The Stoic Wall Residence’ harmoniously combines indoor and outdoor living. Situated in Kadirur, Kerala, amidst its scorching heat, incessant monsoon rains, and lush vegetation, this home exemplifies the art of harmonizing with nature. Courtyards, landscape pockets, and biophilic features effortlessly integrate with the house, transforming the act of dwelling into a holistic experience of well-being.
The sprawling 7,317-square-foot built-up area of this house took shape through meticulous negotiations, taking into account the site’s irregular contours, the presence of both large and medium-sized trees, a subtle northeast slope, and its accessibility from two main roads—one to the east and another to the south. The intricate interplay of these natural and physical elements, along with factors like the sun’s path and seasonal variations in wind patterns, intricately informed the precise positioning of the house. The primary section of the house was strategically placed towards the north of the site, along its east-west axis, to minimize solar heat gain and enhance privacy.
The first zone comprises the formal living area with its accompanying foyer and outdoor sitting space, distinct from the main structure and separated by an open-to-sky landscaped courtyard and an open paved central space. The car porch, though physically separated, is considered part of the first zone. This block is connected to the second zone by means of an internal ramp from the foyer that facilitates easier access to the changing site levels and an alternate direct entry step leading from the car porch.
Upon entering the second zone, you’ll find an open family living and dining area seamlessly connected to the outdoor landscape. An indoor courtyard within this zone enhances cross-ventilation and circulation. For privacy, the kitchen and its related areas are discreetly tucked away, with connections to the dining court on one side and the main entry court on the other, facilitating easy access to the car porch and front yard.
The third zone consists of three bedrooms, a pooja/prayer area, and an adjacent courtyard, all accessible via a private corridor. To cater to those with difficulty navigating different levels, one of the bedrooms is conveniently placed at the same level as the family area. Each of these bedrooms is entered through a foyer that doubles as a dressing area and connects to an internal open-to-sky courtyard. These bedrooms and their attached toilets open into this courtyard, offering residents the chance to enjoy the refreshing southwesterly winds and the beauty of monsoon rains.
The conveniently located staircase at the main block’s entry provides access to the upper floor. This floor includes the entertainment room, which also functions as a family space, and the master bedroom, which extends into a semi-open lounge area and incorporates a dressing area along with a toilet. The first floor, exposed to the elements, is wrapped in a protective screen crafted from thin fluted terracotta blocks that are elegantly slid onto a vertical metal tube framework. This screen envelops the entire first floor, shielding it from the intense sun and rain while also offering a private passage accessible from every room.
- Architects: LIJO RENY architects
- Area: 680 m²
- Year: 2023
- Photographs:Turtle Arts Photography
- Manufacturers: Grohe, Tostem India, ACE, ATOMBERG, Asian Paints, B Life, Cedar Homes, Dtale, Elica, Flamed Granite, Galtex, Hettich, Home RUs, Hunter Douglas, Ikea, Jaquar, Jotun, KAAF, Kalinga Stones, LIXIL , +11
- Landscape Designers: Plain Space Studio, LIJO.RENY.architects