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Architecture

2020

Photographer : Ar. Sabith

Text provided by Ar. Prateeksha

Architecture will redefine itself every decade. Lately, the architecture in urban areas turned into a huge ladder to the sky whereas architecture in rural areas started exploring its different forms, unique finishes yet maintain its individuality and legacy. The architecture of ‘The canopy home’ has a very unique character of its own and thoughtfully designed for a family located in the interiors of a small town called Kottakkal in Kerala, India.

The underlying idea of this residence has always been visually connecting various spaces by merging the volumes and blurring the boundaries of areas. This idea of openness is primarily pursued to consolidate spaces and to elevate the usage of natural elements like daylight and ventilation inside the building. To achieve the client’s requirements and openness concept with the site condition, they ended up on a single roof ideology i.e. They obtained minimal amount of built-up area under one canopy.

When they say it as a phenomenal building, it is not only about the aesthetical look but the building should be designed according to the physical and climatic conditions of the site location. As the site is oriented towards south and also the plot area is minimal, the building has been tilted towards the south-west direction. The purpose of planning the main entrance in that direction is to reduce heat gain by harsh sun rays. The roof also has been designed to slope down towards the same direction for the above reason and that create an alcove sit out area. The rear side of the building is completely of glass partition, louvers and glass doors to obtain maximum daylight and to advance cross ventilation inside the building accompanied with exterior landscaped area.

Kottakkal,Kerala,India

Architects	:	Scribble Engine
Area	:	2500 sq. ft.
Year	:	2020
Website	:	https://www.instagram.com/scribbleengine/

West side view of Canopy Home by Scribble Engine

Exterior view of Canopy Home by Scribble Engine

Sitout and water body of Canopy Home by Scribble Engine

Sitout of Canopy Home by Scribble Engine

The planning is done in such a way that the bedrooms maintain its privacy whereas other spaces are kept visually connected to each other. The ground floor incorporates living, study area, dining, kitchen, outdoor kitchen, staircase and bedrooms whereas the first floor includes other bedrooms, reading area and family living area. The porch is designed in the way that blends with living area once the glass doors are completely opened. This creates an optical illusion that the car has been parked inside the house.

Structurally, this building is a combination of both load-bearing and framed structure methods. It has only 4 columns and the rest of the loads are supported by inclined walls and beams. Even the C-section gutter in the canopy acts as a central beam to support the structure.

Sitout of Canopy Home by Scribble Engine

Water body of Canopy Home by Scribble Engine

Lawn of Canopy Home by Scribble Engine

Living room of Canopy Home by Scribble Engine

Staircase of Canopy Home by Scribble Engine

Passage of Canopy Home by Scribble Engine

Porch of Canopy Home by Scribble Engine

Materials are significant factor to prospect in eco–friendly buildings. Exposed laterite stones are being used in the inclined wall and other facades. The Interior of the walls is done by smooth cement finish. The roof is covered with Mangalore tiles and clay ceiling tiles to give an earthy feel. The purpose of the canopy is not only to camouflage. Also, to collect rainwater into the water body that is near the sit out.

Both the hardscape and landscape are perfectly balanced all around the house. Landscaping plays a vital role in keeping the surrounding and our soul at peace. It also elevates the calmness in its surrounding. The placing of the water body is again planned to boost the microclimate of the site during hot summers and to experience the rhythm of raindrops during monsoon.

Parking area of Canopy Home by Scribble Engine

Detailed shot of wall and roof of Canopy Home by Scribble Engine

In the world of screened contemporary buildings, it is always difficult to witness a building that manifests the genuineness of materials. Especially, when that particular building is a home, then it is going to be a precedent for the common public who tent to adopt this concept of sustainability in future.