Courtyard of Nutmeg House by Studio Idiom
Courtyard of Nutmeg House by Studio Idiom
Courtyard of Nutmeg House by Studio Idiom
Outdoor seating of Nutmeg House by Studio Idiom
Outdoor seating of Nutmeg House by Studio Idiom
Living room of Nutmeg House by Studio Idiom 0
A partially double height open living zone on the upper level houses the communal spaces (living, dining and kitchen all fused into one). This space has a transparent facade which extends the visual envelope beyond the interior, drawing in the nutmeg trees and the diffused sunlight creating a constant dialogue between its occupants and the environment. A semi covered metal balcony which lines the southern edge of the communal zone (facing the river and overlooking the platform below) serves as a space for quiet retreat amidst the canopies of the nutmeg trees. A multi-purpose mezzanine nests over the dining and kitchen spaces opening on to terraces on either side. The sit out space at the entrance of the first level and the familiar axial layout evoke a memory of the South Indian vernacular.
Living, Dining & Kitchen of Nutmeg House by Studio Idiom
Dining of Nutmeg House by Studio Idiom
Dining to Kitchen view of Nutmeg House by Studio Idiom
Staircase view of Nutmeg House by Studio Idiom
Bedroom of Nutmeg House by Studio Idiom
An exposed brick structure houses the other more private spaces- the single bedroom, and the bathrooms. The punctures on the exterior walls of this block are smaller making these spaces darker and more intimate (and cooler).
The house has been planned for a family unit of 2-3, with the flexibility to accommodate up to 6 people if needed.
Each space engages differently with the outdoors creating a medley of experiences. The ground level seating space and the swing alongside it, give us an unobstructed view of the flowing river under the canopies of the trees. In the first level, as we sit in the ‘entrance sit-out’, the living spaces or the balcony, we can feel the gentle embrace of the thick foliage. We see little else, but the diagonal branches, the dancing leaves and the filtered sunlight. The gable roofed mezzanine engages less with the trees and more with the sky, giving it a meditative quality.
Study Area of Nutmeg House by Studio Idiom
Upper living of Nutmeg House by Studio Idiom
Upper living of Nutmeg House by Studio Idiom
Passive Cooling through Choices in Design and Material
Mud brick masonry was used as the neighborhood abounds in mud brick and tile factories.
The key strategies employed to reduce heat gain are the use of rat trap bond masonry, the insulating air gap in the twin layered tile roof, the generous overhangs, the positioning and size of the openings along the outer walls.
In addition to the above, the spaces were carefully laid out to create a thermally comfortable environment as the clients wanted to forgo the use of mechanical air conditioning. The tall water tank structure on the west side protects the mezzanine and the bedroom in the first-floor level from the hot western Sun. The living zone which has a transparent façade, has been positioned within the vegetation such that it is shaded from the sun at all times, making it comfortable even during the harsh summer months.
The generous openings keep the spaces well-ventilated which is vital in the humid climes of Kerala. Two triangular wire mesh windows below the ridge of the mezzanine tile roof facilitate stack effect which further augments the ventilation.
Balcony of Nutmeg House by Studio Idiom
Terrace of Nutmeg House by Studio Idiom
Terrace of Nutmeg House by Studio Idiom
Ground floor plan of Nutmeg House by Studio Idiom
First floor plan of Nutmeg House by Studio Idiom
Mezanine plan of Nutmeg House by Studio Idiom
Section of Nutmeg House by Studio Idiom
