Kalavoor House by Poet

This project was to re-create a “Home” for a family in their ancestral property - not to renovate or replicate the old home, but to upgrade it for the family’s changing needs and ideas. Our challenge was to identify what was celebrated about the old home and to reinterpret these memories into the physical space.

The home rises out of the white, sandy landscape of Alappuzha. The trees, plants and pond have been a part of the old home for decades. They are now part of the new. The most striking element is the sloping tiled roof, built entirely of reused tiles sourced locally. The simplicity of this roof structure belies the height of the house, making it seem less obstructive in its surroundings. The earthy palette rendered by the tiled roof, exposed brick walls and wood is emphasized by the black steel structural elements. Vibrant oxide cement floors extend the palette, while the exposed wiring and plumbing not only make a bold statement, but also add to the nostalgia. 

The interior spaces flow into each other – not just horizontally between rooms, but also vertically, between the two floors. The intentionally low attic over the dining space reminds one of the machu (wooden ceiling) of the old house. The change in volume between the living and dining spaces pull our eye up to the attic and the tiled roof, giving a sense of lightness and a hint of the past. High ceilings and openings along the roof flush out hot air, while large openings allow a continuous flow of the western sea breeze. The louvered windows and deep verandah soften the harsh western sun and create a play of diffused light. The building envelope made of hollow Porotherm burnt-clay blocks maintains a comfortable indoor climate throughout the year.

While the home would mostly be occupied by our client’s family of five, it should still play the role of the ancestral house. It would frequently host gatherings of the large but tightly knit extended family. The home expands when needed – large openable panels add the wide patios to the interiors, extending the dining and living spaces. The bedrooms are kept private, at the end of a corridor. The kitchen, that connects the old to the new, can also expand when needed. The aduppu (wood fired stove) of the old house retains its place of pride, surrounded by modern appliances in an island kitchen.  While the breakfast counter provides intimate dining space for the family, an outer utility space doubles as an additional kitchen during large family gatherings.

Thus, every design decision for the Kalavoor Residence reflects and reinterprets the owner’s values and memories of the ancestral home, celebrating and enhancing the key experiences while updating the home for today.