Grounded in Green

Designed by Urbane Ivy Architecture Studio in Kerala, Project Eden Moss reinterprets the essence of a traditional Kerala home through a contemporary lens.

Curated by: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Yasith Ahmed; courtesy Urbane Ivy Architecture Studio

The brief

Amid the lush outskirts of Thrissur, Project Eden Moss by Urbane Ivy Architecture Studio takes its name and spirit from the ecological landscape it inhabits. Set near Pullu, a wetland deeply cherished by the clients, the home was imagined as a modern Kerala dwelling which is simple, grounded, and intimately connected to nature. The brief was straightforward. The clients wanted a three-bedroom residence with living, dining, kitchen, prayer space, and home theatre that echoed the familiarity of traditional Kerala homes while embracing contemporary comfort.

The design intent

“Even within the smallest green lies all the purity and freshness of Eden.” This thought became the guiding idea behind Eden Moss. This home is imagined as a breath of freshness, evoking the scent of rain-soaked earth and blurring the line between built and natural environments. The design sought to weave comfort, memory, and contextual charm into one cohesive experience.

The spatial configuration

Spread across 2,900 sq ft, the residence includes three bedrooms, a living area, dining space, prayer zone, and home theatre. The plan is anchored by a central courtyard that connects the dining, prayer, and kitchen areas, creating an open, flowing layout that allows light and ventilation to flow naturally. Long corridors punctuated with greenery enhance the spatial experience. A mezzanine level above the car porch accommodates the master bedroom, visually linking it to the heart of the home.

The material palette

Sustainability and locality guided every choice. Materials such as stone, brick, and terracotta were sourced from within Kerala, their textures and tones harmonising with the region’s humid, tropical character. Muted earthy shades, handcrafted furniture, and locally made textiles evoke a sense of calm, lending the interiors a language of tropical minimalism. The facade which is defined by its sloping terracotta roof and perforated metal skin finds an easy dialogue with the old mango tree that anchors the site, making it a design highlight of the project.

The challenge

The architects share that one of the key challenges lay in balancing the clients’ affection for traditional Kerala architecture with their preference for understated, contemporary interiors. Also, they had to merge these seemingly contrasting sensibilities within a compact 2,900 sq ft layout, ensuring every room felt spacious and functional.