Zee’s Valley by Yuuga Architectural Studio

Nestled in the heart of Trissur, a town in Kerala, this residence project by Yuuga Design, aims to create a harmonious blend of traditional Kerala architecture and modern amenities. The project brief was to design a spacious, convenient, and easily maintainable home for three sisters to accommodate their aging parents. This project aims to maximize privacy, ventilation, and natural light while evoking the essence of a Kerala home.

The design concept revolves around the idea of creating two separate blocks within the house, connected by a central yard and staircase. This central yard acts as a source of natural light and ventilation, while also providing a spacious feel throughout the interior. The double-layered roof, inspired by Kerala tropical architecture, serves to reduce heat during summers and protect the house from heavy monsoon rains.

The ground floor comprises two bedrooms for the parents and one bedroom for each sister, ensuring privacy and comfort. The living areas, including the dining area, family living room, and kitchen, are thoughtfully arranged in one block, promoting easy movement and accessibility. The bedrooms and study room form a second block, separated from the family areas to maintain tranquility. The central yard, adorned with a skylight and natural plants, brings life, freshness, and natural beauty to the entire interior.

To ensure privacy from neighboring buildings, a clay brick screen wall is incorporated, acting as a design element in both the interior and exterior spaces. This wall offers security, privacy, and allows for controlled air circulation and natural light. The interior is treated minimally, showcasing traditional-style wooden furniture, combined with grey and white finishes and modern lighting. The result is a fusion of rustic charm and contemporary aesthetics.

The project prioritizes climate-friendly elements. The double-layered roof, along with proper insulation, reduces heat gain and maintains a comfortable interior temperature. The exterior facade combines white and grey walls with mud-colored roof tiles and mud bricks in the screen wall, paying homage to Kerala's architectural heritage. These materials not only provide thermal insulation but also blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment.

The interior palette features white and grey walls, complemented by traditional-style wooden furniture. The color scheme creates a serene and calm atmosphere while allowing the focus to remain on the natural light and greenery brought in by the central yard. Soft finishes add warmth and elegance to the spaces. Externally, the combination of white and grey walls with earthy tones in the roof and screen wall enhances the traditional aesthetic while maintaining a contemporary appeal.