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Architecture

2020

Urvi is a residence in the tropical setting of Kerala. The building was designed to respond to the site and climate while integrating the inside with the surrounding. The name “Urvi,” meaning “Earth,” represents the built space that aims to create a feeling of oneness with the surrounding. The interior spaces become a place where the family can experience life in a natural environment. The requirement was to make maximum use of the small area and create well-lit and ventilated spaces.

The house is approached through the grey limestone laid front yard. The gate and latticed compound wall are designed to allow light and wind in. They offer almost complete visibility toward the outside while offering privacy. Lush tropical landscapes adorn the parking area on either side. This continues into a landscaped court.

The main door transitions into a semi-open living space overlooking the landscaped court. The flooring in this area almost seems like a fluid perpetuation of the outdoor limestone. The living area is separated from the other areas of the house with a folding door. While the door frames the view of a painting and its reflection in the mirror, the remaining private areas of the house are concealed from the living area.

The dining area has large windows on one end and a staircase on the other. Air from the windows is drawn into the house and moves out through the jaalis in the stairwell. The Jaali screen not only adorns the facade but is in a central position; it aids in adequate cross ventilation and keeps the inside lit naturally. Ventilation efficiency is maximized by strategically positioning the vertical jaali wall and a landscaped garden buffer on the opposite side. The orientation of each jaali block of the porous wall also provides shade and prevents rainwater from entering. The wash area wall is cladded with laterite. The painting in this area complements the earthen hues of the room.

Trivandrum,Kerala,India

Architects	:	Ar. Niya Ann Sharon
Area	:	1300 sq.ft
Year	:	2020
Website	:	https://www.instagram.com/ar.niyaannsharon/?hl=en

A simple material palette was adopted, and the colors and textures of the surfaces blend into each other. The ground floor also accommodates one bedroom and a kitchen. The ceiling is left with the crude finish of cement plastering. The cement board shutters of the wardrobe and cabinet shutters also brace this raw grey texture.

The first floor includes the common study and library space, two bedrooms, and an open terrace. The open terrace is designed as a leisure space for the family. It is semi-open and enclosed within the lattice walls of the facade and offers privacy, just like themain gate. The outside of the eastern wall is covered with vernonia creepers that cascade down from the terrace area. The terrace area is also covered with bamboo curtains for privacy. Thus, the entire façade is a collage of materials that not only serves different functions but also, when combined, gives life to the name ‘Urvi