Situated within lush, curated gardens with a backdrop of paddy fields and rubber plantations, House of Quad is a spectacular residence in Kottayam in the province of Kerala, India. The design by Thomas Parambil Architects (TPA) pays tribute to the local architecture of the region while being crafted for modern living, combining the best of old and new.
Lead designers Thomas Parambil and Reuben John Joseph conceived a home that, while large at 697-square-metres, retains a human dimension and an all-important connection to the natural world.
Timber beams create a spectacular pitched ceiling in the dining room as wooden column supports truncate spaces and loosely define areas. Tiles and stone have been utilised as flooring throughout and simple pendant lights hang strategically over furniture groupings and in voids.
From the exterior, the bold cantilever structure marks the home as singular in the landscape, yet continuity of materials creates a sense of cohesion. Conceived in the style of a quintessential Kerala house — with sloping roofs, central courtyards and extensive timber — House of Quad presents an open, fluid layout where spaces flow seamlessly into one another while maintaining a constant link to nature.
Pitched roofs frame interior volumes around a central courtyard, with corridors covered by a single flat roof ensuring ease of movement. Rooms remain flexible and adaptable, able to be closed off or opened up as required.
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The project also includes sustainability initiatives that respond to the heat in summer to better protect the residents. Oriented to harness the natural wind flow, House of Quad boasts an ingenious feature: a perforated screen that supports natural ventilation and lighting, called a Jali wall. By incorporating an architectural feature devised in the eighth century into this new build, the architects pay homage and take learnings from the past to better affect living today.
Combined with the open layout, this screening element ensures that the interior remains comfortable even on the hottest days, significantly reducing the need for artificial cooling. The inclusion of the screen also maximises sunlight penetration, allowing natural light to flood the interior of the home throughout the day.
Another beautiful feature of House of Quad is a 56-square-metre Lily Pond aside the internal courtyard. Not only does the pond assist in creating a unique microclimate, but it literally brings a cooling calmness to the interior.
While the architecture combines new with old, the furnishings lean modern while nodding to Kerala roots: timber cabinetry, contemporary art and comfortable sofas all contribute to a calming aesthetic.
House of Quad is, ultimately, spectacular in its simplicity. Architecture and form take precedence, making a statement in the landscape while providing comfort, privacy and a deep connection to its place.
