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Kerala Houzz: Vernacular Architecture Comes Alive in This Home
Humming Tree creates a serene escape amidst natural landscaping and meandering water bodies
The homeowners wanted a holiday home where they could relax and experience nature when they visited from Dubai. Inspired by the lush greenery of Kerala, Humming Tree’s co-founders and principal designers Mohammed Afnan and Arun Shekar used environment-friendly materials like stone, mud, terracotta and reclaimed wood throughout the house. They reinforced the traditional touch in the decor with local art and artifacts.
As one enters the home, the double-height foyer ushers in a feel of grandeur and expanse. Antique and heritage accents such as the teak doors add charm and character to the area. The doors and artefacts were purchased by the homeowner from an old manor house near Mattancheri, the art hub of Kerala.
What Is Kerala Architecture?
What Is Kerala Architecture?
The living room is awash with indirect light through the verandah. A wooden diwan, flanked by a pair of tall three-legged stools, faces the coffee table: a polished, brass-bound wooden chest that evokes generations past. “High ceilings and courtyards ease cross-ventilation. We used natural stones and terracotta roof tiles to give a cooling effect,” says Shekar.
“We decorated the space with a Wabi-Sabi style rustic pot, an acid-finish glass vase and a vintage Mughal painting. The cement flooring ties the look cohesively,” he adds.
Local and traditional elements are dotted throughout the house and add to an old-world charm. A restored custom chair, ceramic preserving jars and recycled vintage fabric art accentuate the ambience.
Building Secrets to a Cool, Breezy Home for Hot Indian Summers
Building Secrets to a Cool, Breezy Home for Hot Indian Summers
For the architects, the family living room is the most interesting spot in the house. A vintage slatted wooden daybed takes the centre stage here and serves as a cosy reading nook. An indoor tree, a painting by a local artist and a rug create an inviting space.
“Rather than using air-conditioning, we opted for hung windows to let the hot hair pass out and create natural ventilation,” says Shekar.
“Rather than using air-conditioning, we opted for hung windows to let the hot hair pass out and create natural ventilation,” says Shekar.
“In the dining room, the dining table and the hanging clay pendants were designed in-house. These are paired with a bench and three-legged chairs, which we sourced from Mattancheri,” says Afnan.
Wide windows bring the outdoors inside and give the best views of the lush green landscape from the dining area.
Contemporary earthenware displayed on the dining table complements the hanging pendant lamps.
“The kitchen has an open layout and overlooks the dining and the living area. Plenty of daylight floods in all through the day to keep it naturally lit,” says Afnan. “The earthy tones of the brick cladding in the kitchen island are offset with a cool, black granite countertop.”
Like the rest of the house, the master bedroom has high ceilings that bring in an interplay of patterns. The vintage four-poster and bedside table are in keeping with the decor of the home.
Stunning Bedroom Ceilings That Say Look At Me
Stunning Bedroom Ceilings That Say Look At Me
The two other rooms in the house continue the architectural style and decor of the master bedroom and the entire home.
“Laterite stone, bricks and mud were used on the exteriors to tackle the heavy monsoons and harsh sun,” says Afnan.
Drawing inspiration from traditional Kerala homes, the architects also positioned courtyards across the house to help it stay cool through the day.
Read more:
Kerala Houzz: A Mix of Vernacular & Modern, This Is a House of Memories
9 Indian Homes That Celebrate Vernacular Architecture & Design
Tell us: Which is your favourite part of this tropical holiday home? Tell us in Comments below.
Drawing inspiration from traditional Kerala homes, the architects also positioned courtyards across the house to help it stay cool through the day.
Read more:
Kerala Houzz: A Mix of Vernacular & Modern, This Is a House of Memories
9 Indian Homes That Celebrate Vernacular Architecture & Design
Tell us: Which is your favourite part of this tropical holiday home? Tell us in Comments below.
Who lives here: A family of three
Location: Wayanad, Kerala
Year built: 2020
Size: 350 square metres (3767 square feet); 3 bedrooms; 3 bathrooms
Architectural firm: Humming Tree
Photos by Justin Sebastian
“The homeowners wanted a comforting holiday home that hinged on the aesthetics of tropical modernism,” Mohammed Afnan says. Based on this, the architects designed a house that celebrates the natural landscape and climate of Kerala.
The Humming Tree team focused on vernacular architecture, with colonnaded verandahs, courtyards, high ceilings and breezy folding doors – features that helped the home and its residents live with the humidity.
“Sloped roofs are always a better bet as they prevent ponding of rainwater,” Arun Shekar says.
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