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    A non-conformist tale of cantilevers and light comes alive in this Thiruvananthapuram home by Studio TAB

    JAN 29, 2024 | By Aanya Jain
    A minimal straight flight dual-chrome staircase of metal and wood visually bisects through the windows. The furnishings in this space are from La Posh, Thiruvananthapuram; Photography by Justin Sebastian Photography
    The terrazzo platform and dado in the dry kitchen make a soothing contrast to the Jaisalmer stone flooring. The kitchen opens into a service kitchen which houses the utility space; Photography by Justin Sebastian Photography
    A picture perfect composition of manmade forms coexisting with natural forms. Squares of different scales define the structure that contrasts with the organic forms of the nature around; Photography by Justin Sebastian Photography

    Overlooking the expansive land below, this home by Studio TAB makes a mark among the boulders. A sprawling plot of 9,000 sq ft is host to this 5,000 sq ft home in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Principal Architects Rahul Das Menon and Ojas Chaudhari, along with lead architect Jerin Joseph have made an escape that blurs the line between architecture and interior design. The architecture leads into interior spaces and all interior spaces open into landscape elements. 

    A picture perfect composition of manmade forms coexisting with natural forms. Squares of different scales define the structure that contrasts with the organic forms of the nature around; Photography by Justin Sebastian Photography

    Bold amongst the boulders

    Given that the plot was located in quite an inaccessible area, it was a tough challenge to construct the home. Large immovable rocks had to be built around, adding a layer of complexity to the floor plan. The team at Studio TAB well and truly managed to design spaces that aided cross-ventilation and maximise views, and make use of the terrain around. 

    A tall tree serves as the signpost for the end of the driveway. The groundwork and road work that lead up to the house was done by Jack Constructions; Photography by Justin Sebastian Photography

    The homeowner had a clear vision for the space, which was to be used as a second home. She wanted spaces that did not replicate the traditional architecture seen around – the spaces were to be non-conformist. 

    Calculated, cantilevered and composed 

    A long and uphill drive lined with pineapple foliage alongside brings one to the home perched among the boulders. Bold and juxtaposed, it is by no means hidden among the natural terrain. Framed cantilevered boxes define the structure resting on the jagged topography. An awe-inspiring entry, the porch is flanked by a cantilevered balcony on one side, and a monolithic black wall on the other side. Open to the sky, sun-light funnels into the porch, giving reason to pause. The openness of the landscape outside continues as one enters the house. 

    The living room on the upper level is floored by locally sourced course granite tiles. Used as the client’s reading space, it dons a dual tone couch and art from Mato Grosso, Brazil. Views of the mountains in the distance are enjoyed from this room; Photography by Justin Sebastian Photography

    A living room with a double height ceiling sits on one side of the entryway. Large windows let in light and allow for the much needed cross-ventilation. The living room forms the core of the home, accessible to most other spaces. 

    Lights from Geo Liting fill the void of the living area below. The lime plastered walls are by Asian Paints, and the doors are sourced from Jac Door; Photography by Justin Sebastian Photography

    A circular cut-out within a wall beyond the living area draws intrigue. Peeping through the cut out, one sees the contemporary kitchen beside the dining area filled with natural light. The dining table itself is one of the talking points of this home. The base is a singular rock that has been present on the plot since the very start. Since it was near impossible to move it, and counterproductive to break and relocate it, the architects decided to turn it into a dining table. 

    The terrazzo platform and dado in the dry kitchen make a soothing contrast to the Jaisalmer stone flooring. The kitchen opens into a service kitchen which houses the utility space; Photography by Justin Sebastian Photography

     

    Locally sourced Jaiselmer stone floors complement the wood cabinets in the kitchen. Around the rock based dining table are chairs from Woodart Interiors; Photography by Justin Sebastian Photography

    Tough love

    Muted and relatively simple, this home aligns with the dream the homeowner and architects had for it. “We were keen on keeping the house in symphony with the natural surrounding of mountainous terrain and green cover”, explains Rahul.

    In the primary bedroom, a teak wood panelled wall runs along the length of the room. The balcony rests along a boulder courtesy of the natural terrain. The pillows are sourced from Good Earth; Photography by Justin Sebastian Photography

     

    In the parents’ bedroom, a teak poster bed from Woodart Interiors draws all attention; Photography by Justin Sebastian Photography

     

    A rough live edge chiselled tile wall from Kajaria Ceramics forms the backdrop for the bed. The linen is from D’Decor. This room opens into a long 40 ft cantilevered balcony that has views to the front of the house and the driveway; Photography by Justin Sebastian Photography

    Attention to detail can be seen at the macro and micro levels, sticking firmly to the studio’s design philosophy. “We adopted the vernacular methodology of planning and techniques within a framework of contemporary design. The design has been heavily hinged on climatic factors”, concludes Rahul. 

     

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