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Thadathil House by DD Architects

Architecture

22-08-2025

Photographer : K Midhul

Dr. Giby, and Dr.Sumi, an Ayurvedic doctor couple in Pattikkad, Kerala accustomed to a nature-friendly lifestyle, came up with the requirement of a 3- bedroom home closely connected to nature. The site innately supported the Ayurvedic couple’s desire for cultivating rare varieties of medicinal plants, as it is bound by forest lands behind, also serving as an inspiration for the design of this home. However, integrating the levels of a rough terrain that trails from a low-lying road to an abrupt hill, through the built form had been the primary challenge to tackle. The sensitive site with distinct characteristics needed a design that explores the site features, keeping nature intact and inspiring to build something that wasn’t loud enough but speaks its own language.

The ingenious planning involved unfolding the design from the landscape with a small winding road leading to the car park beside the house and for pedestrians: a series of steps landscaped with the existing levels, resulting in a residence that looks immersed in nature. Further, accommodating adequate transitional spaces that enhance the flow of indoor-outdoor spaces, and an interesting interplay of built volumes that aids in interspersing natural light to every corner of the house ensured a holistic nature-integrated spatial experience.

Thrissur,Kerala,India

Architects : DD Architects
Area : 3000 sq. ft.
Year of Completion : 2020
Website : https://www.instagram.com/dd_architects_/

Exterior view of Thadathil House by DD Architects


Exterior view of Thadathil House by DD Architects


Entryway of Thadathil House by DD Architects

The entry is received by a flight of stairs, dipped into the earth forming the way to home, which welcomes us to a verandah with an ample void, drawing one into the greens. The interiors take us down in pursuit of nature, encountering transitional spaces that connect us to the outdoors along the journey. The Verandah, for instance, is connected to the living space by a small bridge with a waterbody that collects rainwater through chains- also acting as a pool for fish and water plants. The living and dining spaces, although visually connected, are transitioned through an open courtyard filled with rocks and plants. These intermediate landscapes also assist soil and water conservation, beyond blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior.


Entrance of Thadathil House by DD Architects


Verandah of Thadathil House by DD Architects


Courtyard of Thadathil House by DD Architects


Living room of Thadathil House by DD Architects


Living to Dining view of Thadathil House by DD Architects

The home interiors draw inspiration from rich traditional Kerala houses lending the feel of dark yet well-lit spaces. This gets accomplished through louvered windows, small punctures on the roof, and strategically placed openings that also aid in passive cooling. 

The built structure connects closely to nature in terms of terrain, design, and materials alike. Adhering to a superlatively indigenous material palette, the home enjoys an irresistible relationship with nature. Wood and porotherm blocks sourced from Kannanur, form a significant part of the palette, while rubbles and green oxide dominate the rest of the home. Exposed terracotta blocks and exposed concrete add to the overall earthy feel of the interiors, with polished concrete flooring and green oxide finishes complementing them. Further, bamboo partitions, palm wood floors, and jackwood joineries complete the palette. The use of steel rafters and double-layered terracotta tiles minimized concrete in places, encouraging a sustainable structure.

Thus, this nature-friendly home is a series of built spaces with a tinge of earthiness and warmth, interconnected by the landscape, an alternating equilibrium between dichotomies.


Bridge to dining area of Thadathil House by DD Architects


Dining of Thadathil House by DD Architects 02


First floor view of Thadathil House by DD Architects


Bedroom of Thadathil House by DD Architects


Dusk light exterior view of Thadathil House by DD Architects


Detailed shot of exterior facade of Thadathil House by DD Architects


Section of Thadathil House by DD Architects



Tags
house
architecture
2020
india
kerala
thrissur
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