Nestled amidst lush greenery, this four bedroom home aims to integrate natural elements with the built environment in order to enhance serenity and peace. Blending modern aesthetics with traditional Kerala architecture elements, this quaint house serves as an example of contextual thoughtful design. The core values being sustainability, art, comfort and modernity; all integrated in creating an experience catered to the specific needs of the user.
Project Name: Cherai Beach House
Studio Name: Design Consortium
Design team: Prerna Auplish, Tanuj Taneja, Naman Lochan
Built-up Area: 6000 sqft
Year: 2018
Location: Cherai, Kerala, India
Photography credits: Ravi Dhingra
After returning to India after 40 years, the Phull family wanted to settle in the picturesque Cherai beach in Kerala, in a home that honors their roots. This plot faces the Arabian Sea and has the famous Kerala backwaters on its rear side, which enables a steady flow of light and ventilation throughout the day. With nature at the forefront of the design philosophy, an abundance of local flora and stones adorns the gardens of Phull Niwas. Every element in this 15450 sq ft plot has been hand-picked to tailor to the client’s sensibilities and taste.
The landscape design of the exterior of the house invokes a feeling of calm and serenity. A large Buddha statue greets one as they enter through the entrance foyer. On one side of the foyer lies an existing well clad with laterite stone and plantations of a similar size have been added to the other side to maintain symmetry and harmony.
This four-bedroom home built on an existing plinth, has large windows and balconies, embracing the philosophy of bringing the outside in, allowing residents to enjoy panoramic views of the serene landscape. UPCV door and windows with double glazed glass have been used for the design of the doors and windows to insulate the interior during the hot summer months while allowing natural light to percolate and illuminate the spaces.
Vernacular architecture plays a huge role in the design philosophy. Authentic locally sourced Chettinad columns adorn the interiors of the house. Wooden rafters in the drawing room render a rustic feel to the space while the pop of colors in the furniture pieces add character to the space. Blending modern bespoke furniture pieces with the rustic ambience, the interiors aim to merge the old and new.
The architects aimed to incorporate as many vernacular, locally sourced materials as possible, including laterite, terracotta and locally sourced columns and stones. With four bedrooms distributed equally on both the floors, the spatial design enables a flow of circulation which matches the symphony of the design of the house.
Humidity and incessant rain are issues that needed to be addressed during the design process. A sloping roof with large overhangs was designed to provide shade during hot summer days and protect from rain during long monsoon months. The balconies on the first floor enable the users to enjoy the enthralling views of the beach and the sunset.
The theme of serenity is maintained by a gazebo with wooden columns and a roof similar to the one on the house on the Northern side of the plot, for the clients to practice meditation and mindfulness.
In essence, Cherai Beach House is not just a dwelling; it’s an architectural symphony that echoes the stories of a family’s homecoming and celebrates the beauty of Kerala’s indigenous practices and landscapes. With its timeless elegance and cultural resonance, this haven on Cherai Beach stands as a testament to the seamless marriage of tradition and modernity.
