Fact File
Location: Kerala
Size: 1110 sq m
Principal Architect: Nikhil Mohan
Photography by: Prashant Bhat Photography
The Skew House by Thought Parallels derives its name from a unique composition that disrupts the parallel axis between the guest and family spaces to accommodate a prayer room in the traditional, religious direction. Driving through winding, narrow roads in the Malapuram district of Kerala brings us to the site overlooking lush rubber plantations, which are abundantly grown in and around gradual slopes, camouflaging the house from plain view. This home, which sits on an acre of land, combines modern tropical design with traditional architecture. The design of the house utilises the extent of the plot exceedingly well by having a well-conceived, spread-out spatial composition. The design accommodates the family’s brief, which was to create distinctive guest and family spaces. This leads to the formation of two blocks. The material palette has been kept minimalistic, with steel, wood, and exposed concrete as the primary features. A few elements, such as exposed clay brick walls and natural mosaic marble flooring, add value and enhance quality.
Connected to the main block by a semi-private living space, the guest block houses a living area, prayer room, and bedroom, all arranged in a linear format. The presence of the prayer room prompted the architect to align the block along the traditional direction of prayer, thus creating a tilt and breaking the initial parallel axis between the two blocks, deriving the name “The Skew House.” Views of the minimalistic horticulture and the combination of hard and soft paving from every room are among other dimensions added to the design. Rooms are well-lit and aerated, with large open spaces around them. The subtle slope of the traditional Mangalore tile roof makes the entrance verandah and inner spaces well-proportioned in terms of height. The connecting semi-private living area is a cosy space with doorways opening onto the landscape on either side.
On entering the family block through the connecting semi-private living area, one is welcomed by a large living and dining space. The linear arrangement of spaces continues, with the placement of the staircase followed by two bedrooms on one side and a kitchen and other utility spaces on the opposite end. This linearity in the arrangement of spaces brings in natural illumination and ventilation. A wooden, steel and exposed concrete open staircase led upwards to the first floor. A design element in itself, the staircase has a steel railing with a traditional wood carving pattern cut into it, which is a subtle but impactful addition. Located on the first floor are two bedrooms and a linear pool. The south-facing bedroom and corridor leading to the bedrooms have louvred, openable shutters to keep out the harsh glare and heat while also creating a dramatic play of light. The use of Mangalore roof tiles, along with an inner lining of plywood, helps in insulating the rooms from the harsh summer heat.
