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Architecture

18-05-2026

Text provided by Architect

Designed as a tranquil retreat, Mango Showers, was commissioned in 2022 by Mr. Ajith and Ms. Kalpana from Thiruvananthapuram for their property near Kalpetta in Wayanad. The original brief envisioned a modest two-bedroom vacation home with consideration for renovating an existing structure, but a detailed site assessment deemed the old building unfit for restoration, leading to the proposal of a new, purpose-built residence thoughtfully designed to evolve with the client’s needs while exploring the site's full potential.

Located just two kilometers from Kalpetta, the site offers a unique blend of rural seclusion and urban accessibility. Shaped like a boat with descending contours, it overlooks a thriving coffee plantation and a river to the west. A detailed site analysis, including references to the 2018 floods, revealed that the river could rise by nearly two meters during the monsoon, which guided the decision to position the residence on the highest contour, ensuring long-term safety and resilience.

Wayanad,Kerala,India

Architects	:	VSP Architects
Area	:	4500 sq. ft.
Year of Completion	:	2023
Website	:	https://www.instagram.com/vsparchitects/?hl=en

Exterior view of Mango Showers by VSP Architects

Entrance of Mango Showers by VSP Architects

Verandah of Mango Showers by VSP Architects

Passage to Swimming Pool of Mango Showers by VSP Architects

Further exploration of the brief and potential of the picturesque site lead to the proposal of a hybrid model that combines a private residence with boutique retreat features. This approach incorporates guest suites, a swimming pool, and an open-air amphitheater, offering potential for activities such as family gatherings, outdoor dining, cultural performances, and bonfire nights.The final design draws from the site's natural features and Kerala vernacular architecture, blending regional aesthetics with modern comfort while optimizing views of the coffee plantation and maintaining a safe, seamless connection to the riverfront.

Living room of Mango Showers by VSP Architects

Wall Graffiti art of Mango Showers by VSP Architects

Living room of Mango Showers by VSP Architects

Living to Dining view of Mango Showers by VSP Architects

Dining of Mango Showers by VSP Architects

Courtyard of Mango Showers by VSP Architects

Approached via a narrow access road, the residence welcomes visitors with a spacious tropical courtyard paved in laterite stone and accented with heritage-inspired cultural installations like cart wheel, Theyyam sculpture, and stepped stone oil lamp, evoking the nostalgic essence of Kerala.

A second courtyard, centered around a Koi pond and set against a backdrop of hand-painted Kerala mural, serves as the social nucleus of the residence, flanked by the living and dining spaces. Guided by the land’s natural contours, an infinity pool that visually merges with the river and coffee plantation was created subsequent to the central living space. Guest and owner suites are arranged in a unified structure yet separated by intimate courtyards that maximize privacy, daylight, and airflow with private balconies overlooking the verdant landscape.

Corridor of Mango Showers by VSP Architects

Bedroom 1 of Mango Showers by VSP Architects

Bedroom 2 of Mango Showers by VSP Architects

Bedroom 3 of Mango Showers by VSP Architects

The material palette including Kota stone flooring, terracotta tile roofing, earthy paint tones, teak and rattan furniture brings tactile warmth and regional authenticity to the architecture language. Tropical landscaping surrounds the courtyards and transition spaces, creating an ecosystem of shade, biodiversity, and comfort.

Mango Showers transcends the notion of a second home—it is a thoughtful synthesis of vernacular wisdom, environmental adaptability, and programmatic intelligence. The result is an immersive, place-responsive design that is restful, resilient, sustainable and deeply connected to nature.