How would a designer, who brings the dreams of others to fruition, craft his own home? Unquestionably, it would stand out, embodying uniqueness in every corner. In Thiruvananthapuram, on a modest plot, designer Radhakrishnan has constructed a dream home in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala that is a testament to distinctive architecture and thoughtful design.
This house, nestled within greenery, engages in a silent dialogue with nature, offering a serene retreat from the mundane. The design ingeniously converts the limitations of a small space into opportunities, showcasing timeless design principles and ideas. Spanning 3,000 square feet, this home captivates anyone passing by with its remarkable features.
The structure was designed keeping the existing trees on the plot intact, blending the building seamlessly with the surrounding greenery, and ensuring that views to nature and sources of greenery remained unobstructed.
Of the 6 cents, 4 cents was slightly lower than the rest of the two cents. This elevation was converted as a setback which provided an additional outer yard in front of the house. By maintaining the 4-cent at its original level, a basement was created. From the rear of the house, it appears as if the structure is hoisted on pillars and this adds to its unique architectural appeal. The lush landscaping and the elongated veranda in the sit-out further enhance the beauty of the house.
The interiors are designed in an open concept. The main door opens to a spacious, double-height hall. A distinctive feature of the hall is the pillars made of granite stone. The design thoughtfully segregates one side of the pillars as the guest area and the other as a private space. This offers a functional yet elegant division within the open space.
The interiors are thoughtfully designed to ensure ample air circulation and natural light, significantly reducing indoor heat. This is achieved through strategically placed air holes and windows. Additionally, the presence of a skylight near the staircase enhances the beauty of the area by allowing the interplay of light and shades within the space. Most windows extend up to the roof and this allows light, air, and greenery to flow in. To complement the exterior greenery, the interiors have indoor plants.
The interiors are styled in a wooden-white theme, avoiding any mishmash of colours. The furniture in each space is custom-made to fit perfectly, except for a recliner in the home theatre. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms with attached bathrooms, an upper living area, and a balcony, catering to the family’s preference for all members, including parents and two sons, to reside on the same floor. The design allows for a common balcony in addition to a private one for the master bedroom, from which one can overlook the dining room, drawing room, work area, living hall, and entry to the parents’ room.
The home theatre is strategically placed at the top of the double-height area, with an open terrace above. The roofing accommodates solar panels, essentially bringing the electricity bill down to 'zero.’ The basic bill comes to just Rs 180. The kitchen resonates in a glass finish, while the cabinets are made of marine ply and veneer finish, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal. Large windows flood the kitchen with light, enhancing the ambiance.
The design cleverly entails seamless connect between spaces and the transitions from one room to another is easy. In essence, this house embodies the thinking of its owners and offers a delightful and tailored experience.
“When creating homes for others, the homeowners’ desires come first. However, the joy of working to one’s own design needs has been fulfilled here. Being able to craft spaces filled with positive energy is a delight. It fills the days with joy,” says designer and homeowner Radhakrishnan.
Project facts
Location: Thiruvananthapuram
Plot: 6 cents
Area: 3,000 Sq.ft
Owner: Radhakrishnan,
Shalini Design: SDC Architects, Thiruvananthapuram
