THE STOIC WALL RESIDENCE BY LIJO RENY ARCHITECTS
The Stoic Wall Residence in Kadirur, Kerala, departs from traditional design principles. Built by LIJO RENY architects for a hot, humid climate with heavy monsoon rains, the dwelling hosts courtyards, landscaped areas, and biophilic design elements that connect the house to its surroundings, imbuing its occupants with a holistic sense of wellbeing. The extensive footprint, exceeding 680 sqm, carefully accommodates the site’s irregular contours, existing trees of varying sizes, a subtle northeastern slope, and accessibility from two main roads (east and south).
This intricate interplay of natural and physical elements, along with considerations like solar path and seasonal wind patterns, eventually informed the precise positioning of the house. The architects strategically located the primary section on the north side, following an east-west axis to minimize solar heat gain and maximize privacy.
FOUR ZONES ALIGNING WITH THE NATURAL TOPOGRAPHY
The Stoic Wall Residence features four zones over three levels, with three on the ground floor. The team at LIJO RENY architects aligns these zones with the plot’s natural topography, minimizing extensive excavation and earth filling. The first zone houses the formal living area with its accompanying foyer and outdoor seating, distinct from the main structure and separated by an open-to-sky landscaped courtyard and an open paved central space. Though physically separated, the car porch is considered part of the first zone. This block links to the second zone via an internal ramp from the foyer that facilitates access to the changing site levels and an alternate direct entry step from the car porch. Reaching the second zone, an open family living and dining area extends to the outdoor landscape, while an indoor courtyard enhances cross ventilation and circulation.
For privacy, the architects discreetly tuck away the kitchen and its related areas, connecting to the dining court on one side and the central entry court on the other, facilitating easy access to the car porch and front yard.The third zone consists of three bedrooms, a pooja/prayer area, and an adjacent courtyard, all accessible via a private corridor. To cater to those with difficulty navigating different levels, one of the bedrooms conveniently occupies the same level as the family area. Each of them is entered through a foyer that doubles as a dressing area and connects to an internal open-to-sky courtyard. These bedrooms and their attached toilets open into this courtyard, allowing residents to enjoy the southwesterly winds and monsoon rains. Meanwhile, a staircase at the main block’s entry provides access to the upper floor with an entertainment room that doubles as a family space and a master bedroom, which extends into a semi-open lounge area and incorporates a dressing area and toilet. The first floor, exposed to the elements, reveals a protective screen of thin fluted terracotta blocks that are slid onto a vertical metal tube framework. This screen envelops the entire first floor, shielding it from the intense sun and rain while offering a private passage accessible from every room,a protective screen of thin fluted terracotta blocks.
A ROBUST FORM MADE OF LATERITE, TERRACOTTA, AND TEAK WOOD
The Stoic Wall Residence’s architectural form holds significance and interest throughout the exterior, primarily offering hints about what is unfolding inside. Unlike the architects’ previous project, which features flowing and expressive exterior walls, the structure is encased in exposed laterite walls for a robust and substantial feel. These walls project outwards at points, creating sheltered areas within the landscape that offer privacy and seclusion for the residents.exposed laterite walls for a robust and substantial feel.Overall, The Stoic Wall Residence reflects expansive living, where areas flow into landscaped courtyards, some open to the sky, creating a sense of weightlessness by connecting the home to the surrounding nature. Inside, the design is simple and elegant. Furnishings are understated, and the homeowner’s brother’s photography adds a personal touch. Materials like laterite, terracotta, and teak wood create a warm and inviting atmosphere inside and out. Even the landscaping reflects the local character, with native plants integrated alongside existing trees. The overall effect is a modern yet distinctly regional home. The architects achieve this by using a contemporary design language while carefully selecting materials and elements that echo the traditions of northern Kerala.The dwelling hosts courtyards, landscaped areas, and biophilic design elements the third zone consists of three bedrooms, a pooja/prayer area, and an adjacent courtyard.
