pitched roof volume cantilevers from thomas parambil’s house amid kerala paddy fields

house of quad reimagines kerala’s vernacular architecture

Set amid Kottayam’s paddy fields and rubber plantations in India, the House of Quad merges Kerala’s traditional architectural vernacular with contemporary design elements. Realized by Thomas Parambil Architects, the residence reimagines the quintessential Kerala house with sloping roofs, central courtyards, and extensive use of timber to create a space that is rooted yet modern.

Amidst the labyrinth of volumes that shape the project, a colossal cantilever evokes a sense of grandeur and transforms the otherwise traditional architectural form. Meanwhile inside, instead of confining living spaces within four walls, the intention was to create a fluid, open-plan layout where spaces organically flow into one another, retaining connectivity with nature. 

thomas parambil architects creates organic movement

A central courtyard anchors House of Quad, surrounded by juxtaposed volumes with pitched roofs, all interconnected by flat-roofed corridors. This spatial arrangement allows for a fluidity of movement and function, creating adaptable spaces that can be enclosed for privacy or left open to embrace nature. ‘It’s a home that breathes and evolves with its inhabitants, a living entity in its own right,’ notes the team at Thomas Parambil Architects.

The project serves as a precedent for environmentally conscious architecture. Oriented to harness the natural wind flow, the home features a Jali wall — a perforated screen that prioritizes natural ventilation and lighting. Combined with the open layout, this element ensures that the interior remains comfortable even on the hottest days, significantly reducing the need for artificial cooling. Maximizing sunlight penetration, natural light too floods the spaces throughout the day. A 600-square-foot lily pond further assists in modulating the home’s microclimate, offering visual and sensory tranquility. Within, the Indian practice has also mindfully mapped sleek furniture designed to aesthetically represent the confluence of the architect’s Kerala roots and Bangalore’s modernity.

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project info:

name: House of Quad
architect: Thomas Parambil Architects

location: Kerala, India

client: Reuben John Joseph