Muhammed Ashiqe and Rumna K. P., founding principles of Kerala-based architecture studio-Evolving Radical Aesthetics fashioned ‘The Wall of Being’ at a y - junction in a dense residential neighbourhood of Kozhikode, a coastal city in the south Indian state of Kerala. Sprawling across an area of 4,500 sq ft, the home triggers the dwellers' collective memory of the traditional houses of Malabar, at the same time relying on modern architectural characteristics. The concept of the entire project revolves around creating modern, abstract and relatable spaces. Read more details about this beautiful project evoking the nostalgia of the homeowner at SURFACES REPORTER (SR).
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Built on a linear plot in a compact residential neighborhood of Kozhikode, the house portrays the client’s personality that embraces a modern lifestyle, at the same time they are very nostalgic about their ancestral village of central Malabar region.
Inward-Looking Concept
The architects adopted an inward-looking plan to ensure privacy. To realize this plan, they conceived the idea of creating an abutting wall –“The wall of being”.
The wall plays as a canvas depicting one’s roots and cultural background, from which the three-dimensional volume of the house emerges.
A central axis is maintained in parallel to the “wall of being” at both the ground floor and the first floor enabling a seamless dialogue with all spaces at the same time establishing optimum segregation and privacy.
Multiple Indoor-Outdoor Double-Height Volumes
The presence of an abutting wall without any window openings at the west side of the house created the challenge of having cramped spaces.
To tackle it, multiple indoor-outdoor double-height volumes were introduced and other spaces of the house are placed interspersing to it.
Central Courtyard and Koi Pond Evoking Nostalgia
The introduction of open to sky courtyard and koi pond evoke one’s collective memory of traditional houses of Malabar.
The sunset garden between the courtyard and koi pond, on the first floor, beside a large opening to the west side, performs as an elevated portico at the centre of the house to enjoy the afternoon sun.
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Central Open Space For Daylighting and Ventilation
The swing garden on the first floor overlooking the road is the place where one engages with the neighbourhood at the south end.
Other primary spaces of the house are placed sequentially, interspersing the central open volume including the courtyard and koi pond.
The very same central open space becomes the soul of the house from which all other spaces draw light and ventilation.
Use of Vernacular Design Elements
The overall character of the house lies in the contrast which was experimented within the design in terms of textures, colours and concepts.
The collection of vintage furniture and repurposed vernacular structural details such as units from the traditional coffered ceiling, ornamented pillar capitals enhanced the contrast with the wall of being. The client’s background in jewellery making catalysed the application of intricacy in the design detail of the interior elements.
The balance in contrast of the interior spaces to the wall intends to evoke nostalgia, contemplation and calmness in one’s mind.
Project Details
Project Name: The Wall of Being
Office Name: Evolving Radical Aesthetics
Firm Location: Puthiyara, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
Completion Year: 2020
Gross Built Area (m2/ ft2): 4500 sqft.
Project location: Kozhikode, Kerala, India
Program: Residential
Lead Architects: Ar. Muhammed Ashiqe, Ar. Rumna K. P.
Design team: Ar. Muhammed Ashiqe and Ar. Rumna K. P.
Other Credits
Structural Engineer: Jithesh Engineers Pvt ltd
Brand: Hybec- Light Fixtures
Magari- Furnishing
Photo Credits: Justin Sebastian, Syam Sreesylam and
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