Various Sensory Experiences are Enhanced in this Kerala home | Mudbricks Architects
Visit: Mudbricks Architects
Editor’s Note: As so rightly named, ‘carving a court of quietude’ observes itself within a grounded practice. It has a humbling and unalloyed aura that is authentically etched within every space. The linear courtyard is an apt instance of it, not to mention the absolute genuity with which the spatial elements are crafted. ~ Nishal Sevak
Oasis of Tranquillity, reflecting the calmness attained within the rushed urban context, is located at the heart of the city. The design transitions progress the space in a hierarchical order by segregating the spaces. Various sensory experiences are enhanced in this Kerala home.
The design of the residence has responded neatly to the plot and its environmental constraints. Despite the challenge of a small corner plot of 7.7 cents, surrounded by mixed use development that includes automobile workshops and commercial entities, the design optimally utilizes space.
The client being a judicial officer, a family of four, sought privacy amid the city’s hustle. One of the main elements was to cut off the external chaos. In order to facilitate the same, a high compound wall was made with a small serene area. A feature of falling water was developed to control the internal thermal comfort. This space creates an amazing ambience within the rush surroundings.
Natural ventilation well placed openings allow ample natural north light which is the calmest light in the surrounding to circulate fresh air and light throughout the space. The air filling in, exits through the small vents of the jail creating a funnel effect. Open floor plans and high ceilings are created to experience an expansive and airy feeling.
The interplay of light and shadow within the house creates a soothing atmosphere. Warm colour schemes that evoke the energy of fire such as red and orange has been used in moderation to create a balanced atmosphere.
The design emphasizes spaciousness, with skylights connecting residents with the expansive sky. Balconies and verandas offer scenic views, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living. The staircase, serving as a functional and artistic element, leads to an office space and a double-roofed terrace with panoramic views.
Further, the office space is designed in such a way that it is closely connected with their private family spaces and at the same time, it has connectivity with a spiral staircase for professional visitors. This residence has cosy nooks and reading corners that allow the residents to escape from the urban hustle.
The design embraces the concept of Panchabootha, that evokes the sense and experience of the spaces enhancing the tranquillity in the spaces by connecting with nature through materials like stone, exposed concrete, wood, and earth-toned décor that creates a sophisticated elegance, versatility, and are gentle to eye.
The central core – dining area merges with the outdoor deck space which is extended along the periphery of the compound wall creating a connecting corridor. The dining tends to be a sandwiched between the water and green element.
The cascading water element with the resonance of falling waters and tinkling wind chimes, not only enhances the aesthetics but also elevates the mind and mood. Basically, it provides a sense of calmness fostering its continuity and tranquillity while elevating the levels of serotonin. It also acts as a sound barrier, breaking the hustle bustle of the urban core.
Structurally the dining space is double heighted, and the open living space is resting over I sectioned panelled on either sides creating a floated deck feeling. Furthermore, several methods of energy efficiency have also been implemented: such as the entire structure is run on solar power energy, and underground sump for easier motoring of water.
Also, there is a seamless flow of spaces throughout the house provides a perception of energy that is calm yet continuous.
Fact File
Designed by: Mudbricks Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Carving a Court of Quietude in the Bustling Cityscape
Location: Kochi, Kerala
Year Built: 2023
Duration of the project: 2 Years
Plot Area: 7.7 Cents
Built-up Area: 3890 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Ar. Surya Prasanth
Team Design Credits: Ar. Anchana, Er. Midhu Prabhakaran, Dhanya KR & Deepak KV
Photograph Courtesy: Justin Sebastian
Products / Materials / Vendors: Wallcovering / Cladding – Nuvocotta Jali (Camp, Amber) / Construction Materials – Wienerberger Porotherm bricks / Doors and Partitions – Jacksons Flush doors, Hekur glass door with ceramic coating / Sanitaryware – Hans Grohe, Villeroy and Boch, Vitra / Facade Systems – Nuvocotto Jali / Windows – First class teak wood, Schucco toilet ventilators / Flooring – Jaisalmer stone, Kota stone / Kitchen – Uniwood / Paint – Jotun, ICA Wood Polish / Hardware – Hafele, Yale, Saint Gobain Glass
Firm’s Website Link: Mudbricks Architects
Firm’s Instagram Link: Mudbricks Architects
For Similar Projects >> Baag-E-Fursat, A Place Of Tranquility & Peace And An Escape From The City’s Hustle Bustle
Editor’s Note: Some places feel rooted because they belong to their surroundings rather than trying to stand apart from them. Coffee Sangam in Andhra Pradesh takes this approach through a raw, tactile palette of brick, stone, teak, and mild steel. The random rubble compound wall extends the landscape into the architecture, while the Corten steel […]
Envisioned as a contemporary home rooted in Indian sensibilities, this residence sits on a south-facing urban plot. The design accommodates the evolving lifestyle of a multi-generational family. The project integrates architecture and interiors to create functional, climate-responsive, and emotionally connected spaces. Each level balances privacy with interaction. The design also allows flexibility for changing family […]
Editorial Note: Some homes are shaped by the memories, objects, and stories their residents carry with them. Ungana in Chennai, meaning “merge” in Swahili, brings together a well-travelled family’s collection of antiques and everyday rituals within a narrow urban plot. A double-height living space becomes the heart of the home, connecting the kitchen and dining […]
House of the Framed Atrium explores how a contemporary home can revolve around light, connection, and shared experiences. The design follows the ideas of a Living Atrium, Living with Nature, Framed Volumes, Vertical Living, and Timeless Materiality. The residence connects a sequence of interconnected spaces around a dramatic triple-height atrium. The atrium forms the heart […]
A Mock-up That Became a Home – For an architecture practice, a mock-up often helps test an idea before the team translates it into a larger project. It allows architects to work at full scale, examine materials and construction techniques, and understand their limitations. The process also gives them room to test different brick bonds and […]
The house began not with a formal brief, but with a conversation about the kind of life the clients hoped to build within it. Set between the denser urban fabric of Kannur and the quieter residential landscapes of North Kerala, the project responds to a desire for openness and connection. At the same time, the […]
“Pravah” — A House That Breathes is envisioned as the main concept of this home revolves around a fluid, light-filled home where architecture becomes a continuous experience of movement, air, and connection. Located in Pal Gamtal, Surat, the project is a residential redevelopment on a 1,850 sq.ft. plot within a dense urban fabric. The site, […]
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 […]