Architecture

Photographer : Althaf. A. R

The brick screen house is a sustainable residential project envisioned as a synthesis of contextual parameters and user functional requirements. The project promises a better living environment for the client from the old, congested, and messy house. It also architecturally enhances the climatic and contextual potential of the location. The fundamental design intent was to blur the boundaries between the built and natural elements.

The two-storey residence sits on a south-facing corner plot in a tropical location experiencing long monsoons and hot summers. The plot has an entry road and large open plots in the front, existing houses in the north and the east, and a side road in the west. The design seamlessly blends with the context in a way that it’s a play of multi-directional air movement in the house. 

The idea of a perforated screen on the front façade, which effortlessly channels the wind and shields the building from the harsh southern sun, was developed because the south side experiences more local winds. This brick screen maintains a comfortable internal temperature throughout the day. The screening is made more efficient by providing green patches in the sunshade between the building and the façade. The extended sunshade also serves as a buffer for protecting the walls from heating up, acting as a double skin for the structure. Each brick of the facade screen is placed in a zig-zag pattern in both the horizontal and vertical directions. This arrangement creates small diagonal openings. When air passes through these openings, it becomes cool, maintaining a comfortable temperature within the building. The thoughtful selection and strategically applied natural materials in the façade protect the main walls from heating up and allows air movement simultaneously.

[{"value":"Malappuram"},{"value":"Kerala"},{"value":"India"}]

Architects : HONEYCOMB Architects
Area : 3476 sq. ft.
Year : 2022
Website : https://www.instagram.com/honeycomb__architects/

Exterior view of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Sitout of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Entry to living room of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Living room of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Family living of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects

The layout promises the proper functional flow of spaces. The sit-out in the front with customized furniture is exceptionally aesthetic. The double-height living room is sandwiched between the dining and the sitout. The double height ensures the vertical visual connection and executes the stack effect perfectly. Light-coloured furniture in the living area blends with the interior and makes the room visually spacious.

The dining area with a lush green internal courtyard significantly contributes to making the space cool and cosy. The unconventional placement of the courtyard creates a dynamic interior space. 

The opening in the roof slab enables the sunlight and moonlight to enter the house, making the interiors magnificent. The majority of the furniture is designed and cast on-site. Coloured laminates used for the table tops contribute to the vibrancy of the spaces. Two bedrooms on the ground floor have proper cross ventilation. Natural lighting complements the entire design character. These bedrooms follow the same colour palette.


Family living of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Dining of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects

The first floor with three bedrooms and a family living has exposed concrete ceilings, which follow the rustic and sustainable character of the entire structure. The angled pattern for the handrails and the Kota green shade in the flooring go wonderfully with the interiors. A simple contemporary bookshelf with indoor hanging plants adds to the aesthetics of the TV wall in the family living.

Each bedroom interior is done with a customized cot, study tables, and side tables, considering the user’s architectural interests. All the bedrooms have exposed concrete ceilings with minimal wooden reaper works on them.


Dining of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Pantry of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Skylight of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Bedroom of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects

The bedroom on the first floor, positioned in the southwest corner, has a brick backdrop with sensibly chosen photo frames. These elements were considered and kept raw in their natural form to make the space more sustainable. The coloured laminate ceiling becomes an interesting interior element that goes along with the total interior design character. The brick and cement grey colours complement each other and make the space visually appealing.

The other two bedrooms on the first floor have unique interior characteristics. The different colours in the laminate define the entire character of the rooms. The material palette is kept very minimal and sensible. The selection of natural paving, flooring materials, plants, and landscape elements was carefully done and applied very sensibly in the project.

The built environment and the landscape merge to form a home with a cosy and uplifting atmosphere.


Bedroom of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Bedroom 2 of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Bedroom 2 of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Bedroom 3 of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Bedroom 4 of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Bedroom 5 of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Toilet of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Balcony of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Entrance of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Porch of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Dusk light exterior view of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Detailed shot of brick wall of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Ground floor plan of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


First floor plan of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Terrace floor plan of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Site plan of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects


Section of Brick Screen House by HONEYCOMB Architects




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