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Architecture

2022

Photographer : Vishnu Narayanan, Vishnu NP, Sanjay jayadeep

Varadanam - the house of colors stands at Irinjalakuda, known as "Varadanangalude Nadu" (land of blessings), which is a small city in Thrissur, Kerala, India. The clients wanted a simple peaceful home for their family of four, with their two kids. The residence has a total area of 1900 square feet and the total extent of the site is 7 cents.

The client's personality enfolds a tropical-style home that replicates Kerala culture and tradition. The attempt was to create a residential architecture that shall speak the language of simplicity and shall respond to the aspects of the given context of the site, climate, vernacular building materials, and the end user. Detailed analyzing and studying of the requirements of the clients, evolved the idea of making spaces that give rise to a house filled with traditional Kerala elements along with vibrant colors that added life to each space.

With the given requirements, the house almost takes over the site. The spaces are designed keeping in mind the dynamic requirements. The choice of materials has been from vernacular options: terracotta tiles for roofing, handmade athangudi tiles for flooring, natural timber, etc. The terracotta ceiling tiles at varying heights keep the heat gain away from affecting interiors.To ensure the space quality in interiors, large windows and jali bricks were provided. Inviting the natural light through the jali bricks focuses on rejuvenating humans and plants alike. It ensured ample air movement and adds to the thermal comfort of the house.

All the major spaces like dining, family living, kitchen, and staircase merge into one, opening out to a large internal courtyard, which is a major source of natural light and ventilation for the house. Bedrooms are connected with small courtyards accentuated with elements such as greenery and natural light. This ensured the feeling of openness and give a feeling of connection with nature. Courtyards being the main element of design are created in such a way that it helps in reducing a household's energy consumption.

This visual vibrant of colors is established mainly in aspects of flooring. Considering the flooring as the main element, the palettes of colors are chosen from vibrant to neutral shades which made each space more vibrant and colorful without compromising the uncluttered appeal of the interiors. Choosing the traditional athangudi floor tiles, and flooring reflects the authenticity of the Kerala tradition.