Dr. Mukundan House by RGB Architecture Studio: Flood-Resilient Urban Residence in Kollam, India

Architects: RGB Architecture Studio 

Located in a dense urban neighborhood of Kollam, the Dr. Mukundan House occupies a corner plot surrounded by other residences, a vacant lot to the west, and a sacred grove adjacent to a local temple. This forested area is preserved due to its religious and ecological significance, providing a unique microclimate that guided the architectural design. Introduced just before the 2018 Kerala floods, the project needed to respond to potential flooding without appearing defensive or overly engineered.

Concept and Spatial Design

The residence was designed for a multigenerational family of five: a young couple, their two children, and grandparents. The core design principle was flood resilience while maintaining everyday comfort and elegance. A central open space organizes all primary activities, from cooking and dining to entertainment, study, workout, and social gatherings. This central hub not only encourages family interaction but also allows seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, particularly through the west-facing yard overlooking lush greenery.

An intermediate level connects the two main floors, functioning as a flood-adaptive zone. In case of inundation, this level serves as a functional living and cooking area, while the cavity below doubles as a rainwater harvesting tank, showcasing sustainable water management. Lightweight, tensile stair structures connect the floors, emphasizing fluidity and openness.

Architecture and Climatic Response

Dr. Mukundan House incorporates strategies specifically tailored for tropical monsoon climates:

• Roof and Terrace Design: Large overhangs and layered roofing protect against heavy rains and western sun exposure. Concrete slabs are topped with metal sheets for thermal insulation, reducing heat gain and improving comfort in bedrooms.
• Ventilation and Light: A double-height volume with perforated MS sheet openings ensures cross ventilation while preventing mosquito intrusion. Vegetation inside and around the plot filters sunlight and softens rain impact.
• Materiality: Sustainable materials such as compressed wood panels, bamboo mats, and cement board screens help control sunlight, rain, and privacy while enhancing aesthetic warmth.
• Solar Integration: Sloped roofs above the bedrooms accommodate solar panels generating approximately 8KW of electricity, effectively offsetting monthly power consumption.

Interior and Experience

The interiors emphasize openness, connectivity, and flexibility. A floating activity floor above the living and dining zone hosts a gym and study area, subtly scaling the double-height space. Bedrooms are designed with screens and balconies that optimize daylight, breezes, and privacy. Terraces at multiple levels extend functional outdoor areas, integrating daily life with nature.

The house strikes a balance between traditional Kerala architectural forms, notably its large roof overhangs, and modern flood-resilient urban design, creating a home that is both contextually sensitive and forward-thinking.

Sustainability Features

• Rainwater harvesting with below-floor storage
• Solar power generation with rooftop panels
• Use of sustainable, locally sourced materials
• Passive cooling via natural ventilation and strategic shading
• Green terraces and landscape integration

Dr. Mukundan House demonstrates how urban residences in flood-prone regions can combine resilience, sustainability, and modern living comfort. Its thoughtful planning, material selection, and integration with local microclimate provide an exemplary model for tropical residential architecture.

All photographs are works of  Prasanth Mohan, Running Studios