Sanctum of Harmony by Archidobe

Sanctum of Harmony invokes the very presence of earthly hues in the minds of its end user. Being rooted to its surroundings the structure opens a gateway to the realm of arts and architecture of an age where nature was worshipped as gods.

The brief being very unique our motive was to create a meaningful space that transcends nature through the material that is commonly used. The site is located in the small town of Palakkad, Kerala within the premises of the already-established Sadanam Kathakali Academy.  On the wide campus, we found the client’s deep connection with a banyan tree. Thus that large banyan tree, provided the cradle of our thought process on what the purpose and identity of the structure should be.  

As a Professional Kathakali artist and a music teacher, our client Dr. Harikumar understood the importance of the vernacular approach and harmony in architecture that formed the base of our design discussion. The curves and ridges in the structure reveal the story of ornaments, costumes, and figures used in the Kathakali art form. Knowing the richness and dynamism of performing art from our client and incorporating the fruits of it in a static structure has fuelled the creative process.

In the design process, careful deliberation was given to reduce the number of lines in the plan yet creating a stacked volume inside-out. Having to build an intricate form needed a rigid and stable structural format at the same time using lesser tools, materials, and workmanship, which paved the way for Arches.  Arches were erected using "Hurudies" porous bricks made of clay, intentionally to integrate the harmonious pattern of voids that is extending radially to the infinity of the surrounding. Each arch is made on top of the spine arches, so as to minimize the need for shuttering and providing a reference line throughout. Enhancing the outward flow of positive energy originating from the sanctum. Places of culmination and gatherings have originated from the caves, the structure invites its user to experience the same. The entrance is oriented towards the east, where the voids of the hurudies bring light and guide the wind through the structure. To embrace the context of the structure a fabric of earthen brick jallies were placed as the pavement filled with rock chips. Which also provides a medium for the water to drain through.

The form of the structure is curated to host the branches of the banyan tree in the years to come, as to firmly send a message that "everything belongs to nature". From the evolution design, we along with the client were keen on the onsite process of templating, sampling, and miniature modeling of the type of arches that shall be used for the structure. With an efficient team of local artisans, our space slowly started spreading meaning to the design and context where it belongs.  For a building to speak by itself, the creator shall speak to it.