geometric red wall segments emerge from saba house’s white body in indian highlands

interior furnishings reflect the red tone for cohesive spatial identity.

shrilakshmi k edited by christina vergopoulou April 24, 2025 4 min

Saba House stands in the highlands of Kottayam

Saba House, developed by Project 51 A (h), originated from the renovation of a 60-year-old residence that accommodated four generations. The existing structure had deteriorated, with issues such as insufficient lighting, water seepage, and outdated facilities. These limitations prompted the development of a new house adjacent to the original, aiming to preserve the existing structure while improving functionality. The site is situated in the highlands of Kottayam, Kerala, India, within the village of Pallickathodu. The topography and an open southern boundary along a road allow for consistent airflow, a feature integrated into the design strategy. The new structure utilizes the natural gradients of the site without impeding internal circulation.

geometric red wall segments emerge from saba house's white body in indian highlands - 1 — all images by Prasoon Suresh

layout by Project 51 A (h) promotes spatial continuity

In contrast to the segmented layout of the old house, Saba House’s new design emphasizes open, shared spaces. All areas, except for bedrooms and bathrooms, are designed without partitions to promote spatial continuity. Upon entry, the layout progresses from the living area to the dining space and kitchen. The bedrooms for senior members are situated on the same level as the common areas to ensure accessibility. Children’s quarters are located on a lower level, approximately six feet below the main floor, offering separation without isolation. This level also includes a study area. The master bedroom is positioned above the children’s space, four feet above the main level, and connected by a bridge. The design team at Project 51 A (h) maintains visual connections between the kitchen, master bedroom, and children’s areas through strategically placed openings, allowing integrated spatial awareness. The private rooms are oriented towards the north to face the surrounding landscape, including rubber plantations. The grandmother’s room is placed on the northwest side to maintain a direct line of sight to the original house, addressing spatial continuity with the past.

geometric red wall segments emerge from saba house's white body in indian highlands - 2 — Saba House stands on the site of a 60-year-old home in Pallickathodu, Kerala

solid red walls envelop Saba House’s exterior

To address ventilation, wind-catcher walls were installed on the southwest side, featuring perforated openings to facilitate consistent air movement. Project 51 A (h) positions a skylight between these walls to provide natural daylight to all shared spaces. The main entrance, measuring 10 feet in height and designed to enhance airflow, was relocated to the west side to improve privacy and air circulation. When primary openings are closed, additional passive ventilation is facilitated by a jack arch roof system. This roofing approach uses a series of small, elongated brick vaults supported by intermediate beams, creating a steady flow of air through side openings.

The design incorporates solid red wall segments that modulate wind flow and continue into the interior and furnishings. The color was selected for its visual contrast and compatibility with the surrounding greenery, allowing Saba House to visually distinguish itself from the landscape and nearby buildings.

geometric red wall segments emerge from saba house's white body in indian highlands - 3 — the house responds to the natural slope of the land without disrupting movement

geometric red wall segments emerge from saba house's white body in indian highlands - 4 — red wall segments control wind movement while complementing the green surroundings

saba-house-project-51-a-h-india-designboom-1800-4 — the structure is strategically located to benefit from the hilltop’s constant airflow

geometric red wall segments emerge from saba house's white body in indian highlands - 5 — southwest wind-catcher walls feature perforations for passive ventilation

geometric red wall segments emerge from saba house's white body in indian highlands - 6 — a central skylight brings daylight into all major shared spaces

saba-house-project-51-a-h-india-designboom-1800-9 — open-plan living, dining, and kitchen areas promote a sense of shared space

geometric red wall segments emerge from saba house's white body in indian highlands - 7 — openings maintain visual connections between zones for spatial cohesion

saba-house-project-51-a-h-india-designboom-1800-11 — natural light and ventilation are key features of the overall spatial experience

geometric red wall segments emerge from saba house's white body in indian highlands - 8 — the staircase leads to a dedicated study area, tucked alongside the children’s sleeping zone

project info:

name: Saba House

architect: Project 51 A (h) | @project_51_a_h

lead architects: Ar. Nandagopal B, Ar. Shrilakshmi K

gross built area: 2540 sqft

location: Kottayam, Kerala, India

photographer: Prasoon Suresh | @prasoonsuresan__

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