Related Tags

Gramam Living by Sarwaa by A N Design Studio

Architecture

24-04-2026

Photographer : Nathan Photos

Text provided by Architect

Gramam Living by Sarwaa: A Contemporary Homage to Street, Community, and Memory 

Rooted deeply in its context, Gramam Living by Sarwaa unfolds as a thoughtful response to both place and purpose. Designed to cater to the growing identity of the Sarwaa brand, the project balances functional requirements with a sensitive acknowledgment of the street’s existing character—allowing the building to belong while still standing out as a quiet landmark. 

The façade becomes the first storyteller. Drawing inspiration from the original structure on site, its proportions echo the earlier two-level composition—three windows marking the upper floor and a distinct two-part division at the ground level. Rather than replicating the past, the design abstracts these cues, blending them with elements borrowed from the surrounding street to create a familiar yet refreshed visual language. The result is a frontage that feels grounded in memory while confidently introducing a new identity. 

A recurring cross pattern animates the façade and continues seamlessly into the interiors, emerging subtly across partitions, cabinetry, and detailing. This motif acts as a connective tissue throughout the project, visually tying together the exterior and interior narratives. 

Trivandrum,Kerala,India

Architects : A N Design Studio
Area : 3,500 sq. ft.
Year of Completion : 2025
Website : https://www.instagram.com/an.design_studio/

Exterior view of Gramam Living by Sarwaa by A N Design Studio


Entry lounge of Gramam Living by Sarwaa by A N Design Studio

At the heart of the layout lies its strongest conceptual anchor—an interpretation of the traditional agraharam. The spatial planning is organised around a nadumuttam, envisioned as a communal gathering space that encourages interaction and shared experiences. In a contemporary twist, the designers introduce a secondary axis aligned with the street, forming a long, integrated corridor that gently draws visitors inward. This procession culminates at the central courtyard, reinforcing a sense of discovery and arrival. 

The three guest rooms are generous in scale, each expressing a distinct variation of the same overarching theme. While the client brought in numerous visual references from social media, the design process focused on distilling these inspirations into a cohesive language—one that feels elegant yet unpretentious. The resulting aesthetic is an amalgamation of agraharam-inspired patterns and details, layered with references to hyper-local flora. 

Wooden elements, kolam motifs, and handcrafted details are complemented by landscaping and visual cues drawn from familiar regional flowers such as thetti and hibiscus. These elements subtly reinforce the project’s name—Gramam—anchoring it firmly in a sense of place and collective memory. 


Passage to courtyard of Gramam Living by Sarwaa by A N Design Studio


Pool side view of Gramam by A N Design Studio


Corridor of Gramam Living by Sarwaa by A N Design Studio


Bedroom 1 of Gramam Living by Sarwaa by A N Design Studio


Bedroom 1 of Gramam Living by Sarwaa by A N Design Studio


Bedroom 1 of Gramam Living by Sarwaa by A N Design Studio


Bedroom 2 of Gramam Living by Sarwaa by A N Design Studio


Bedroom 2 of Gramam Living by Sarwaa by A N Design Studio


Bedroom 3 of Gramam Living by Sarwaa by A N Design Studio


Enclosed Bay Balcony of Gramam Living by Sarwaa by A N Design Studio



Dining area of Gramam Living by Sarwaa by A N Design Studio


Toilet of Gramam Living by Sarwaa by A N Design Studio


Toilet of Gramam Living by Sarwaa by A N Design Studio


Dusk light view of pool side area of Gramam Living by Sarwaa by A N Design Studio

Designed primarily as a group-stay destination rather than isolated individual rooms, the architecture emphasizes connection. Visual cross-links, shared spaces, and the central courtyard come together like interlocking pieces of a puzzle, fostering a sense of togetherness that aligns seamlessly with the client’s vision. 

Rejecting the polish of a conventional modern hotel, the interiors embrace warmth and imperfection. Natural wood finishes, tactile fabrics, handmade tiles, and deliberate pops of colour introduce a lived-in charm. These subtle irregularities soften the space, lending it character and authenticity—qualities that transform Gramam Living from a place of stay into an experience of belonging.


Night exterior view of Gramam by A N Design Studio


Elevation & Courtyard view of Gramam by A N Design Studio



Tags
retreat
hotels
architecture
interior-design
hospitality-architecture
hospitality-interior
2025
3000-to-5000-sq.ft
india
kerala
Latest Articles
Most Visited Articles
Latest News & Articles

Most Visited Articles


pre next

Subscribe

Get our latest article and updates delivered straight to your inbox.