Fact File
Location: Kerala
Size: 495 sq m
Photography by: Justin Sebastian

Pakhaniyil Residence by Nufail Shabana Architects is a modern ethnic abode in Kerala. Inhabiting a lush 500-square-metre plot, the home features an exposed concrete finish with a design intent that centres around crisp, clear lines that are evident in the elevations and interior as well. A modern ethnic abode designed in Chemmad, Kerala, 4 kilometres from the main town and surrounded by lush greenery, this is an attempt to recreate an ethnic feel for a modern-day house. The design intent revolves around the crisp and clear lines used throughout the house in the elevation and interior spaces. The ethnic theme is evident in the Kota stone used for flooring, the mud texture, the colours used in the partitions and light fixtures, the metal used in handrails and partitions, and the wood used in the ceiling and handrails.

The house has been designed with five bedrooms, a spacious living and dining area abutting a dry courtyard, and a family living space with an extended, spacious deck area. The kitchen block has been placed on the north-east side of the plot and is accessible from the adjacent paternal home. The modern ethnic feel throughout the house is created using rustic materials like bamboo, wood, and jute. The coloured glass plays an important role in creating loud spaces with natural light filtering through the skylight and bamboo screening. Features like bamboo screening on the west side of the residence, buffer zones added to the dining and deck areas, and the buffer zone created at the roof level help to drain out the heat accumulated throughout the day. The various zones have been detailed below:

Buffer 1: A three-meter canopy for the west side sit-out. The projected slab in front of the sit-out, living room, and dining room acts as a buffer and protects the west-facing walls. Planting in the courtyard around the sit-out area acts as a screen.

Buffer 2: The deck space on the south side acts as a buffer to the family living area.

Buffer 3: Bamboo screening on the west side acts as a buffer to bring in filtered light through the windows on the west.

Buffer 4: Planning the prayer room and toilets on the north side as a buffer around the house to reduce direct exposure of walls to sunlight.

Buffer 5: Thick planting on the east side acts as a buffer. The existing thick and tall plants on the east side protect the walls facing the rear yard. The vegetation in the neighbouring plot at the rear is an added advantage to the house.

Buffer 6: An industrial roof over the concrete slab makes a cavity, and ventilator wind fans suck out hot air. The concrete roof is treated with Cera coolant admixtures to reduce heat. The wind ventilator fans allow the hot air to be flushed out naturally. The louvres placed over the parapet on the south and north sides of the house keep the buffer zone below the industrial roof airy.