Design Intent

The design philosophy centers around climate-responsive and nature-integrated living. Each of the three guest cottages was designed to ensure privacy, cross ventilation, and abundant natural light. Arched verandas, earthy tones, and open spaces create a cozy, home-like ambiance, while the upper residential unit maintains seamless spatial connectivity and comfort. The intent was not just to build a structure, but to create a space that inspires awareness about sustainable living.

Key Features

• Cottages: Three self-contained units with living, kitchen, bedspace, and attached toilets.
• Bottle Walls: Beer bottle partitions offering privacy with colorful light play.
• Roofing: Filler slab roof with sloping truss shades using reused Mangalore tiles for thermal comfort.
• Accessibility: Ramp access ensuring inclusivity for all.
• Residence: Upper unit with open kitchen, living, pooja, and meditation balconies.
• Outdoor Spaces: Pond and gathering areas enhancing the retreat-like experience.

Material Palette

• Foundation: Locally sourced granite stones.
• Walls: Combination of reused and new mud bricks with rat-trap bond.
• Roofing: Filler slab with reused Mangalore pattern tiles.
• Flooring: Oxide and terracotta tile finishes.
• Partitions: Upcycled glass bottle walls.
• Doors and Windows: Fully reused timber frames and panels.
• Paint: Lime wash for ceilings to maintain breathability and reduce VOCs.

Functional Layout

• Ground Floor: Three independent cottages, each with a veranda, compact living space, bed space, kitchenette, and bathroom.
• First Floor: Two-bedroom residential unit with open kitchen, dining, formal living, pooja, and twin balconies for yoga and meditation.
• Outdoor Spaces: A pond, gathering hut, and landscaped green zones that encourage community and connection with nature.

Sustainability Measures

• Reduced Concrete Usage: Arches replace beams, optimizing material efficiency.
• Reused Materials: Over 50% of the structure uses reclaimed bricks, tiles, wood, and bottles.
• Passive Cooling: Rat trap bond and filler slab technologies ensure thermal comfort.
• Energy Efficiency: Solar water heaters installed for renewable energy use.
• Local Engagement: Labor, artisans, and materials sourced entirely from the local community.

Cultural and Aesthetic Considerations

• Vernacular Influence: Reflects Kerala's architectural charm through sloping roofs, exposed brick, and arched verandas.
• Material Expression: Rustic, minimalist palette celebrating the raw beauty of natural materials.
• Craftsmanship: Lime-washed ceilings and bottle-work details echo sustainable and locally rooted design traditions.

Outcome

Maison Sangham stands completed and fully operational, welcoming guests seeking a mindful retreat amidst nature. Visitors appreciate its down-to-earth atmosphere, traditional charm, and ecological balance, making it not just a place to stay, but an experience that reconnects one with simplicity and serenity.