Homes

Home in the hills: Tat Atelier crafts a cosy holiday abode in Kerala

AUG 21, 2024 | By Paakhi Baranwal
Expansive landscaping, magnificent masonry and a steel framework enhanced by pinewood ceilings and a textured cement finish make up the grand exterior; Photography by Arjun Krishna
An azure blue infinity pool peeks through the expansive windows; Photography by Arjun Krishna

This story is about a modern woodland. Sounds a bit paradoxical, but that is precisely what this holiday home in Kerala reads as. About 2,770 sq ft in area, the home designed by Tat Atelier in the scenic hills is the perfect escape from the maximal ways of life. Every vacationer’s paradise — minimal, meaningful and made of mountains — can be found in this thoughtfully sprawling family abode.

The camaraderie of minimal design and the maximal bounty of nature erase the boundary between the indoors and the outdoors. An infinity pool overlooking the hills and elevated interiors make up three levels of this home. The neutral tones and clean lines allow the natural beauty of the surroundings to take centre stage, seamlessly blending the interior with the stunning exterior vistas,” expresses founder and creative head Jerin Jabir. 

 

The dining space comprises custom Indonesian furniture with decor from Nirmiti Collective and Objectry; Photography by Arjun Krishna

 

White, wood and black form a picturesque story in the transitional spaces; Photography by Arjun Krishna

Infinity pool and endless views

Nature is the pinnacle of experience in the house, with lush elements succinctly bedecking each level. The bottom level with the living space reads of cosiness and warm nights spent with family, whilst opening to stunning panoramic views. Designed alongside co-founders Byrun Shabeer and Muhammed Basil, a sense of calmness resonates throughout the home. The first floor engulfs the infinity pool that is almost as stunning as the landscape it is skirted by, as the bedrooms overlook hypnotising views.

The master bedroom and dining space with an al fresco ambience make up the second floor. The furniture is mostly custom-made, with locally sourced materials and classic designs. A space for the family to gather can be found on the third level, with an additional kitchen area that looks onto the rest of the house.

The living space features furniture from Hedra furniture and decor from Objectry; Photography by Arjun Krishna

 

Modern stairwells complete the tale of this minimally designed home; Photography by Arjun Krishna

Rooted in rattan

Replete with earthiness and shades of grey, black and brown colour the home with wood and rattan found in every corner. From rattan in the interiors to furniture in the courtyard, the synonymity between inside and outside is incessant. Exposed wood beams make up the ceiling, with wooden flooring covering passageways leading to different parts of the home.

Our favourite part is (no surprise here) the infinity pool. Classy and contemporary, it is perfect for a dip in the evening or to just sit and woolgather by the plush pool deck. The firm’s ethos of honouring the site and working around obstacles without transforming it altogether is reflected throughout. The plot was left unaltered to honour the natural landscape of the site and create different spaces that offer privacy as well as places for community. 

Custom-made wood and cane furniture bedecks this first-floor bedroom with a clay pot from Nirmiti Collective; Photography by Arjun Krishna

 

The infinity pool and the plush pool deck are the perfect spot for a relaxed evening, with landscaping by the Yard Calicut; Photography by Arjun Krishna

 

Expansive landscaping, magnificent masonry and a steel framework enhanced by pinewood ceilings and a textured cement finish make up the grand exterior; Photography by Arjun Krishna

Scroll down to catch more glimpses of the home…

The dining area is airy and filled with natural light; Photography by Arjun Krishna

 

The dining space comprises custom Indonesian furniture with decor from Nirmiti Collective and Objectry; Photography by Arjun Krishna

 

A wooden clock holds one’s gaze amidst the earthy elements in the living room; Photography by Arjun Krishna

 

The azure blue pool peeks through the expansive windows; Photography by Arjun Krishna

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