When Safder Machilakath visited the ten,000 sq.ft plot on which he was to design a dwelling, he was immediately drawn to a jackfruit tree on-site. “ Decades old, it sparked our imagination. We saw an opportunity to craft a residence that not only respects its natural setting but narrates the heritage of its surroundings,” says Machilakath, principal designer and co-founder of Uru Consulting.
The challenge commenced in August 2022, and took two years to finish
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Special Arrangement
Situated in Malappuram, Kerala, the now-completed 3,700 sq.ft. dwelling — constructed at a value of approx. ₹1.1 crore — is aptly titled ‘House Beneath a Jackfruit Tree’. “The design draws inspiration from the symbolic significance of the jackfruit tree, a motif that resonates across cultures as a sign of abundance and continuity,” explains Machilakath, including, “Rather than following a conventional blueprint, we envisioned the house as a book, its pages unfurling the rich tales whispered by the venerable tree. Each design element is a chapter that pays homage to the legacy and natural beauty the tree imparts to the home.”
Custom-designed furnishings and artisanal artifacts complement the house’s design.
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Special Arrangement
The challenge commenced in August 2022, and took two years to finish. While the tree, that bears fruit to at the present time, is the house’s focus, different sustainable features of the house embrace raw-textured partitions, a impartial tan palette comprising earthy brown, designs that incorporate ample pure gentle, to call a few. “To balance openness with the need for privacy in a densely surrounded locale, we extended the dining area with a curtain wall finished in intricate jaali work. This not only preserves the exclusivity of the space but also creates a serene, inviting patio,” says Machilakath, including that custom-designed furnishings and artisanal artifacts — crafted from reclaimed wooden and pure supplies — complement the house’s interiors.
Natural gentle performed a important function in the home’s design.
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Special Arrangement
Natural gentle, he says, performed a important function in the home’s design, “with a linear layout that maximises daylight from the East to create a sense of openness and grandeur”. He provides, “The over-projected roofs on the South side prevent excess sunlight, maintaining a comfortable balance of light and shade throughout the day.”
Sustainable features of the house embrace raw-textured partitions, and a impartial tan palette.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
The largest areas in the home are the eating and dwelling areas which can be designed with double-height ceilings “that amplify the feeling of space”. Since the house is located in a plot surrounded by neighbouring homes, creating this spacious but personal household space was a important design hurdle. “Bridge-like structures connect the stairs and bedrooms on the upper levels, fostering a sense of connection throughout the home. Every level is designed to encourage warm interactions, making it the perfect space for a close-knit family,” says Machilakath, including that sourcing high quality sustainable supplies, navigating native rules, and integrating trendy eco-friendly programs required detailed planning.
Published – March 14, 2025 02:46 pm IST
