Located in the typically idyllic Kerala countryside that is rather a sparse town than a village, this early project of ours was an attempt at a modern interpretation of the vernacular grammar of tiled roofs, and locally available Laterite stone. The layout was conceived in consonance with the sloped topography that was the site.
The building was sited at the highest point of the site, along the northern ridge, along the east-west axis, looking down into the grass clad hillock. Trees and a pool were introduced on the southern side of the proposed building to create a micro-climate within the otherwise barren property.
The sloped topography naturally suggested a plan disposed at varying levels, which co-related through an internal vegetated courtyard, gave rise to an open plan living flowing between the built and the landscape outside that the clients had desired to begin with.
The roof echoed the arrangement and resolved into a rhythmic expression of the local form.
The attitude of integrating the built with the context continued into developing the interiors and the landscape design of the house.