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Architecture

03-04-2026

Text provided by Architect

'Malargal' situated in Ettumanoor, Kottayam, is a modern take on South Indian Architecture with flavors of 'Chettinad Style'. This home is designed for slow living moving away from the city limits, where cultural heritage and modern comfort coexist seamlessly. This project successfully bridges the gap between three generations, offering a space that feels nostalgic and forward thinking.

"In this project we asked ourselves: How can a modern home feel like an ancestral one? The answer lay in the spaces and materials.

By centering the courtyard in the middle with the pooja area and arranging the rooms and other functions around it created a 'Tharavadu' feel with courtyard ('Nadumuttom'). We designed the bay windows opening into this courtyard which is the main highlight of this project. By introducing this double height volume and a stepped seating arrangement adjacent to the staircase not only created a memorable space but also, it was an escape from dark interiors and dead spaces that was the day-to-day scenario of an urban concrete jungle. This home returned to the airy, light filled essence of a Traditional 'Nalukettu', without compromising the modern touch.

The Material and Palette: We tried to make a palette that is more of Earthy ochres and deep woods contrasted by teal handrails. The home clads with the terracotta brick tiles that adds a permanence and history and brings a contrasting red color that compliments with the beautiful Teak wooden windows and clay jallis, along with the 'Athangudi' inspired tiles that creates a memorable experience of revisiting our old tharavads and ancestral homes from the past. It creates a sensory experience- the smell of wood, the coolness of granite and the warmth of clay. This home ages gracefully rather than just looking trendy.

"It was a wonderful experience designing this project- we didn't just build a house; we build a backdrop of family traditions to continue.