Homes
TAB blends sensory architecture with seclusion and sustainability in a Kochi home
JAN 8, 2025 | By Sana Krishna
A 3,500 sq ft celebration of nature and architectural, TropiBox is no mere home. Envisioned by Tropical Architecture Bureau (TAB) and the equally meticulous homeowners, this home doesn’t only blend into the lush Kochi surroundings but unapologetically syncs with nature as long-lost lovers.
Located in Kakkanad, Kochi, the residence embraces verticality to maximise space without expanding outward. Tradition intersects with architecture, where comfort, style and sustainability co-exist in balance.
Not your average concrete jungle
“The most challenging aspect was working with the site’s topography. The land sloped in such a way that it required a careful study to create the two distinct levels. One for public spaces and another for private ones, while maintaining a flowing spatial connection,” explains Uvais Subu, Principal Architect and Founder, Tropical Architecture Bureau.
TropiBox reimagines the very essence of urban living, where open courtyards, glass walls and organic materials become the protagonists. Drawn from the principles of Tropical Modernism, the design’s minimalist approach — with stone, cement plaster and wood — combines the coolness of modern aesthetics with the warmth of the tropics.
The home witnesses artfully stacked spaces that promote airflow and conserve space, with verdant gardens and planters cascading across the various levels.
Nature’s palette, redefined
Smooth cement plaster curves the walls, while natural stone introduces an earthy texture, anchoring the design. Wood accents balance the coolness of stone and cement, facilitating a gentle transition between the interior and the world outside.
Expansive glass windows and sliding doors open the space to the outdoors, flooding it with light and blurring the line between inside and out. Steel accents lend a contemporary edge, while shades of grey and beige establish a tranquil atmosphere, enriched by verdant greens and rustic browns that echo Kerala’s lush landscape.
Unveiled from porch to pool
Opposites attract as openness meets privacy. The bold, exposed concrete facades and glass openings exist alongside quiet pockets of seclusion. The layout flows intuitively, connecting spaces like the central dining area, where the kitchen, living room and pool converge. The mezzanine injects an invigorating energy, while the bedrooms stand as peaceful retreats. Courtyards and a pool further strengthen the home’s bond with nature, transforming it into an everyday sanctuary.
As Principal Architect and Founder Uvais Subu puts it, “The central dining area was one of the most enjoyable parts to design — the double-height space with its circular skylight creates an immersive connection to nature, where family and friends can gather in the sunlight, surrounded by tranquil courtyards.”
The Earth deserves a day off too
TropiBox is more than an eco-friendly haven; it stands as a paragon of sustainable living. Skip cranking up the AC: this place stays cool due to an ingenious use of natural light, breezes and energy-efficient wizardry. Passive cooling, abundant natural light and energy-efficient technologies minimise its environmental footprint, while the use of locally sourced materials reduces the need for imports. Its vertical design optimises space, proving that sustainability and design are not merely compatible — they can flourish together.
