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Architecture

13-08-2025

Photographer : 148 South

Live like the river flows, carried by the surprises of its own unfoldings.

Located in a quiet 20 cents of land, surrounded by lush greens of paddy fields, is Nadhi - a simple abode of Mr. Sooryan Nair and family.

Nadhi is a project that questions and tries to reimagine the simple aspects of living and habitation. The clients hailing from Venjaramood, Trivandrum, wanted a home that reflected their simple ways of living. With a limited budget and limitless possibilities, nadhi is an exploration of how emotional circuits with humans, spaces and nature could be achieved.

The site is located at Venjaramood, Trivandrum within lush green fields. A narrow stream flows very nearby which is a delightful sight indeed. The design intent was to bring in the peace and tranquil the site offers within the home.

Nadhi is a modern-day adaptation or reimagination of a nalukettu home in kerala. Basic zoning of nadhi is inspired by the concept of flowing river. A main axis with terracotta flooring runs centrally connecting the ends of the house like a linear river stream with spaces and areas placed along the banks. Sunlight coming in through the skylight and large openings narrates the spaces and it’s stories throughout the day. The core area of nadhi is the living-dining-courtyard volume that breathes in life to this home.

Trivandrum,Kerala,India

Architects	:	ARK Architecture Studio
Area	:	2052 sq. ft.
Year of Completion	:	2023
Website	:	https://www.instagram.com/arkarchitecturestudio/?hl=en

Verandah of Nadhi by ARK Architecture Studio

Outdoor court of Nadhi by ARK Architecture Studio

Living room of Nadhi by ARK Architecture Studio

Dining of Nadhi by ARK Architecture Studio

Dining to Courtyard view of Nadhi by ARK Architecture Studio

Courtyard of Nadhi by ARK Architecture Studio

The courtyard treated with the same volume as living-dining is placed as a spill-out space between these areas. Without the usual double height volume, the courtyard resembles nalukettu with very simple and minimal elements of landscape and a highlight wall with flowing brick pattern depicting the concept. Different levels of seating areas are provided on the perimeter of living and dining area facing the courtyard for different kinds of sitting postures which was in turn a conscious decision so that the inhabitants don’t get confined to the spaces assigned for such activities. The impression of nadhi or the welcoming sight as we enter, is the courtyard with a tangible yet transparent plane separating the sitout and courtyard.

Corridor of Nadhi by ARK Architecture Studio

First floor seating area of Nadhi by ARK Architecture Studio

Nadhi is naturally lit during the day with sunlight and moonlit during the night with light flowing seamlessly throughout the grand overhead opening in the courtyard. The residence sits towards the rear end of the site offering a lot of space outdoors for the family to spend their time. The upper floor bears a long passage naturally lit by the jaali screen, with a reading area overlooking the core space of nadhi as well as the river. Majenta- yellow colour theme was picked out for the interiors to bring in the unique positivity the colour holds. Majenta stands for harmony and emotional balance while yellow stands for positivity.

Elevation of nadhi is a simple structure following the simplicity of this home. The aesthetics of a first imagery of what a house should look like during our childhood was the key driving factor of the form of nadhi.