Befitting the environment in which it is located, this Kerala home located at the Cherai Beach is a paradisical experience that is refreshing and impactful due to the design choices expertly made by Design Consortium’s Ar. Nilanjan Bhowal, for a family returning to their roots after having lived 40 years in the United States. And with a desire for a home rooted in traditions, Nilanjan and his design ideology were a match made in green Indian heaven.
One look at this incredibly inviting abode and the inspiration for the home is a traditional 19th century Kerala home that invites both the weary soul to be re-energised, as well as the outdoors in. The visionary designer points out regarding the guiding principle behind the structure, “having the sea in front and the backwaters behind provided the perfect setting to exploit the views from every point of the house.”
The spatial setting of the house dictates the design of it, accommodating the magnificent experience of the clear morning sunrise and evening sunsets. The design specifically accommodates traditional design principles that serve the location and its requirements aptly, while contemporary elements keep the look fresh and respectful of present requirements.
Nilanjan reveals, “The traditional clay tile Sloping roof which are supported by a sturdy framework of wooden rafters (khazukol) and beams with the placement of Mukhapu ( decorative top of the sloping portion in front of the building) and Thoomanam (wooden tiles which decorate the edge of the roof where the tilting ends) is something we learnt along our journey.” The look of the space is a cohesive expression of a beach house that is meant to be both elegant and warm, with the materials, furniture and colours being specifically chosen for this purpose.
Surrounded by nature, the house is the perfect example of a home within the greens. The structure is respectful and yet indulgent towards the presence and impact of the environment on the overall experience of the home.
Despite the traditional elements, modern & eclectic living space is created with the play of patterns and colours in the furnishings. The colour white is utilized in abundance in order to give the space fresh airy lightness that is the perfect complement to the surroundings. Further soothing pops of colour are added that add vibrancy that makes the space inviting. Large windows are a carefully considered part of the design due to their ability to integrate the house with the fresh breeze from the sea, letting in the soothing sounds of the waves and the breeze in. The gazebo, in a very different way, serves the same purpose by giving a chance to meditate or read a book while enjoying the outdoors.
Each detail has been carefully and skillfully considered to garner a home that harmoniously co-exists in the heart of nature. A home that is truly akin to a refreshing warm embrace, taking one back to their roots, connected to the greenery, traditions and all the healing elements of the earth.
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