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THUSHAR RESIDENCE, PAIKA, KERALA

Thushar Residence Paika
Year : 2021 Location : Paika, Kottayam, Kerala Typology : Residential Renovation Status : Completed Built Area : 404.5 sq.m. Plot Area : 9308.1 sq.m.

Project Team

Structural Design : ARST Design Services

The Thushar Residence is a renovation and extension project that reimagines an existing home through a contemporary interpretation of vernacular architecture. The design transforms the original structure into a spatially layered and climate-responsive residence while maintaining a strong connection to the street and surrounding landscape.

The intervention extends the house toward the front and along the left side, redefining its architectural identity. A formal living space emerges here as a transparent pavilion enclosed by glass on three sides, framing uninterrupted views toward the road and garden. The space acts both as a reception area and as a visual anchor that dissolves the boundary between inside and outside.

On the opposite side, a new car porch supports a swimming pool above, accessed from the first floor. This vertical stacking of functions allows efficient use of space while creating a distinctive architectural gesture. The elevated pool offers privacy and retreat, contrasting with the openness of the glass pavilion.

Internally, the house is reorganised to improve spatial clarity and comfort. Existing bedrooms on the ground floor are transformed into bathrooms, while new attached bedrooms are introduced alongside them. The residence now accommodates five bedrooms in total — two on the ground floor and three on the upper level.

At the heart of the home lies a dramatic double-height living space positioned beside a central courtyard. The courtyard acts as a climatic moderator and spatial connector, drawing daylight and ventilation deep into the interior. A louvered wall facilitates natural air movement while the staircase rises through the courtyard under a glass roof, strengthening stack ventilation and visually linking both levels of the house.

The open kitchen flows into the dining area, encouraging everyday interaction and shared experiences. A restrained material palette, clean lines and generous openings define the overall architectural expression.

Rooted in vernacular wisdom yet expressed through a modern minimalist language, the Thushar Residence balances openness and privacy, light and shade, tradition and contemporary living.

Tropical minimal slope roof house at Thushar Residence by Rare Earth Architects
Formal living accent chair at Thushar Residence by Rare Earth Architects
Formal living kerala at Thushar Residence by Rare Earth Architects
Living room tropical at Thushar Residence by Rare Earth Architects
Glass window living at Thushar Residence by Rare Earth Architects
Double height family living at Thushar Residence by Rare Earth Architects
Open kitchen and hall at Thushar Residence by Rare Earth Architects
Grey kitchen minimal at Thushar Residence by Rare Earth Architects
Open kitchen modern at Thushar Residence by Rare Earth Architects
Island kitchen modern at Thushar Residence by Rare Earth Architects
Family living courtyard stair at Thushar Residence by Rare Earth Architects
Stair courtyard at Thushar Residence by Rare Earth Architects
Wood stair design at Thushar Residence by Rare Earth Architects
Central courtyard at Thushar Residence by Rare Earth Architects
Minimal bedroom writing table at Thushar Residence by Rare Earth Architects
Clean bedroom layout at Thushar Residence by Rare Earth Architects
Lighting detail living at Thushar Residence by Rare Earth Architects
Living room japandi style at Thushar Residence by Rare Earth Architects
Tropical home at Thushar Residence by Rare Earth Architects