Vazhakala residence

‘Architecture is the thoughtful making of space.’ - Louis Khan.

Situated within the dense residential neighborhood of Vazhakala, Ernakulam, this home is thoughtfully designed for a family of four. The client’s brief called for abundant natural lighting and ventilation, with an additional request to integrate the beautiful mango tree standing at the front of the site.

In response to the compact surroundings, the design strategically places the home’s common areas at the heart of the layout, with private spaces—like bedrooms and the kitchen—on either end. This arrangement ensures inherent privacy for the central communal areas, creating a tranquil retreat amidst the neighborhood’s lively setting.

At the front of the house, a mezzanine level serves as the client’s private home office, seamlessly accessible without disturbing the privacy of the main living spaces. Designed with practicality in mind, the office can be reached directly from the foyer via a dedicated staircase, maintaining the flow and intimacy of the common areas.

A huge double height space is designed in the common areas thus bringing a very lively sense of volume in the interiors.

Illustration indicating the spatial arrangement

Project Team:

Structural engineer : Maple

Lighting Consultant : Apta lighting studio

Kitchen interiors : Power and shower, Kannur

Interiors : Theyyampatil furnitures

Sanitary fixtures : Vitra

Floor tiles : Simpolo, Peekay Bath Gallery, Cochin

Architecture photography : Running Studios