The Stepped House

The design focusses on a strategic approach to adapt to the changing lifestyle due to the pandemic. A drastic shift towards 'Work from Home', leads to several changes in the spaces of an abode. The challenge of combining work and living spaces without disturbing the efficiency of any activity, becomes the main focus of the design. However, maintaining the traditional character of the spaces, become the principals of designing.

 The site provides a great potential to interact with the nature and capturing views of the surroundings. Respecting the natural forces around, climatic strategies were incorporated within the design. After a few design alternatives, the idea of introducing various levels within the built mass to accommodate several activities became the basis of the design. The levels also help in creating connections and volumes within the mass.

The client profile was based on a family of 4 - with the father being a chef, mother an IT professional and a fitness enthusiast, the son being a product designer with his own workspace and the grand father being a retired novelist and an avid reader. The background of the client resonates with a creative mindset, enabling ample of opportunities to design. Keeping in mind the traditional vernacular architecture of Kerala and not losing its essence while developing the spaces, was an interesting approach.

The built-unbuilt boundaries are blurred with the use of traditional materials, and the modern technologies further enhance the relationship.