In Thrissur, descent finds a home

13 Jun 2026

At Chandroth House, nature is invited inward, and every space becomes a reminder that home is as much about belonging as it is about shelter. Designed by Shyamraj Chandroth of 7th Hue Architecture Collective in Thrissur, it transcends the idea of a family home. Conceived over six years, the 2,900 sq ft project is a personal narrative that traces the journey of a family from Kannur and their enduring connection to Kerala’s landscape, culture and rhythms of life. Designed for Shyamraj himself, the home is an architectural memoir, preserving fragments of childhood and belonging while accommodating the realities of modern living.

Set on a linear site, the architecture unfolds as a sequence of interconnected spaces that maintain a constant dialogue with nature. Courtyards, framed views and carefully positioned openings punctuate the plan, dissolving the distinction between inside and outside. This relationship with the landscape informs every design decision, beginning with an honest material palette that foregrounds locally sourced laterite, exposed brick, rubble and concrete. Instead of concealing these materials beneath layers of finish, the architecture celebrates their raw textures and imperfections, allowing the house to age gracefully alongside its environment.

Nestled within lush greenery, the sit-out offers a tranquil space for pause and reflection. Natural materials and filtered light create an atmosphere deeply rooted in Kerala's tropical setting; Photography by Ar. Prashanth Mohan of Running Studios

About courtyards, landscape and nature

Rather than relying on nostalgia as a decorative device, the home translates memory into spatial experience, creating a setting where three generations can coexist while remaining connected to the land that shaped them. Shades of earthy brown, muted grey and natural timber establish a tactile backdrop, while restrained accents of yellow, green and red introduce moments of vibrancy without disrupting the overall calmness of the interiors. Green, however, remains the dominant hue in this home. Through courtyards, planted pockets and windows to the surrounding vegetation, the landscape becomes an active architectural element, softening the built form and reinforcing the home’s biophilic ethos. Traditional finishes are used sparingly, with exposed concrete, oxide flooring and micro-topped surfaces lending the home an authenticity that feels distinctly traditional.

The floating steel staircase serves as a striking architectural feature within the verdant courtyard. Its light, sculptural form creates a dynamic dialogue between structure, movement, and nature; Photography by Ar. Prashanth Mohan of Running Studios

The open kitchen and dining area balances raw materiality with contemporary functionality. Timber surfaces and exposed finishes lend warmth to everyday family interactions; Photography by Ar. Prashanth Mohan of Running Studios

A fishy affair

Among the home’s most compelling interventions is a sculptural staircase that is positioned at the heart of the home and visible from multiple vantage points. The floating structure hovers dramatically above a koi pond, establishing an extant between movement, water and light. Fabricated from custom steel plates and meticulously manoeuvred off-site before being assembled in three sections, the staircase introduces a striking contrast to the earthy material palette that defines the rest of the home. Its bespoke turquoise finish (achieved after extensive colour experimentation) further amplifies its presence, turning it into a carefully calibrated focal point in this space. Equally memorable is the master suite’s private courtyard and swimming pool, enveloped by lush planting and conceived as a secluded retreat within the larger home.

Together, these moments reveal the project’s underlying philosophy: architecture is an extension of landscape, memory and everyday life.