Tranquil House, nestled in a 13.5-cent plot in Pottammal, Calicut, caters to a nuclear family while navigating the challenges of the tropical climate. The client's aspiration to seamlessly merge French Country Architecture with native design principles results in a contextual blend that honors both visions. Elongated white windows, a stone-clad facade, dormer windows, and an arching porch effortlessly integrate into the tropical setting.
The ground, intentionally left barren, invites barefoot strolls, allowing one to savor the earth's aroma after refreshing rains. The verandah, strategically positioned away from the harsh southern front, becomes a social space for introspection and interaction throughout the day. The perfectly pitched sloping roof, ideal for the monsoon climate, creates a cinematic drip effect during rainfall.
An interior courtyard, strategically placed at the intersection of the south-north and west-east axes, is a spill-out space enclosed by a protective metal envelope. Eschewing formalities, the house adopts an open spatial plan for the public zone, challenging the norm of a house opening directly into a living room. The mezzanine bedroom, accessed from the stair landing, forms the front gable wall.
Arabesque light fixtures, reflecting the family's religious faith, introduce a contrasting element within the interiors. The essence of Tranquil House lies in spaces fostering intuitive interactions—an indispensable element for a home where human nature is laid bare.