One Tree House is a light-laden Kerala home by Farsa Buildesign

The spatial narrative is crafted by respecting a mature mango tree and paying attention to light.

Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Nathan Photography; courtesy Farsa Buildesign  

One Tree House in Areekode, Kerala, takes its name from a massive Chandrakaran mango tree that stands on its 18-cent site, and around which the home is woven with the patio sheltering under its dense canopy. Thus, the patio became central to the narrative, and enjoys good visual connection with the dining, foyer, master bedrooms and the family living room. Besides stating that the tree could not be touched, the client asked his architect, Risiyas Farsa of Farsa Buildesign, for a five bedroom and other mandatory spaces, to be fitted with 3,400 square feet.

The design follows the tropical typology infused with modern touches. “The quality of light is carefully modulated in the interiors as per the functional and psychological needs of each area. The spaces are planned keeping in mind the time of use and the optimal requirement of light,” says Risiyas. The interiors are deliberately devoid of decor, but become a canvas for the ever changing play of natural light, which is more experiential than visual. The majority of the furniture and wall decor is customised to give the residence its unique interiors.

The material palette for the house treads the natural, organic path. Exposed paint finish, raw concrete finish, clay tiles, buffed kadappa, kota, Laporte, Nilambur teak, Burma teak and polished metal sheets articulate a wonderfully back-to-nature feel. “Nilambur teak is used throughout the project in various forms as furniture and window frames because of its abundant availability in the locality,” elucidates the architect.

Fact file

Project: One Tree House
Location: Areekode, Malappuram, Kerala
Area: 3,300 sq ft
Principal architect: Risiyas Farsa
Design team: Nidheesh, Shanavas, Vipin, Fawas, Nameer and Shamseer