The client was open to the idea of a mode
house but insisted on a ve
acular portico and verandah which was sensitive to the local environment, challenging us to blend two contrasting styles of architecture. We used the ve
acular style for the traditional Kerala portico and veranda, enhancing the effect by combining it with a sloping roof with Mangalore tiles , but the rest of the house followed mode
detailing.

A combination of two elements, a heavy stone wall and a row of columns varying in size and impact helped smoothen the transition throughout the house. In the veranda, columns were lower but increased in scale through the interiors of the house and into the pool area giving a sense of volume to the house designed around a one acre land. The landscaping was made to be more in tune with nature and was influenced by the Bali style which contrasts the manicured European style. The indoor and outdoor spaces fuse together to create a seamless living experience

It draws from standard construction methods, material palettes and ve
acular domestic elements to create a contemporary architectural expression that is architecturally coherent.

The location of the pool has been chosen to take advantage of the wind direction in order to naturally cool the house. The pavers on the lawn are environmentally friendly and easy to maintain. The kitchen opens out to a garden and the domestic area is attached to the house, but has its own entrance with access to the kitchen and dining areas.