Ethnic Mist by Nordit Architects

Ethnic Mist is a 3200 sq ft house with a contemporary style amalgamated with traditional kerala elements that stand amidst the enveloping green microcosm. The project is located in Kollam, which is the southern part of Kerala. The house was crafted in and around the existing treescape that was desired to be maintained. A modern approach towards traditional styles is the basic design ideology of the project.  The site consists of the residence, farm and a farm house; in which the residence exists in the first 26 cents. A panoramic elevation is hence evolved based on the zoning of the residence on the site. 

The exterior facade complements the natural palette of the surrounding while possessing a traditional architecture style statement, considering the tropical climate of Kerala. The placement of openings permit natural light and ventilation into the spaces resulting in passive cooling despite the harsh summer sun. Double height spaces are provided to enhance the spatial feel and for exiting the heat inside. A long corridor that starts from the entrance connects all the spaces in the residence. Spaces such as the outdoor patio deck, the corridor and the open terraces provide stunning view of the backyard farm. All the bedrooms have bay window seating which opens towards the farm side. The patio deck area is a retaining wall made of random rubble, acts as separation between house and the farm. The whole house is powered by solar energy, which is harvested with the panels placed on the sloped roof. Inside the sloped roof there is a table tennis play area. 

The use of skylight, jali , semi outdoor pools, outdoor decks and patios work together to bring nature inside along with a magical play of light. Abundant vegetation in the backyard provides privacy in the bedroom zones while offering a green and natural context . The interior of the house is carefully zoned into public, semi public and private spaces each of which provides excellent vistas of the exterior green scape. The interior colour palette is an earthy hue that consists of pastel, neutral and raw shades that complement well with the concrete texture tile flooring and the rich dark wood.  Pastel shades and minimal interior with wooden finishes compliments the design of the house.

Porotherm bricks are used for the walls to reduce maximum heat. Mangalore roofing tiles along with flat ceiling clay tiles are used fabove the concreted roof and exposed in the formal living area. Banglore stone amd tandoor stones aare used in the landscape along with pearl grass. A tropical planting theme is followed along the whole landscape of the project. The landscape, outdoor spaces merges with the interior of the house, which gives a life to the building and the people living inside.