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Architecture

21-10-2025

Text provided by Architect

Residence for Mr. Anand and his parents hoped to provide a grounded home for three adults of varying individualities to thrive and coexist joyfully, with room for all their differences in faiths and beliefs. This east-facing home is located in the urban outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram on a 10 cents rectangular plot with roads on 3 sides. The plan of the house is C-shaped and orients an age-old mango tree in the middle.

The ground floor sprawls across the plot with all its extended common spaces, an office and two attached bedrooms to be easily accessed by the older members. While the first floor has the master bedroom, a guest room, a private living, covered and open terraces overlooking a valley, serving a more vibrant gathering for the client and his friends. The ground floor is designed in two levels to utilize a gradual slope the site had towards West. This helped in segregating the common area in the East from the private bedrooms in the West by just a single flight of steps, making it more easily accessible.

Eastern block of this C-shaped structure is traditionally roofed with Mangalore tiles, making it a grounded, yet grand presence up front and forms the main entrance of the house. The eastern block includes the formal living, a semi-open kitchen and work area. The dining room in the ground floor bridges the east and west wings and it is through here that the courtyard is experienced in its full expanse. With a double height internal courtyard on one side and fully retractable doors on the other side to the outdoor courtyard, the dining area opens up entirely, creating one large connected space.

Trivandrum,Kerala,India

Architects	:	Ishtika Design Studio
Area	:	2980 sq. ft.
Year of Completion	:	2024
Website	:	https://www.instagram.com/ishtikadesignstudio/

Exterior view of Tvasta by Ishtika Design Studio

Foyer of Tvasta by Ishtika Design Studio

Living room of Tvasta by Ishtika Design Studio

The lower level of western block comprises of car porch, family’s entry and parents’ bedrooms. The upper level of western block holds the master bedroom with an enviable view to the valley beyond, bar, a covered terrace and open terrace. There is also an upper private living room with view of the internal double height courtyard and the outdoor courtyard, right above the dining room. There is also a guest room and office room in this house, making it to a total of five rooms and five toilets.

Living room of Tvasta by Ishtika Design Studio

Dining of Tvasta by Ishtika Design Studio

Kitchen of Tvasta by Ishtika Design Studio

Courtyard of Tvasta by Ishtika Design Studio

A free flow of light and air is ensured through-out the house. The internal double-height courtyard also acts as a light well to the center of the house. A louvered full-length window running through the entire height of stairwell provides a constant passive flow of air and muted light. The central courtyard and its mango tree are visible from several of the internal spaces, each at different levels, providing a visual connection across the house enabling the residents to have a distinct yet connected life together.