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PREFER A QUICK READ?
- January 11, 2021
- 5:37 am
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PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS
Project name: The Skew House
Project Type: Private residence
Architecture Firm: THOUGHT PARALLELS
Website: www.thoughtparallel.com/
Design Team: Ar. Nikhil Mohan, Shabna Nikhil, Jinesh, Najeera
Project location: Edavanna, Malapuram, Kerala
Completion Year: 2018
Gross Built Area: 12,000 sq ft
Property Area: 1 acre
Photography credits: Prashanth Bhatt
Pitched amidst the lush mountainscapes of Kerala is a unique work of architecture that calls itself “home”. With a circumambient fabric comprising lush rubber plantations and energetically sunkissed landscapes, the abode attempts to imitate mother nature by becoming part of its composition naturally. Forming troughs, cliffs and valleys of its own, its playful choreography sets the stage for an experience that is indeed one with nature.
Built with an impression of luxury & spaciousness, the architecture rises off the ground showcasing a contemporary facade. Whispers of the local context creep into its elevational appeal with the use of traditional materials and forms, in an attempt to belong and manifest a ‘sense of place’. What makes the architecture seem most theatrical is its roofing composition of sloped roofs, portal systems, concrete slabs. The external built form also hints at a more tactile experience created by the relationship between architecture and landscape. This kindles a seamless growth of the architecture from the earth via subtle terraces, courts and tropical landscaping set interspersed.
In layout the 5-bedroom abode appears to command the site in a geometrically linear fashion. It comprises a composition of nearly parallel lines, with one manifesting a subtle tilt with respect to the compass orientation for religious prayer. Each line in layout comprises a network of spaces to suit the usertype. One line/network takes shape with the family and their lifestyle as its premise, whilst the second network serves as a guest house. The two attempt to monolithically stitch the building into one form via a semi-formal foyer and corridor.
Material has a pivotal role to play in the experience of the architecture, inside and out. The building retains a rough-hewn and unpolished appeal externally, rendering a nature-inspired palette of textures. Timber, steel, exposed concrete, terracotta roof tiles, clay brick and natural stone form the base palette of materials.
Whilst the interiors trod on more tamer grounds with similar materials but in the polished state. Extensive glazing veils the building along the edge; physically partitioning, yet visually not partitioning the interior realm from the exterior.
The glass veil along the edge of the building serves as a beneficial source for generous streams of uninterrupted views and ample daylight. It essentially dissolves into the scenery rendering idyllic greenscapes into the interior spaces. A perfect discourse between the exteriors and interiors begins here as ever changing light intensities brings the spaces to life, presenting textures and colors to the fore. Polished mosaic marble flooring, timber/gypsum false ceilings, timber panelled/white washed walls form the base canvas inside. It is accessorized with artful, contemporary and minimalist decor instilling a sense of finesse to the environment.
By night the building transforms yet again under a black blanket of sky, shining amidst the mountains like a torch….
…a perfect climax to the play.