These two pavilions are then connected through shared soft breathable links of shaded terraces, open walkways and galleries on all levels. One is intentionally made to step into these shared spaces when transitioning out from one’s private domains. This is where family members and friends meet to gather, to connect, to play, to eat, to feast and to relax. Naturally, here lies the heart of the house; a central double-volume kitchen with a ‘floating’ staircase, flanked by open decks on two floors. All are welcomed here, including the natural elements … rain, wind or sun. 

The Keranji House applies tropical design principles consistently in all areas of the design. Deep roof overhangs over the pavilions and generous terraces around the living spaces provide effective shade from the sun. The use of louvres horizontally or vertically above all glazed fenestrations and continuously behind the breathable front laced brick skin invites breezes and provides constant air movement and ventilation throughout the whole house. The placement of the two lower entrances connecting the central double-volume spaces has additionally created a wind tunnel at the terraces, something which the owners have expressed delight over when relaxing there. The house is air-conditioning free except for the bedrooms.

The project was successfully completed within a relatively small budget. We managed this by maximising the use of local materials while making the design program and materials work harder. This included employing locally produced tiles, red bricks, concrete blocks, stones, etc. which were then expressed in their natural state as much as possible. It was about the extraction of Value from everyday material and objects, the appreciation of materials for their colours, textures and structural characteristics. No extravagance; materials simply used differently.