This Calm, Minimal and Pristine Mango House in Kerala Is A Spectacle in White | i2a Architects Studio

A building with a sheer white exterior naturally grabs attention- just like this home in Kerala’s Thrissur District designed by Manuraj CR, the principal architect of i2a Architects Studio. Christened ‘Mango house’, this abode thrives to inscribe minimalist modernity as its design language while sharing a humble relationship with its immediate vicinity. As the project name duly indicates, the salient feature of the design would be the site’s resident old Mango tree which is wrapped around a layer of jali screens shaping into an external courtyard near the sit out. This was an attempt to merge the existing predominant site feature seamlessly with the introduced built environment. The architect has shared detailed info about the project with SURFACES REPORTER (SR). Read on:

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The project is designed for the simple family of Mr. Satheeshan, a Thrissur-based businessman. The clients had a very clear and comprehensible vision of their dream abode right from the first meeting, with their requirements being simple yet relevant- a well-lit and ventilated home with an open layout that would complement their contemporary lifestyle.

Harmonious Linear Design 

The 10 cents linear plot had access points from both South and west sides being flanked by connection roads on either of those sides.

The main entrance was proposed from the Southside to maintain the linearity in design. 

The White Charm With A Touch of Greys and Greens

The chosen muted palette for the exterior was a complementing response to the surrounding morphology with residences on all four sides of the plot. The white plays its magic by capturing one’s whole attention to the building without being too loud or demanding. 

The subtle tint of greys given for the sunshades and fresh greenery stirs well with the white and augments the whole composition. The porous treatment of the front facade with MS mesh and the jali screening behind it stamps the character of the design right from the first glance. 

This softens the building boundaries enhancing the welcoming appeal without compromising much security.

Creative Use of Open Space 

This 2020 sq. ft residence was designed in an open concept with minimal walls used for drawing boundaries between spaces. The car porch is integrated well with the design having linear steps on its one side leading to a sit-out that looks into the Mango tree courtyard. A small linear water body on its side adds to the freshness of the landscape. 

As we enter the house, all the public spaces including living, dining, and Kitchen are designed to act cohesively without an evident barrier for demarcation. Courtyards bearing greenery are juxtaposed between the spaces, making sure they are in constant conversation with the landscape and building context. 

Breathable Living and Dining Areas

The living and dining spaces are aligned in a line with a breathing core between them, leading to an open kitchen at the end.

The large courtyard space between the staircase and breakfast counter pours in ample amounts of light and fresh air to the interior with the aid of skylight and double-height jali walls on either side. 

Cross ventilation is enabled throughout with large sliding windows and Porous jali screens placed on adequate walls.

Vertical spatial connection is maintained as well with double-height courtyard spaces acting as communication cores. 

Bedrooms Are Bathed In Natural Light

The house has three bedrooms, one on the ground floor and the rest on the upper floor, each of them provided with either large sliding doors or windows ensuring appropriate cross ventilation.

Interior and Exterior Colour Scheme Flow Together in Harmony

The interior color palette was chosen corresponding to the overall theme of the house, with shades of grey, beige and white being the notable colors.

The tint of green from the courtyards complements perfectly the theme that embodies lightness and openness. 

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Raw and Earthy Material Palette

The material palette explores the raw textural qualities of each of the elements used, that is to say- MS sheets and wire mesh used for the staircase, Nano white stone as counter/dining table tops, small swathes of cobblestones, and baby metal laid in the courtyard. 

All of them are presented as it is without layers of extra modification or coating thus staying true to the design intent.

Less is More

The minimal theme extends to the furniture design as well, predominantly made of mahogany wood tinted to a light pink shade. Inbuilt seating provisions in the living room and upper corridor perform as storage units as well, translating the simplicity of the design language into practice. 

Following the prominent principle of “less is more”, this house of muted hues marks its subtle subsistence in the community, simultaneously speaking an ingenious design language of its own.

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