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Lijo Jos & Reny Lijo The Skewed House (Palakkad, Kerala)
Designed for a doctors' family who wanted a house that was not only unique but also veered away from stereotypes, the house has spaces that are simple, functional, and livable while offering a sophisticated environment. In design and form it is a difficult task to articulate simplicity and serendipity, yet 'The Skewed House' is a perfect example of modern aesthetics. The house employs a combination of white plaster and strong lines and forms in such a way that truly defines the name of the house. These bays are organized around an open to sky central court, which ensures a constant movement of air through the spaces all year round. The private zones of the house are a sequence of dynamic spatial compositions which open out onto variously scaled internal courtyards. Space and light form the basic elements which are articulated in a highly sculptural manner, enclosing volumes which are dynamic and transcendental.
FIRM NAME LIJO.RENY.architects
TEAM SIZE 5 people
PRINCIPAL ARCHITECTS Lijo Jos Reny Lijo
CONTACT TC 32 / 229 / 1 Krishna Lane, Punkunnam, Thrissur - 680 002 Kerala, INDIA
EDUCATION/AFFILIATION B.Arch. BUILT UP AREA 4568 sq.ft. AWARDS IIA State award for excellence in architecture 2014 Silver leaf (Category- Residences) IIA State award for excellence in architecture 2014 - Commendation for the staircase of The Skewed House (Category-Installation and Objects) Designer Young Architect – First Runner Up (Residences) (Designer + Builder Magazine) (2015) Designer Young Architect – First Runner Up (Interiors) (Designer + Builder Magazine) (2015) Nominated for the Residential project of the year Award by Trends Magazine (2014) Nominated for the Best Practice of the year Award by Trends Magazine (based on this project) (2014)
T +91 0487 2388633 M +91 9847016689, 9446940633 E lijo.reny@gmail.com W www.lijorenyarchitects.com
PRODUCTS/VENDORS Paint: Asian Paints CP Fittings / Sanitaryware : Kohler, Duravit, Grohe, Jaquar Furniture: Featherlite, Simply Sofas Flooring: Kota Stone Electrical: Legrand Air Conditioning: Trane CONSULTANTS/CONTRACTORS Structural: Associated Structures Civil: Buildtech Landscape: Amrutha Gardens Plumbing: Buildtech Façade: Designtech Engineering: Mahalakshmi Engineering Works
futuristic The dining space to which one enters from the foyer defines the entry to the private zones of the house. The space is simple, with one side defined by a very large window with an interesting built-in window seat – a comfortably proportioned platform looking out onto the dense greenery outside. The space is made interesting by the split level ceiling with a large opening to the west, which is carefully screened with custom designed aluminum screens to catch the play of the evening sunlight. Beautiful breeze courses in through this space all day long, uplifting the ambience of the space. There is an interestingly designed dining table with a series of skewed legs in stainless steel, delicately balancing a glass top. This northern bay houses the foyer, the formal living area, the dining spaces, powder room, kitchen and related functional spaces like the store and work area.
Top: View of the formal living space overlooking the garden patch Bottom Left: View of the modular dining area Bottom Right: The family living room
“The spaces of the house are juxtaposed as three principal bays which are layered with open spaces in between to address the microclimatic considerations, creating volumes which are bathed in natural light and ventilation.�
Top Left: The master bedroom Top Right: The minimal kitchen space Bottom Left: The family living room with contrasting black and white furniture Bottom Right: The master bedroom toilet
asymmetrical welcome
The southern side of the master bedroom is defined by layers of narrow horizontal slit windows which run through the entire length of the wall. These linear fenestrations keep out the harsh southern sun while allowing plenty of natural ventilation inside the bedroom and further ensure privacy from the dense residential fabric on the southern side. All the bedrooms feature built-in cots finished in white corian and detailed out with neat stainless steel trims, creating floating platforms.
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
20 11 12
21
9
16
13
19
8 14
18 6
7
15
5 2
16 1 17 4
3
GROUND FLOOR PLAN 1. PORCH
13. SHADED PATIO
2. FOYER
14. INFORMAL LIVING
3. SKY COURT
15. BEDROOM
4. FORMAL LIVING ROOM
16. TOILET
5. WASH ROOM
17. WALK-IN WARDROBE
6. DINING
18. STUDY
7. POOJA ROOM
19. BEDROOM
8. KITCHEN
20. OPEN TO SKY COURT
9. STORE ROOM
21. WALK-IN CLOSET
10. WORK AREA 11. MAID’S TOILET 12. OPEN TO SKY COURT
the challenges The main challenge was the location. It was to set up a tight residential abode in Palakkad. This place is famous for the scorching dry heat all 12 months of the year; also the strong winds blowing from the Western Ghats. It was this physical context which had to be addressed.
the influences The house is the true reflection of architectural power that redefines spaces that prevents the mundane notions that probes to celebrate life.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS Praveen Mohandas TEXT CREDITS Ar. Sujith G.S.
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