Header: Ishita Sitwala
A vacation home in Palakkad, India, honours the ancestral land and personal memories of a client. Inspired by the Zen concept, the design creates an idyllic, peaceful sanctuary. The minimalist philosophy of Zenhouse eliminates visual clutter to reduce stress and creates a sense of mental clarity.
Design wrapped by trees
Rooted in simplicity and connection to nature, the space brings clarity and serenity to life itself. The project aims to focus on purpose and essentialism. The house architecture was limited by its position in a densely populated residential neighbourhood with small houses. A half-acre lot had several trees with lush branches, which served as a primary visual element. The architecture wrapped around the tree’s thick branches results in an inward-looking design.
Voids inspired by Delphine Brabant’s sculpture
The entrance foyer and formal living area are organised around a large mango tree. Bedroom and private rooms are zoned with a cluster of trees on the other side of the site. Huge empty spaces and oversized corridors have been inspired by Block VIII, a sculpture by French artist Delphine Brabant. The sculpture, a part of the client’s collection, is characterised by an interplay of voids and projections, which became the base for Zenhouse design.
This inspired Studio Nirvana to create empty corridors by connecting different architectural zones. The approach resulted in several outdoor leisure zones, particularly the lower deck space that expands into the backyard. The void on the first floor features a jackfruit branch sprouting into the building, which extends into a water feature in the proximity of the gathering space.
Interior marked with spaciousness
The 15,000 sq feet layout encompasses 5 bedrooms, living spaces, an indoor pool, a meditation room and a kitchen and dining area, all connected with the open, intuitive corridors. Many zones from transitional spaces are deliberately left unassigned to create a sense of calmness while encouraging spaciousness. The natural light finds its path through the canopy of trees as the leaves filter sunlight, creating a light and shadow interplay as an integral part of the interior. An outhouse houses a gym, a salon and a spa spanning over 20,000 sq. ft.
Concrete and wood materials
Natural materials are carefully selected to create a sense of calm without overwhelming the architecture. A monochromatic grey palette based on natural materials was contrasted with warm wood accents. Exposed concrete walls allow visitors to see the foyer, the courtyard, and the formal living from the entrance, creating visual continuity. Influenced by the mid-century modern aesthetic, the design takes elements of Scandinavian style, strengthening the focus on simplicity and purity of materials and forms.
By observing the trees as an active participant in the design narrative, Studio Nirvana created a layout of shifting voids and geometries. The empty spaces leave plenty of opportunity for contemplation, reinforcing Studio Nirvana’s commitment to tranquillity and well-being.
Project Information
Project Name: Zen House
Project Location: Palakkad, Kerala, India.
Principal Designer: Avinash Joshy, Joshy Jose, Steffy Thomas
Project Architects: Liz Tomy, Fathima Thahseen, Greeshma Shaji, Arti Ghatge
Completion Year: 2025
Built Area: 20,000 ft2
Photo Credits: Ishita Sitwala
Lighting Credits: Mario Tsai, Spoon Lighting
Furniture: &tradition, Phantom Hands, andblack, 101 Copenhagen, Sār Studio, Stem Design, Poj Studio, Formave, Ferrocon Concrete Factory
Décor: Moon Seop Seo, Stem Design
Doors & Windows: Schüco, Frits Jurgens Pivot system
