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    Timeless and transcendent: This Kerala home by De Earth Architects is a lesson in celebrating nature indoors

    OCT 31, 2023 | By Aparna Kher
    A laterite wall is perched at the end of the eastern courtyard to offer a sense of privacy. The bar stools are from Codi; Photographs by Syam Sreesylam, Yadu Pradeep and Sanak Surendran
    The cantilevered eaves direct a brass rain gutter into the cobblestoned court; Styling by Jamsheed AM; Photographs by Syam Sreesylam, Yadu Pradeep and Sanak Surendran
    The ground floors engages in the perfect harmony of integration and separation through its thoughtful layout. Sofa is from Magari and coffee table from Kiara; Photographs by Syam Sreesylam, Yadu Pradeep and Sanak Surendran
    Drawing inspiration from the roots of its context, this bedroom features a traditional four-poster bed from Kiara flanked by contemporary decor elements; Photographs by Syam Sreesylam, Yadu Pradeep and Sanak Surendran

    A house that lives and grows with you, where nature is omnipresent, and where you can weave the story of your life within its walls and eaves. Such is this haven by architects Vivek PP and Nishan M of De Earth Architects in the heaven-on-earth state,Kerala. Dubbed Swasthi, it celebrates the tropical glories of this lush land through its vernacular style, infused with modern elements in this abode.

    Conceived as a symbiosis of utility and beauty, Swasthi in Kannur  is a 4,835  sq-ft ethnic residence reimagined for contemporary living. The house sits next to its ancestral home and takes form across multiple levels, owing to the site’s natural contours. A basement parking leads you up a few steps to the entrance of the house. A rustic swing greets you, leading you into the central living space. 

     

    De Earth Architects
    The use of grey and wood creates the ideal backdrop for a story to be lived in this space. Furniture is from Freedom Tree and mirror from Wudapple; Styling by Jamsheed AM, Photographs by Syam Sreesylam, Yadu Pradeep and Sanak Surendran

     

    De Earth Architects
    The house extends into the familiarity of its neighbouring ancestral home through a shared garden. Wooden Pillar From Athangudi, Flooring by S-white, Laterite Cladding from Kannur; Photographs by Syam Sreesylam, Yadu Pradeep and Sanak Surendran

    Conversation with the outdoors

    This abode is designed with multiple interfaces with nature and has courtyards opening out in all four directions. Across the living room, a charming southern courtyard is enveloped by a jali. On the east, a lovely, cobblestoned court extends beyond the kitchen, creating an inviting breakfast nook at its interface. Marked by mosaic flooring, the western court is a sociable space with yellow-oxide-finished seating that wraps around the whole space. 

    A vegetable garden sprouts up on the northern side of this home, adding to the interstitial spaces that lend this residence its character. The courtyards offer distinct experiences with the surrounding landscape, creating soothing visual melodies.

    De Earth Architects
    This is the dining area and the dining table from Kiara, chairs from Dtale, bar stools from Codi. Styling by Jamsheed AM, Photographs by Syam Sreesylam, Yadu Pradeep and Sanak Surendran

    Material maze

    Locally sourced materials and construction techniques married with a minimalistic design style introduce a sense of simplicity. The raw tactility of exposed concrete and laterite is juxtaposed with the soft glow of ethereal light and serenity in the interiors. Changing volumes add to the playfulness of the home. Nature weaves through the perimeter of the house and envelopes it with timeless beauty. 

    De Earth Architects
    The thoroughfare on the upper floor looks onto the common areas below, creating a seamless visual connectivity; Photographs by Syam Sreesylam, Yadu Pradeep and Sanak Surendran

     

    De Earth Architects
    The nostalgia exuding from the gallery wall blends with the simplistic charm of the bedroom, with the bed being from Kiara; Photographs by Syam Sreesylam, Yadu Pradeep and Sanak Surendran

    The common areas occupy the ground floor, while the private spaces are reserved for the first floor. High ceilings, generous windows and the light hue of Jaisalmer flooring invite the play of light into the living and dining areas as they flow seamlessly into each other. The sloping, clay-tiled roof extends into cantilevered eaves to respond to the monsoon’s might. The thoughtful infusion of local heritage and tradition balances out the contemporary essence in this abode. 

    Extended ceilings and skylights establish a smooth connectivity between the lower and upper floors. The bedrooms are designed with a quaint, minimal essence, prioritising simplicity and peace. Bay windows with screens look out into the courts below while pops of colours in the interiors put on a stunning show within. The son’s room sports a bookshelf stairway that leads into a private attic. The primary bedroom reminisces the past through collections of monochrome photographs.

    Minimal yet bespoke furniture pieces add life and colour to the common areas. Console from Freedom Tree and mirror from Wudapple.; Photographs by Syam Sreesylam, Yadu Pradeep and Sanak Surendran

    Pulsing with nature, Swasthi emanates a timeless transcendence through its marriage of vernacular and contemporary elements.

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