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Architecture

2024

Photographer : Prasanth Mohan, Running Studios

Nestled amidst the undulating contours of tropical terrain, PROJECT MUKULIKA emerges as a refined embodiment of sustainable tropical architecture—a delicate blossom flourishing in perfect symbiosis with its verdant surroundings. Envisioned for a small family with an aƯinity for openness and an intimate connection to nature, the residence captures the essence of tropical living, creating harmony between architecture and nature creating an immersive sensory experience. The house blends effortlessly with its surroundings offering a sustainable and comfortable retreat.

The site’s naturally picturesque setting served as a canvas for crafting a home that captures and celebrates its surrounding beauty. Every window is meticulously positioned to frame the living artwork of greenery, transforming the walls into living portraits of nature. The residence is organized around a central core composed of three courtyards, which blur the line between indoors and outdoors. These courtyards anchor the living, dining, family room, and kitchen, fostering a sense of openness and connectivity, while also preserving privacy for the bedrooms.

True to its tropical roots, PROJECT MUKULIKA embodies the principles of sustainability, employing passive design strategies that enhance both comfort and energy efficiency. Fenestrations are strategically placed along wind corridors, allowing fresh breezes to flow freely through the house and improving indoor air quality. Drawing inspiration from vernacular forms, the attic features ventilation channels that mitigate heat build-up, further cooling the interior naturally. A water feature adjoining the verandah functions as a natural cooling agent, tempering the air as it flows into the home, while the colonnaded verandah offers a transitional threshold that mitigates solar heat gain and serves as an inviting prelude to the residence.

Kottayam,Kerala,India

Architects	:	Studio 3Twentyone
Area	:	3000 sq. ft.
Year	:	2024
Website	:	https://www.instagram.com/studio.3twentyone/

Exterior view of Mukulika by Studio 3Twentyone

Verandah of Mukulika by Studio 3Twentyone

Sitout of Mukulika by Studio 3Twentyone

The selection of flora in the internal courtyards was carefully curated to enhance air quality, maintaining oxygen-rich spaces even during the nocturnal hours. Bathed in natural light, the residence radiates a warmth and vitality that not only elevates the occupant experience but also significantly reduces energy consumption. From the morning light filtering into the living areas to the dappled sunlight in the courtyards, the house embraces the rhythms of the day, making it a lively yet serene environment.

The interior palette is a testament to the union of the organic and the refined, emphasizing tactile, earthy materials that resonate with the natural surroundings. The courtyards are framed by robust terracotta brick walls, while the ceilings, adorned with terracotta tiles, present an elegant contrast against the crisp, whitewashed walls. The entrance is a theatrical experience in itself—a footbridge spanning a serene koi pond, where the motion of water and fish creates a tranquil underfoot journey. This leads to a spacious foyer centered around a Monstera plant, offering a brief teaser of the nature-infused design that permeates the rest of the home.

Foyer of Mukulika by Studio 3Twentyone

Courtyard of Mukulika by Studio 3Twentyone

Living room of Mukulika by Studio 3Twentyone

Family living of Mukulika by Studio 3Twentyone

Passage to dining of Mukulika by Studio 3Twentyone

While rooted in the wisdom of vernacular architecture, which has evolved to respond to the tropical climate over generations, PROJECT MUKULIKA gracefully accommodates the modern lifestyle of its inhabitants. The double-height dining room, with its clerestory windows, utilizes the stack effect to naturally ventilate the home, allowing warm air to escape and cooler air to circulate. This blend of time-tested architectural techniques with contemporary design makes the residence comfortable in all seasons, creating a sanctuary that balances tradition and modernity.

This architectural masterpiece is more than a mere residence; it is a living dialogue between built form and nature. PROJECT MUKULIKA is a sanctuary where sustainability, design elegance, and contemporary living converge in perfect harmony. It is a testament to sustainable design, creating a tranquil yet sophisticated dwelling that resonates with both the nostalgic past and the dynamic present.