Kavunngal Residence

Nestled within an 8-cent plot in the dense, semi-urban fabric of Beypore—Kerala’s ancient port town—this tropical modern residence was conceived as a calm, inward-looking sanctuary amidst the surrounding urban bustle. The client’s brief was clear: a home that feels private, serene, and deeply personal, while responding sensitively to its tightly packed context. The design evolved into a three-storeyed structure organized around a series of intermediate courtyards. These voids become the spatial spine of the house, enabling an open-plan experience, visual continuity, and effective cross-ventilation, all while preserving privacy from the busy neighbourhood. This strategy allowed us to maximise the built-up area without compromising on light, air, or intimacy. The ground floor accommodates a generous covered car porch and sit-out, leading into separate living and dining spaces that are visually and physically connected through a green courtyard. Two bedrooms with attached toilets, an open kitchen, and adjoining work and utility areas complete this level. Large openings from the living room and guest bedroom extend towards the lawn, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor relationship and an enhanced perception of space. The first floor houses two well-appointed ensuite bedrooms designed for comfort and privacy. The second floor forms the emotional core of the home—a collection of ‘combo spaces’ that include a home library, study, gym, and a private Jacuzzi. These spaces open out to terrace courtyards, offering moments of pause, openness, and retreat above the city below.