding one of the power of both nature and architecture.
The conceptual start was to place the central courtyard as the ‘soul’ of the house which ties the rest of the house. The car porch and sit out area has a distinct piece of landscape inserted with an elegant backdrop of jali and terracotta tiles carefully placed. The guest living is isolated from the rest of the house with large windows, giving an expansive view to the courtyard. The passage that runs around the courtyard gives privacy as well as filter the light and wind passing through the jali screens.
The informal living, dining and kitchen spaces, all aligned in a row, in an open plan, thus these active cores of the house remain connected to each other and open itself to the courtyard all the time. The built form is tailored to unwind into these green pockets at numerous points, reassuring the purpose of connecting to nature in a real sense.
This project is choreographed to create an open, free-flowing movement within the elements of walls and floors around the alluring central courtyard. Living space and the 2 bedrooms in the first floor are designed to cultivate strong feeling of connection, achieved through strategical openings and cut-outs that act as uncompelled visual linkages between floors.
A simple yet bold aesthetic that’s easy on the eyes sets the visual and tactile treatment base. The beige hue on the exterior walls adds an elegant contrast to the beautiful greenery around. The terracotta claddings on the surfaces enhance the overall look of the charming house. Finishes are envisioned to age gracefully, adding to the aesthetic appeal over time.
The interior is kept minimal with just adding the warm tone of the teak wood. Every element is customized to synchronize, creating a house that is wholly perceived as an artifact, eliminating the need for apparent décor and disconnected furniture.
Fact File
Designed by: i2a Architects Studio
Project Type: Residence Architecture & Interior Design
Project Name: Aham
Location: Guruvayoor, Kerala
Year Built: 2022
Duration of project: 2 Year
Plot Area: 22 Cent
Project Size: 2800 Sq.ft
Project Cost Appx: 90 Lac
Principal Architect: Manuraj C R
Team Design Credits: Arjun k j
Photograph Courtesy : Running Studios
Consultants for the Project
Contractors: A J Joy, Joy Homes, Pavaratty
Products & Materials: Finishes: Cement Finish, Paint Finish | Wall covering / Cladding: Terracotta Cladding | Lighting: Ledlum | Sanitary Ware: Jaquar | Windows: Wood | Furniture: Yellow Petals | Flooring : Tiles-Simpolo | Paint: Confetti (Asian Paints)
Firm’s Website Link : i2a Architects Studio
Firm’s Instagram Link : i2a Architects Studio
Firm’s Facebook Link : i2a Architects Studio
For Similar Project>>Merging Rooted Indian Heritage and a Contemporary Guesthouse
Nestled within Prakriti Farms, this residence epitomizes rustic farmhouse interior design charm and a deep connection with the natural world. Its elegance lies in its emphasis on elemental materials and its seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. With three bedrooms and a spacious living area, the home was strategically designed in an L shape to […]
House of Heights: How design shapes relationships and well-being? “A house can transform its people. The living room, the tallest space in my home, is where we socialize, express our feelings, and spend the most time—an open arena for life’s conversations. The impact of front elevation design on home and harmony further emphasizes how thoughtful design […]
Spacious, inviting, and intimate, courtyards have an integral place in the vernacular architecture across India. Beyond their climatic purposes, courtyards assume the role of a social space, a space for contemplation, and a space where something happens. Their presence in various forms, proportions, and sizes has been a ubiquitous feature in Indian vernacular architecture. The […]
Located in Bangalore, opposite a large neighborhood park, a set of 4 houses was to be built—one of which was to be the personal house for the client, and the others were to be let out. The intent of these Bangalore homes was to create a quiet presence on the street and evoke a sense of […]
The modern residence integrates contemporary architecture with biophilic design principles, offering a luxurious and nature-connected living experience. The exterior features clean lines, landscaped lawns, and vertical green walls that soften the structure while promoting sustainability. The minimalist contemporary interior designs of this are designed with an open-plan layout, double-height ceilings, and large glass openings, ensuring […]
Some homes are big on square footage but don’t maximize space—and then some compact ones make the most of precious space at a premium. Located in Bangalore, this 3,000 sq. ft. villa interior design exemplifies this residential project, exploring staggered volumes that led to creating spaces at multiple levels, including a mezzanine floor. As per […]
In the heart of Gurugram, where the city’s energy pulses with both hard work and hard play, a 2600 sq. ft. rooftop terrace design has been transformed into the ultimate hangout spot. Designed for the young and the young at heart, this terrace captures the spirit of a city that knows how to balance the […]
In the vibrant town of Kannur, Kerala, the contemporary house design of this residence is more than a home—it’s a sanctuary designed to nurture both body and soul. Built for a family of five, it blends minimalist elegance with everyday comfort, creating a space that feels alive, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature. Editor’s Note: […]
The one-acre site of Saukhya Farm is nestled in the lush valley of Beze Village, on the outskirts of Nashik. Surrounded by small farms, it offers sweeping views of Beze Dam and the surrounding hills. The clients’ brief was to transform the site into a farmhouse and to cultivate part of it into an orchard. Work […]
Nestled on the bustling Karnavati Road in Ahmedabad, this modern residence spans over a 10,881 sq. ft. corner plot, seamlessly integrating form, function, and tranquility. The house is thoughtfully planned in an L-shaped configuration of this house design, with its entry oriented to the east and a lush garden strategically placed in the southwest corner […]