Project Narrative
Set at the rare confluence of the river and the Arabian Sea in Malpe, Karnataka, Rooh is a contemplative holiday residence by Thomas Parambil Architects that reimagines coastal living through restraint, orientation, and shared experience. Rather than yielding to the obvious temptation of panoramic glazing and conventional alignment, the house adopts a measured architectural response- one that prioritizes comfort, togetherness, and a deep dialogue with its surroundings.
Departing from the expected north–south orientation, the residence is positioned along an east–west axis. Generous overhangs on both façades temper the tropical sun while allowing uninterrupted views of the water bodies at either end. This strategic alignment captures sunrise and sunset without compromising thermal comfort, ensuring that light is celebrated but never overpowering.
The spatial organization reinforces the home’s core intent: connection. Private bedrooms are housed in two distinct blocks, while the heart of the residence unfolds as a fluid, open-plan common zone. Living, dining, kitchen, and bar merge into a single expansive volume- free of rigid partitions- encouraging effortless movement and interaction. These spaces open onto a serene pool and a multifunctional corridor that shifts seamlessly between verandah, deck, and gathering space, blurring boundaries between indoors and outdoors.
Responding thoughtfully to the site’s natural topography, the architects embraced the land’s gentle slope. With the western access road sitting three feet higher and the site descending eastward, a basement level was discreetly integrated beneath the structure to accommodate parking and services. This intervention preserves the visual calm of the landscape, allowing the house to appear light and unobtrusive when approached from the street.
Materiality plays a quiet yet defining role in shaping Rooh’s character. Rooted in local craftsmanship, the palette celebrates wood, tactile finishes, and unrefined textures inspired by the philosophy of wabi-sabi. Natural hues and warm surfaces establish a serene, lived-in atmosphere- one that feels grounded, timeless, and deeply connected to place.
At the centre of the home lies its most poetic space: the deck. More than a transitional element, it becomes the soul of the residence- an elevated platform for pause, reflection, and gathering. Framed by water on both sides, the deck offers unobstructed views of dawn and dusk, transforming everyday moments into shared rituals.
In Rooh, walls define only what must be private. Everything else remains open, fluid, and generous- an architectural expression of togetherness, where design and nature coexist in quiet harmony.
Departing from the expected north–south orientation, the residence is positioned along an east–west axis. Generous overhangs on both façades temper the tropical sun while allowing uninterrupted views of the water bodies at either end. This strategic alignment captures sunrise and sunset without compromising thermal comfort, ensuring that light is celebrated but never overpowering.
The spatial organization reinforces the home’s core intent: connection. Private bedrooms are housed in two distinct blocks, while the heart of the residence unfolds as a fluid, open-plan common zone. Living, dining, kitchen, and bar merge into a single expansive volume- free of rigid partitions- encouraging effortless movement and interaction. These spaces open onto a serene pool and a multifunctional corridor that shifts seamlessly between verandah, deck, and gathering space, blurring boundaries between indoors and outdoors.
Responding thoughtfully to the site’s natural topography, the architects embraced the land’s gentle slope. With the western access road sitting three feet higher and the site descending eastward, a basement level was discreetly integrated beneath the structure to accommodate parking and services. This intervention preserves the visual calm of the landscape, allowing the house to appear light and unobtrusive when approached from the street.
Materiality plays a quiet yet defining role in shaping Rooh’s character. Rooted in local craftsmanship, the palette celebrates wood, tactile finishes, and unrefined textures inspired by the philosophy of wabi-sabi. Natural hues and warm surfaces establish a serene, lived-in atmosphere- one that feels grounded, timeless, and deeply connected to place.
At the centre of the home lies its most poetic space: the deck. More than a transitional element, it becomes the soul of the residence- an elevated platform for pause, reflection, and gathering. Framed by water on both sides, the deck offers unobstructed views of dawn and dusk, transforming everyday moments into shared rituals.
In Rooh, walls define only what must be private. Everything else remains open, fluid, and generous- an architectural expression of togetherness, where design and nature coexist in quiet harmony.
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