When the clients, a family of four, decided to move away from the city and back to their native village of Payyoli in Kerala, they imagined a home around which they could centre their lives. They wanted a dwelling that would reflect the state's unique culture and traditions, while respecting the natural environment. And so, the 10,000-square-feet abode was designed keeping in mind traditional Malabar architecture. "The biophilic design is partly inspired by the ‘tharavadu’ or traditional houses of Kerala. The façade is designed such that it facilitates the westerly breezes, creating a calm, protected zone on the leeward-side," share lead architects Nikhil Mohan and Shabna Nikhil of Thought Parallels Architecture.
The home features five bedrooms, a kitchen, a formal living-dining space, a family living-dining space and a covered parking and the aim has been to integrate each space with the natural environment. The home's lush landscape, the clean exteriors and the carefully designed private spaces make a lasting impression.
Built to Blend In
Since the family was particular about distinguishing the communal spaces from the private spaces, the home features hardwood screens that afford privacy while also blurring the lines between the outdoors and indoors. Similarly, the material palette of teak wood and Kota stone is in harmony with the surroundings. The home makes a case for eco-friendly design with its features like the solar panel system, natural ventilation and preservation of natural species of plants.
Entrance
A long corridor with a custom-designed wooden louvered screen leads into the main family living room. The screen not only provides privacy and ventilation but also adds an element of drama by creating a play of light through different times in the day. The vertical louvers were designed in a way that does away with the need for light in the outdoor verandahs—as the lights come on in the home, it glows, almost like a lantern, creating a dreamy vision.
Foyer
The other entrance to the home is from the foyer that leads directly from the parking to the staircase for the bedroom block. This approach offers privacy to the family as they needn’t pass through the living room to get into their respective bedrooms.
Formal Living Room
The formal living room, located away from the main block is a luxurious double height structure with a wooden ceiling. The space was imagined as the owner's personal den—a place where he could get together with his friends. The sofas in the room, as well as in the informal living room have been sourced from BoConcept, Natuzzi, Poltrona and MDF Italia. A tangerine console separates the seating area from a small dining table. The statement hanging lights are from Flos.
Informal Living Room
This space is the perfect spot for the family to sit back and lounge together. It features courtyards with lush tropical foliage on either side and extends into the family dining area. The Kota stone flooring along with the greenery help in regulating the temperature. One end of the room features a marble top dining table by Porada and wall with a series of artworks created by local artists.
Master Bedroom
The master bedroom that's situated on the first floor has a gabled roof and commands a stunning view of the entire landscape. Different polishes of kota stone have been used in the room to demarcate spaces. Offsetting the greenery is the bed with its vibrant burnt orange leather headboard, that further complements the curtains from D'Decor. The artwork behind the bed is a custom piece made by a local artist in Kerala.
