Forest House, Shornur
Location: Shornur, Kerala
Status: Concept Pitch
Client: Private
Site Area: 14000 sqft.
Built-Up Area: 5000 sqft.
Located on the state highway close to Wadakkanchery in Kerala, the Forest House was envisioned as a retreat for the client and his family when they visited their native place on their vacation breaks.
The plot, while sizeable at 14,000 sqft., was quite narrow at the front immediately adjoining the main road which meant that the Residence itself was located at the rear of the site. This obvious solution immediately afforded the House a lot of privacy and detachment from the hustle of the passing traffic.
Situated in fairly remote environs with a small forest at the rear allowed for the use of a more rustic material palette with large openings towards to the North and East maximising the comfortable natural light filtering into each of the habitable spaces. The plan was organised as a pinwheel with a central Living space anchoring the 4 separate blocks, ensuring that each block had a unique identity while still remaining part of a whole.
The individual blocks function as 2 storey extrusions that are organised around a single storey central Living space. On the Ground Floor, this Living space connects the various habitable spaces - The Guest Bedroom, Dining Room & Kitchen, TV Room/Den and the Puja Room. On the Upper level, the open Terrace created by the roof of the Ground Floor Living space functions as a means of anchoring the 3 Bedrooms on this level, creating an open space with a defined sense of enclosure - perfect for relaxing together as a family in the outdoors.