‘White house’ in Kerala's capital city blends beauty and utility

This is a ‘white house’ in Thiruvananthapuram and it stands out for its unique shape and classy colour scheme (mostly white). Architect Sreejith Sreenivas, known for designing a variety of distinctive homes, is the creative mind behind this edifice. Situated in the heart of the city, with houses on all sides, the construction is on 7.3 cents of land. Space constraints were a challenge, yet they were ingeniously managed to ensure privacy and allure. The elevation features a mix of triangular and elongated rectangular shapes, enriched with numerous square ‘jali’ lattices.

At night, when the lights are turned on, the view of it sifting through the lattices is a delightful sight. The house is owned by a family of lawyers and hence the name 'Art 21' is interesting. It is derived from the Constitution, indicating the right to live and individual freedom. The name captures and reflects the philosophy of both the house and its owners.

The ground floor comprises a porch to park two cars, a sit-out, a living room, a dining area, a kitchen, and one bedroom. The upper level houses two bedrooms, bathrooms, and a balcony. The total area spans 2,959 square feet. Both the interior and exterior of the house are characterised by the brilliance of white.

The use of white makes the spaces feel more expansive and brighter. The main door leads directly into a formal living area designed with a double-height ceiling, enhancing both the spaciousness and ventilation. This design also visually connects the two floors, facilitating easy cross-ventilation. The furniture is custom-made using white wood, seamlessly blending into the white theme, further enhancing the coherence and airy feel.

From the dining area, a sliding glass door leads to the side courtyard. The open door lets in abundant light and air to flow in, thereby allowing a greater harmony between the indoor and outdoor spaces. This seamless continuity, for instance, is reflected in the white tiled flooring that extends to the staircase. For contrast, wooden-finish furniture and black TV is used. The double-height space of the formal living area is cleverly utilised to accommodate a mezzanine floor, which is converted into a library. This area is accessible via a bridge-like pathway, adding another layer of connectivity within the home.

Adapted to the fast pace of modern life, a highly functional kitchen has been designed, featuring cabinets with a wooden finish and countertops made of granite. The upper level’s two bedrooms are accessible to the balcony through sliding glass doors, inviting fresh air, natural light, and positive energy into the home. In essence, this house is a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Project facts:
Location: Thiruvananthapuram
Plot: 7.3 cent
Area: 2,959 Sq.ft
Owner: Abhayan Jawaharlal
Architect: Srijit Srinivas, Srijit Srinivas Architects, Thiruvananthapuram