Designed for Mr. C.A. Saleem and his family, this residence is nestled in the interiors of Thrissur, surrounded by picturesque paddy fields—one of the key factors that drew them to this plot for their new home. As a prominent business figure in Kerala, Mr. Saleem frequently hosts guests from across the state and around the world. His primary requirement was to create a scaled-down version of his existing 8,000 sq. ft. residence, without compromising on essential facilities. These considerations played a crucial role in shaping the design of the house, balancing functionality with the prestige befitting his social standing.

Given the nature of his gatherings, the common areas were designed to be spacious and follow an open-concept layout. The foyer and connecting passages were crafted to exude elegance, creating a welcoming flow into the heart of the home. Skylights in the foyer and guest dining area, along with louvered ventilations, ensure ample natural light. A double-height foyer with a skylight further enhances the brightness and openness of the interiors.

The passage from the foyer seamlessly leads to the guest dining area and ladies’ living space, which opens into a central buffer zone. This area serves as a crucial gathering space, acting as a link between the prayer room, kitchen, guest dining, and common wash area. It plays a significant role during parties, regular get-togethers, and especially “Iftar” feasts. The ladies’ living area and staircase form another well-lit, airy family zone. Privacy was a key consideration in designing the ladies’ living space, ensuring cultural and religious sensitivities were respected while maintaining the openness of the layout. The ground floor also includes a dedicated resting and gathering space for women.

Each bedroom was designed with a distinct theme while maintaining a unifying element—the use of white, lending a sense of serenity throughout. Furniture selections were made with low maintenance in mind. Additionally, the outhouse provision was shifted to the first floor, optimizing land use and enhancing privacy for the residents.

Sustainability was a priority, aligning perfectly with the client’s awareness of energy conservation. Large openings maximize natural light and ventilation, reducing dependence on artificial lighting. The exterior facades feature double-height wedge walls and glass shades, complemented by natural stone cladding for a refined aesthetic. The architectural theme of continuous lines extends from the façade into the interior paneling and ceiling designs. Several passive cooling techniques were incorporated to minimize heat accumulation inside the residence.

Ultimately, we successfully reimagined Mr. Saleem’s former home into a more compact yet equally luxurious and functional space, seamlessly integrating grand design elements with minimalist efficiency, from the exterior features to the finest interior details.