Header: Justin Sebastian
Designing a peaceful family home beside Kerala’s National Highway 66 and finding calm in the middle of all the noise sounds like an impossible feat.
How does one create a tranquil, nature-filled sanctuary with privacy in mind, while standing steps away from one of the busiest highways in the state? This design challenge stands as a study in contrasts, and one that India-based design firm Srijit Srinivas Architects bravely took on.
The Kenz House was conceived as a response to the design brief and the client’s wish for a home that was both “down-to-earth” and “distinctive” at the same time.
Ultimately, the plan revolves around the juxtaposition of two simple geometric forms: a skewed rectangular block intersecting with a triangular section. Together, these interlocking volumes shape dynamic facades and sheltered recesses, maintaining an openness that mediates between privacy and connection.
While the exterior makes a bold, expressive statement, every angle within the home serves a purpose—from framing greenery to channeling the breeze and grounding the space in calmness.
Innovative yet remarkably restrained, it achieves harmony through simple forms, honest materials, and the thoughtful interplay of brick and natural light that filters out the world while drawing nature in.
“For a family of four who envisioned a home that was both grounded and extraordinary, the brief called for comfort, privacy, and a deep connection to the environment.”
There’s no denying that the property’s most striking feature is its deliberate use of burnt bricks as the main construction material, with the home constructed almost entirely of them.
Chosen for its tactile qualities, climatic performance, and natural warmth, the use of burnt brick brings both character and function into the space, perfectly ideal for Kerala’s tropical climate and its local context.
Beyond giving Kenz House a strong visual identity, the lattice-like sections from the exposed brick walls also allow air and sunlight to filter through, casting shift patterns and shadows while keeping the interiors cool. The residence is also a net-zero property, designed to meet clients’ needs for a visually appealing yet environmentally responsible home.
Clearly, the materiality and craftsmanship were the true stars of the show. The use of burn brick leaves the structure honest, raw, and unadorned, allowing the artistry of the construction itself to be celebrated.
In many ways, Kenz House is more than just a family home; it reflects a design approach rooted in sensitivity to climate and context.
Through its use of natural materials and a climate-conscious design approach, it proves that tranquility can be created anywhere — even beside one of the state’s busiest highways.
As Kerala continues to evolve, this timeless yet forward-looking home serves as a model for how thoughtful architecture can bring lasting harmony between people, place, and purpose.
