Set against one of the silent hilltops of Trivandrum, the site was located at the highest point in that particular part of the woods. However, being a west facing site one would have to hold up a hand to shield their eyes from the harsh west sun. That ‘hand’ was reimagined as a slanting wall along the site giving birth to the concept of conceiving the residence as - Shikhara ( Peak)
The wall, brutal but a shade from the harsh heat and direct sunlight was to be made from the materials procured from the land itself.
The patented technique of Shuttered Debris Wall was used here. This wall construction technique involves mixing cement, soil and waste materials of various sizes(coarse aggregate) ranging from 10mm -70mm skilfully to give a strong wall ( 5.2MpA compressive strength)
A rhythmic undulating pattern was worked out on it so that this facade doubled up to become the staircase and answer the security concerns.
The dining area
The kitchen
The bedroom on the top floor.
The living room as seen from outside.