Devasparsham

Elamakkara, Kochi, India

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Devasparsham

Elamakkara, Kochi, India

Firm

JAID Architects

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2020

SIZE

1000 sqft - 3000 sqft

BUDGET

Undisclosed

Devasparsham: A Home That Tells a Story | Location : Elamakkara, Kochi, Kerala

In an age of relentless technological advancement, architects are often tasked with creating homes that are sleek, smart, and ultra-modern. Yet, for many, the true idea of comfort is found not in innovation, but in the cherished memories of a simpler time. At Jaid Architects, this profound understanding of personal history forms the bedrock of their design philosophy. Their latest project, the Murali Residence also known as Devasparhsam, shows this approach perfectly: a home that smoothly blends old-fashioned charm with modern life, creating a "nostalgic retreat" that feels both cozy and very personal.

Listening as a Design Tool: Capturing a Life's Story

The Murali Residence, or “Deva Sparsham” (meaning 'divine touch'), was born from a client brief that went beyond mere square footage and bedroom counts. For the client, Mr. Murali, this was to be his "last home," a space to settle into after a lifetime of moving. The architects at Jaid took this to heart, embarking on a design journey that began not with sketches, but with conversations.
"We approach every project with an open mind, absorbing our clients' stories and ideas without any preconceived notions," says the lead architect. This deep engagement, which can span a full day of sharing memories and personal reflections, is what allows them to translate intricate details into the final design. The client’s thoughts on things like rain or the concept of a central courtyard from their village life became key design drivers, inspiring the home's unique character.

The Comfort of an Open Plan

The concept of comfort, as defined by the architect, is "living in your own world, undisturbed." At Devasparsham, this is achieved through a masterful use of space. Rather than a highly decorative or restrictive layout, the home embraces an open-plan concept inspired by traditional Kerala homes. This allows for a free flow of movement and light, connecting different areas of the house without feeling confined.
The architects' central concept was to have a family-centric, open-plan home inspired by traditional Kerala typologies, where spaces are fluid and interconnected. Originally envisioned as a courtyard, a shift in plans due to Vastu regulations led the architects to create a courtyard-like feature within the dining space itself. This led to the dining area being designed as the heart of the home, which the family described as their favorite space. When Vastu regulations prevented a central courtyard, the team ingeniously translated the idea into a courtyard-like feature within the dining space itself, successfully blending their original concept with the necessary adjustments. The plan strategically incorporated subtle partitions and vertical elements to provide privacy for the family from the more public living spaces, a crucial consideration given the client’s frequent guests. This meticulous approach to planning extended to every detail, including the bedroom openings, which were designed to be adaptable, allowing them to shift from private sanctuaries to interactive social hubs.

Meticulous Detailing and Material Honesty

Jaid Architects’ work stands out for its high level of detail and experimentation. For them, attention to detail is a core part of their philosophy. "The design is fundamentally about creating a specific experience," explains the architect. This is evident throughout the house, where every element, from the main gate to the staircase and flooring, was customized.

Honesty in Materials: The design celebrates the beauty of natural materials. The use of exposed brick and jali walls creates a traditional, rustic aesthetic while also serving a functional purpose by allowing for natural ventilation and controlling sunlight. The intricate grill patterns on clearstorey windows, which mimic nature, and the careful placement of fenestration to allow morning sun to hit the pooja room are all examples of this thoughtful approach.

A Balance of Old and New: The home strikes a beautiful balance between nostalgia and modernity. The architects passionately advocated for the use of Athangudi floor tiles to evoke a sense of the past, while incorporating modern touches like the folded metal plate in the pooja room, which depicts a lotus flower.

Interactive Light and Shadow: The play of light and shadow through patterns is a key feature. The design carefully captures moments like the reflection of rain on the ceiling, or the way sunlight filters through patterned glass in the kitchen, bringing nature’s beauty indoors.

From site-specific inspirations to client stories, the design of the Murali Residence is a tapestry of meaningful details. The architect's personal fascination with light and shadow is evident throughout the home. An on-site observation of rain rippling on the ceiling inspired an organic pattern in the central courtyard. Similarly, a window in the kitchen was framed to capture the lush greenery outside, leading to a decorative pattern that reflects branches and leaves, effectively bringing the outdoors in. This bespoke approach extends to the clients' personal histories; their detailed memories of an ancestral home's antique door inspired a traditional door in the padippura area. It is a nostalgic retreat where every design choice tells a part of the client’s story, proving that the most successful projects are not just built with bricks and mortar, but with a foundation of genuine human connection.