Located in Kerala’s Thrissur District, the ‘Mango house’ thrives to inscribe minimalist modernity as its design language while sharing a humble relationship with its immediate vicinity. As the project name duly indicates, the salient feature of the design would be the site’s resident old Mango tree which is wrapped around a layer of jali screens shaping into an external courtyard near the sit out. This was an attempt to merge the existing predominant site feature seamlessly with the introduced built environment.
Well Lit, Ventilated Home with an Open Layout Complimenting A Contemporary Lifestyle : Mango House | i2a Architects Studio
Visit : i2a Architects Studio
The project is designed for the simple family of Mr.Satheeshan, a Thrissur based businessman. The clients had a very clear and comprehensible vision of their dream abode right from the first meeting, with their requirements being simple yet relevant- a well lit and ventilated home with an open layout that would compliment their contemporary lifestyle.
The 10 cent linear plot had access points from both South and west sides being flanked by connection roads on either of those sides. Main entrance was proposed from South side to maintain the linearity in design. The chosen muted palette for the exterior was a complementing response to the surrounding morphology with residences on all four sides of the plot. The white plays its magic by capturing one’s whole attention to the building without being too loud or demanding. The subtle tint of greys given for the sunshades and fresh greenery stirs well with the white and augments the whole composition. Porous treatment of the front facade with MS mesh and the jali screening behind it stamps the character of the design right from the first glance. This softens the building boundaries enhancing the welcoming appeal without compromising much security.
This 2020 sq.ft residence was designed in an open concept with minimal walls used for drawing boundaries between spaces. The car porch is integrated well with the design having linear steps on its one side leading to a sit out that looks into the Mango tree courtyard. A small linear water body on its side adds to the freshness of the landscape. As we enter the house, all the public spaces including living, dining and Kitchen are designed to act cohesively without an evident barrier for demarcation. Courtyards bearing greenery are juxtaposed between the spaces, making sure they are in constant conversation with the landscape and building context. The living and dining spaces are aligned in a line with a breathing core between them, leading to an open kitchen at the end. The large courtyard spaced between staircase and breakfast counter, pours in ample amount of light and fresh air to the interior with the aid of skylight and double height jali walls on either sides. Cross ventilation is enabled throughout with large sliding windows and Porous jali screens placed on adequate walls. Vertical spatial connection is maintained as well with double height courtyard spaces acting as communication cores. The house has three bedrooms, one in ground floor and the rest in upper floor, each of them provided with either large sliding doors or windows ensuring appropriate cross ventilation.
The interior color palette was chosen corresponding to the overall theme of the house, with shades of grey, beige and white being the notable colors. The tint of green from the courtyards compliments perfectly the theme that embodies lightness and openness. The minimal theme extends to the furniture design was well, predominantly made of mahogany wood tinted to a light pine shade. Inbuilt seating provisions in the living room and upper corridor perform as storage units as well, translating the simplicity of the design language into practice. The material palette explores the raw textural qualities of each of the elements used , that is to say- MS sheets and wire mesh used for staircase, Nano white stone as counter/dining table tops, small swathes of cobble stones and baby metal laid in the courtyard. All of them are presented as it is without layers of extra modification or coating thus staying true to the design intend.
Following the prominent principle of “less is more”, this house of muted hues marks its subtle subsistence in the community, simultaneously speaking an ingenious design language of its own.
FACT FILE
Designed by : i2a Architects Studio
Project Type : Residential
Project Name : MANGO HOUSE
Location : Thrissur, Kerala
Year Built : 2021
Project Size : 2020 sq.ft
Project Cost Appx : 60 Lac
Principal Architect : Ar.Manuraj C.R
Team Design Credits : Ar.Albert Jose, Ar.Yamini Krishnan
Photography Courtesy : Turtlearts Photography
Products and Materials : Sanitaryware : Jaquar | Flooring: Spagres India PVT LTD Tiles | Kitchen: Hettich | Paint : Berger paints
Firm’s Website Link : i2a Architects Studio
Firm’s Instagram Link : i2a Architects Studio
Firm’s Facebook Link : i2a Architects Studio
This bungalow style house influences the site context and can be visualised in multiple facades of sharp edges & cuboidal form. Her,e salient features like U-Projection are an expression of the bench on a level one. The house divides itself into three bays. On the ground floor, where first bay acquire all public activities like […]
Imagine yourself on the terrace of your hidden mountain retreat, drinking a fresh cup of coffee as you admire the sunrise emerging from behind the rolling hills across the valley. This serene atmosphere is exactly what Hello Wood’s latest project, the Console House, is designed to offer. The Console House showcases modern architecture design while […]
As cities continue to grow and evolve, there is a growing desire to incorporate elements of rural living into urban design. By embracing rural living principles, cities can create more eco-friendly and sustainable spaces. Rural living is not just about wide-open spaces and rolling hills. It’s also about community, sustainability, and a connection to nature. […]
Located in the thriving city of Ichalkaranji, this is an example of luxury residences is a seamless blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication. The striking exterior, adorned with brick and natural stone cladding, exudes warmth, character, and permanence. These rich textures create a visually captivating façade, harmonizing tradition with contemporary design while making a […]
Throughout history, stone has embodied permanence, artistry, and raw beauty in architecture. From the grandeur of Roman amphitheaters to the earthy elegance of modern villas, stone remains a beloved material for its strength, sustainability, and aesthetic richness. As design trends evolve toward natural materials, eco-conscious decisions, and biophilic design, stone has found new expressions — […]
The space adopts a biophilic office design and climate-responsive approach, creating a workspace that reimagines urban interiors by deeply embedding them with nature. The style is earthy, minimal, and modern with a strong contextual sensitivity to its location. Also, a lush canopy surrounds the bare-shell site on the first floor, allowing for abundant daylight and […]
The design started from an old house where a family of seven stood, one yet to be born. Hari & Sreelakshmi, Usha-Hari’s mother, Malathi, teacher, Hari’s grandmother, kids, Sankari, Paru, and yet to be born Sreebala. Four generations living in a 60-year-old house that had begun to show its age with dimly lit rooms, leaking […]
The clients’ requirement was to create a wellbeing centre at Oleander Farms, Karjat, Maharashtra, that would be a tranquil sanctuary for their visitors. Walking through a dense canopy of trees, hearing the soft chirping of birds, we slowly embarked on an expanse of a 2-acre of land that was both open yet heavily tree-laden. This […]
The thought was to create a space which would act as a formal real estate workspace in the daytime and a family retreat in the evening. By its name, as it is, ‘Leveled. This office with a garden is defined using levels, in terms of volumes, surfaces as well as edges. These levels are rationalized […]
Nirmay (निर्मय) reflects purity and holistic well-being. Envisioned as a quiet sanctuary amidst the noise of urban life, these courtyard villas offer a way of living that is calm, conscious, and deeply connected to the land. Rooted in sustainability and ecological harmony, the design responds to both nature and the everyday rhythms of its inhabitants. […]