Tropical Modernism 666

VIBES
Vibes is a 3864 sq. ft. home to the family of Shameer and Sherbeeni, a young couple with a curiosity
and interest about architecture in general. Though deceivingly modest from the exterior, the inside is
colossal as a result of the way the design builds into the lush green landscape. Intended to feature
biophilic design, the house’s distinctive form echoes the tropical Kerala style architecture.
Designed in accordance with the contemporary tropical architecture system, the house is a purest example of the architects
philosophy and understanding of the needs of the client. The humanistic desire to be culturally connected to ones surroundings is
reflected in the harmonious architecture. A climate sensitive design with sloping roofs and large overhangs is positioned to combat
the heavy monsoons.
The appearance of the house is adorned by details such as the courtyards, the segregation of the social and private spaces and
the volumetric play of the interior ceilings. This gives integrity and individuality to each space. The programmatic allocation is
simple, it consists of four bedrooms, a living space, a dining space, a kitchen and a pool. All this is unified in a single volume with
the two courtyards that interlace with each other creating living spaces which are distributed through a central passage.
The subtle slope of the traditional styled Mangalore
tile roof makes the entrance well proportioned in terms
of height. The sitout with large and wide steps gives
an inviting feel to the users. Nature is summoned into
the house from the sit out which becomes greener
towards the internal courtyards. The double height
living area of the house extends into the two
courtyards on either sides blurring the boundaries with
the interior and exterior. Semi permiable spaces and
expanses of a small veranda take advantage of the
tropical climate of Kerala.
The dining, and open kitchen with a few seating spaces is

designed as an extension of the living area. It is open to two
sides with the courtyard as one which acts as the lung of the
house which breathes and distributes fresh air to the social
spaces of the house. Since the family does not engage in
much cooking the kitchen is small, but with all the basic
things. Hand made tiles from Athangudi are used for the
kitchen flooring.
A grill detail that acts as an open storage for souvenirs is used to separate the dining space with the guest
bedroom in the ground floor. The material palette of the guest bedroom ranges from the Athangudi tiles to lime
plastered walls and to elegant indonesian furnitures.
The linearity in the arrangement of spaces brings in natural illumination and ventilation. The stair located centrally
acts as the vertical core of the house which engages the play of levels. The design which is worked on sections
allows for a first floor and a mezzanine floor.
The staircase an element by itself is an amalgamation of closed riser and open riser stair with green oxide finishes
toped with wooden planks and sleek metal ballustrades with a wooden railing polished in the raw form.
The spatial flow takes in to consideration the familiy’s requirement of segregating public and private space. Located on the mezzanine
floor are two bedrooms and an open terrace with a linear pool.
Instead of having conventionally demarcated spaces, the house spontaneously responds to its surroundings by choosing to dwell upon
gratifying views from strategically placed rooms. The zoning of pool area is such that it provides a visual treat to the subtle waters from
the master bedroom. The material palette with Blue oxide flooring adds to the elegence of the master bedroom. The benevolent
qualities of wood put to use at the roof level ensures that the ambient temperature within the house and helps to further the natural
connect with the surrounding nature and greenery.
Green patch with large sliding doors are provided for the bedroom where the limits between the interior and exterior spaces are further
diluted. The shower area is provided with skylight with an addition of texture and rusticness with the random rubble wall. A long
passage with seating spaces that overlooks to the front yard of the house connects the two bedrooms at the northern and southern
ends of the mezzanine floor. The daughters bedroom here is similar to the master bedroom with floorings of oxides of yellow. A flight
again from the mezzanine floor takes to the first floor where the kids bedroom is zoned.
In terms of materiality, the house exhibits elements that integrate it into the imagery of the location, recalling the tropical houses with
variables that provide a contemporary touch. The interiors are mainly explored in search of a meaningful integration of shape, color,
texture, and design. The entire space integrates the different planes and volumes. The overlay of oxides in contrast with the Kadappa
stones and hand made tiles, with the exposed cement finishes creates a juxtaposition of subtle textures from the ceiling to the walls
and floors.
PULLANCHERRY
Kerala Architecture has rich tradition of construction based of Vasthu Shastra. The project aimed at renovating a traditional
house to the contemporary requirements and luxury without losing the charm of yesteryear design content
The spaces pull you close to nature with large verandahs and central courtyard, which is the major design element in this house. Though it’s a
common feature of traditional house, the original house was not a Nālukettu (which means it was not designed as a four block built space with
a central courtyard). We re-arranged and extended the built space to complete the four blocks as an extension to main structure. A long
verandah is also added on to the original structure to enhance the entry layer. The house is planned with an entry structure along with security
room and gate, which acts as first layer of screening which leads to a landscape walk. The main structure is retained as such for one to
appreciate the purity of construction and intricate details with its wooden windows, pillars, ceiling & roof. The laterite masonry originally
covered with lime plaster was removed and exposed to create a dramatic spatial quality as well as texture. The main block with its all dark
interiors with wooden window shutters reduce the heat intake and keep interiors cool.
The extensions made for the existing structures are totally executed with latest construction technology and materials such as
steel roofs and minimalist edge details. Special attention is given to merge both construction to finally give the traditional
ambience, one as a retained structure with dark corridors and rich details at the same time new part is more lit with courtyards
and usage of traditional skylights in a modern geometric patterns. Both distinctive feel merged together to create space with dark
and lit spatial qualities, which evokes the feel of old and new…
Though the traditional spatial qualities were retained in terms of

planning, hierarchy of spaces & material usage, the details and joints
are all contemporary with minimalist approach with traditional
materials. The richness is brought in to the spaces with usage of wood,
brass and usage of light and shade. The landscape also enriches the
built space with careful usage of local species of plants. A traditional
pond is also planned within the plot as rainwater harvesting
TRANQUIL
RUBY AT
CALICUT
NAUKETTU GURUVAYOOR

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VIBES

The dining, and open kitchen with a few seating spaces is

Though the traditional spatial qualities were retained in terms of

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