May 27, 20192 min read

Lightness of Being by Thoughtparallels

Updated: Dec 17, 2019

"It's not what you look at that matters. It's what you see" - Thoreau

When architecture attempts to merge two paradoxical forces, there arises a metaphorical meaning to what has been achieved. The concept of 'lightness' generally relates to the physical weight of objects or materials. In the realm of design, it can take a surrealistic stance when used to alter the perceived visual mass and ambiance. Through the manipulation of forms, play of materials and control of light & shadow, the concept evolves into a sensory experience.

Located at the coastal city of Kozhikode in Kerala, the project was given an architectural envelope that orientated to the north providing privacy to the entrance facade. The house then rests within a completely inwards focused environment, separating both the social and co-existing space on the ground floor and the private space on the upper floor.

There are vast concrete slabs that float and interlace with each other creating living spaces, while glass – a prevailing element in the project - helps to demarcate the interior spaces, without dissecting them from the lush foliage in the external areas. The benevolent qualities of wood put to use at the roof level ensures that the ambient temperature within the house stays comfortable and helps to further the natural connect with the surrounding nature and greenery.

The cities we live in are becoming increasingly claustrophobic. Most client's briefs categorically state that they want the homes to be uncluttered. The underlying reason for this being that among other functions it must serves, the home is where one heads back to for rest and rejuvenation.

This understanding lead them to instill ample airiness in the inner sanctum by the use of double heights and made the interior spaces completely illuminated by openings. Voids within the high ceiling and large framed windows offer unobstructed views to the ground floor and first floor. The zoning distribution blends the family's common space and an inside-out living area adjacent to one of the fundamental parts of the project - the indoor courtyard. A sense of intrigue is created when the courtyard unexpectedly appears beyond the facade wall that leads to the main living hall.

Project Details:

Project name: Lightness of Being

Firm: Thoughtparallels Architecture

Project location: Nadakavu, Kozhikode, Kerala, India

Completion Year: 2018

Gross Built Area (square meters or square foot): 500 sq.m.

Lead Architect: Nikhil Mohan

Design Team: Shabna Nikhil – Interior designer, Najeera M.M. – Junior Architect, Jinesh K – Project coordinator

Client: Mr. Farook Ummar

Structural designer: Chitra

Photo credits: Lal (Redz Photography) and Vishnu Rajan

Photographer’s website : www.redzphoto.com