House of Quad – Kottayam, India
Title
House of Quad – Kottayam, India
Website
Designed by
Thomas Parambil Architects
Image Credit
© Justin Sebastian
Project Description
Project description provided by Thomas Parambil Architects - Cradled amidst stretches of vast greenery, paddy fields and sprawling rubber plantations in Kottayam, this residential project by TPA and Reuben, seamlessly blends vernacular architecture of Kerala with contemporary elements, offering an invigorating design approach to a rooted yet modern dwelling.
This home is a quintessential Kerala house layout – characterized by its sloping roofs, central courtyards, and extensive use of timber. Instead of confining living spaces within four walls, the intention was to create a fluid, open-plan layout where spaces seamlessly flow into one another, retaining the connection with nature. The intriguing interplay is created by juxtaposed volumes topped by pitched roofs around the central nucleus that is the courtyard, connected by corridors covered with a single flat roof.
This sensitive approach to space planning offers unparalleled flexibility. Rooms are no longer rigidly defined entities but adaptable spaces that can be closed off when privacy is needed. It's a home that breathes and evolves with its inhabitants, a living entity in its own right.
The project serves as a precedent for environmentally conscious architecture.
Oriented to harness the natural wind flow, the home has an ingenious feature- a Jali
wall. This perforated screen prioritises natural ventilation and lighting. Combined with the open layout, this element ensures that the interior remains comfortable even on the hottest days, significantly reducing the need for artificial cooling. Maximizing sunlight penetration, natural light floods the spaces throughout the day. The project demonstrates how modern homes can be both comfortable and sustainable, reducing their carbon footprint without compromising on livability. Furthermore, the singularly large 600 square feet Lily Pond assists in altering the home's microclimate and adding serenity to this already muted and calm abode.
The home houses mindfully mapped sleek furniture designed to aesthetically represent the confluence of the architects Kerala roots and Bangalore's modernity.
Amidst the labyrinth of volumes, there's yet another strikingly bold feature, its colossal cantilever evoking a sense of grandeur and bold craftmanship. This dramatic element transforms the otherwise old world looking architectural form into a modern contemporary home.
With its thoughtful integration of tradition, innovation and sustainability, this four- bedroom residence by TPA and Reuben in Kottayam Cradled by the backwaters and the Western Ghats, is a true testament of permutating anthropology in Architecture and design.
