Chola Home By Art on Architecture

  • Project Type :-Residential ( Single dwelling)
  • Principal Architect & Designer:-Ar. Anoop K
  • Year Built:-2023
  • Carpet Area:-2063sqm
  • Photography:-Ar. Prashanth Mohan

"Since it’s our own home, there were no limits on the design freedom, as our needs and desires were met without restrictions. That freedom is what you can see in 'Chola,' our home," say the designer couple, Anoop and Sruthy.



Instead of adhering to traditional architectural guidelines, contemporary spatial planning is blended with traditional elements in this design.

The residence is approached through a long pathway from the road, with a car porch that matches the overall aesthetic of the house. Exposed laterite stone is used in the porch and other external areas, sourced locally. The pathway is laid with old, upcycled dressed stones collected from traditional homesteads.

The lush green fields surrounding the house add a majestic beauty. The sit-out and other spaces inside the house are designed to let residents enjoy this scenic beauty to the fullest. The sit-out, a key part of the home's ambiance has a long, L shaped built in seat above concealed shoe storage. One wall is highlighted with exposed stone, while the ceiling has a unique grout-finish pattern, enhancing the connection with nature.

The main door, made with a combination of toughened glass and wood, is a visual delight. 'Kasavu' (traditional Kerala gold-threaded fabric) is sandwiched between the glass panels, bringing in both uniqueness and heritage.

The formal living space is designed with an open concept that offers views of nature. Recycled, vegetable painted wooden 'azhi' window, a traditional stone lamp near Pooja space, a simple wooden plank swing hung with coir rope are all elements that enhance the home's ambiance. The infinity pond and water court with a beautiful mango tree at the centre becomes the focal point. 

The pond, while retaining its traditional look with laterite paving, is equipped with all the features of a modern swimming pool. The verandah acts as the central spine between spaces. Along with the pond and the yard in between, it also becomes a shaded interactive space with privacy and magnificent views of nature. A cute, little chess board has been crafted inside chequered pattern  flooring of verandah.


The dining-cum-kitchen area is seamlessly integrated with the surrounding nature, including the courtyard and the pond. The stair to the upper level is positioned next to the dining area with one of the steps extended to form dining built-in-seat. The breakfast counter positioned in between dining & kitchen defines both spaces without hindering visual connectivity.

The house is divided into guest and residential blocks, with fresh air circulating freely, keeping all spaces cool and filled with positivity. The wash counter, crafted in stone, adds a unique touch and the triangular garden, between the two blocks, with a fig tree at its centre is again testimonial to the strong connection this home has, to the nature.

Folding doors with laminated toughened glass separates the house from natural surroundings when necessary, while maintaining visual connection.The upper living area, accessible from the dining, has south facing long windows with wooden vertical louvers that catch the eye & bring in monsoon wind. Wooden flooring is used in the upper level, and inverted beams of the sitout slab below are transformed into a built -in tv watching seating space, with additional storage space integrated inside. The upper living has views to all around the house & thus you can be aware of what's going on around you even when you are watching tv.

The corridor which connects the two blocks, with treated bamboo vertical louvers  reminiscent of narrow village paths, enhances the interior's mystique. The bedrooms blend traditional charm with modern amenities, with all the bedrooms offering views of the fields and the pond. Kerala traditional drapery, used for soft furnishing, adds a unique touch to interiors. The construction is designed to minimize the need for air conditioning or fans. All openings are covered with mesh, allowing natural ventilation throughout the house.

On the third level above dining, there's a beautiful focal point, a balcony space that offers views of the fields, highway, and the interiors of the house. This space serve as an activity area, embodying the modern version of the 'machh' (a traditional resting spot). Chola, as each & every visitor say, is a beautiful abode nestled in the lap of rural charm.






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