The house was conceived for a hardware trader and his
family of 2 kids and wife in the village of Puthoor in Kottarakkara, Kerala.
There was an old house in the site which was demolished to construct the new
one. All trees within the site were left as it is, as part of the landscape.
The north facing frontage of the plot had beautiful shade offering trees some
of which lean over the house and pool offering maximum shade from the
relentless summer sun. Even though the property has its longer side facing the
east-west direction, the building is designed so that the longer side faces the
North and South with its major openings facing the waterbody screened by a
wooden slats wall on the northern side and a large garden and swimming pool on
the southern side. The main access road on the north side ramps up to the west
from the east where the property level is at par with the road. Fenestrations
on the south-western side of the building lets in cool breeze throughout the
day keeping the building well ventilated.The timber reapers on the north facade
provides discreteness to the home from the street, which is at a higher level
towards the western side yet letting in diffused light and air through it.
The layout of this home is articulated in such a way that
each room with specific functions gets a view towards a water pool in the north
or a large garden in the south. The core of the home is the double height
family living/dining which extents out to the water pool in the north and
garden in the south. Abundance of natural light and cross ventilation is
harnessed in this area though the use of large sliding and pivot operable glass
shutters with timber frames on either sides respectively. The perched up wooden
passage in this area enables the connection between various activities on the
above floor.
The clever use of natural materials and plentiful amounts
of cross ventilation along with landscaped roofs keeps the temperature within
the house cooler than that of outside. Materials used are quite simple and
conventional- country burnt brick&mortar, natural stone, timber and glass.
The floor is layered with black warangal leather with an inlay of nano glass
white marble in between. Portions of wood are also thrown in certain areas.
The deliberate creation of nature which encloses
this home ensures an active interaction between other nature’s beings and
members of the family. During the summer numerous species of birds visit the
house for a dip and drink in the water pool in front making it a joyful
experience. Also the garden bed over the timber reapers in north is a safe
haven for many nestled beings throughout the year creating this a home within
nature.