Sidra : A Tropically Tranquil Abode | Studio Dtail | Kozhikode
Sidra, meaning ‘tree in heaven’, is a quintessential home nestled in the rich landscape of the coastal city of Calicut. In this abode, nature and architecture come together to weave a symphony of tropical living experiences.
The legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa has said, “architecture cannot be totally explained but must be experienced.” With those words, architect Shahbas Tasim Ahamed of Studio Dtail steered his concepts to envision the scintillating Sidra home. Drawing inspiration from the master of tropical modernism, the design studio has crafted this 6200 sq. ft residence that innovatively orchestrates a sensorial scape of interwoven spatial harmonies.
The moment you enter the subtly framed gateway, the longitudinal monumentality of the handsome rustic exterior, etched in grey stone veneer and Sri Lankan mud plaster, strikes a chord of minimalism at its core. The jutted-out balcony, fanned-out car porch and projectedout fins enrich the contemporary Kerala-style architecture along with minimalistic mullions and a gabled roof. The climate-sensitive architectural style of Sidra entwines green foliage in every province, hemming the spaces with a dramatic quality.
Seamless spatial layouts, nature-rich transitional zones, strategic openings, wide patios, nourished nooks, double-height volumes, and purpose-driven courtyards are some of the prime architectural vocabulary. From an irregular-shaped site to tackling its wetland by binding its foundation, the design team drafted a colloquy of staggered floor plans that pursue the shape of the land.
A ‘poomukham’ (verandah) and a water court on either side of the front sit-out unveil an inviting sequential entry, offering a sneak peek through latticed screens. A large wooden door with thin timber slats opens into an A-framed double-height interior space. Graced by green foliage, the space linearly extends into an expansive, gorgeous grey living room. As evocative as it is functional, a pergola-style skylight splashes natural light into the volume and suspended bulbous lanterns on the wooden ceiling warm up a cosy ambience. Sleek geometric glass frames slide open to a semi-shaded raised water court that casts an alluring aura and acts as a passive cooling feature.
Entangled in romantic associations with the exotic tropical theme, the aesthetically pleasing interiors with a soft colour palette weave a sanctum of furnished elegance that manifests into the soul of Sidra home. Browns, greys, whites, beiges and a dash of gentle blues, yellows and greens – pigment the patterned fabrics, artefacts, custom furniture, feature walls, floors, artistic paintings, elaborate lights and dynamic decor. The calibrated grammar of design fosters a spirited kinship with each element.
The living room leads to a staircase crafted with thin rails and wooden treads on a concrete finish. A nook below the stairs becomes a perfect work desk, an ode to the careful curation of nulling negative spaces in the home. From here, the ground floor widens as two wings.
A well-portioned, delectable dining, cheered by ample light through full-length windows, abuts the northern wing, with a wash and a powder room in-between. The wooden-themed kitchen is presented as a homemaker’s dream, baked as a modular C-shaped workspace with an appetising breakfast table, finished in grey and wooden counters. From the kitchen, it leads to a linear work area and a servant room.
Each bedroom with walk-ins, work desks and ensuite bathrooms follows a distinct theme with mood lighting, exhibiting a signature glam. Tucked alongside the dining is a compact bedroom with elementary wood finishes and a hexagon-patterned feature wall. On the other side of the stairway is a ladies living lounge with a personal courtyard. An ell beyond is the luxurious master suite, accessed via a slim foyer into a spacious and comfy bed space. Artfully modern with beige drapery, leaf motifs and lean wooden beams, the bedroom accommodates exceptional walk-ins for his and her and a premier bathroom. The bedroom extends to an outdoor deck that beckons you to come out and sit with the surrounding nature.
Flanking the first floor, as you ascend the stairs, is a theatrical balcony overlooking the palatial living. This floor features a second ladies living and three stunning bedrooms. Edging the stairs is a classic grey-panelled bedroom adorned in rattan and hazelnut finishes, which leads to an outdoor open terrace. Illustrated in textured stone tiles and fluted panels is a fourth bedroom that borders the northern province. An open terraced garden court, shaded by a tree with a ‘thinnai’ (bench) around it, sits atop the car porch in magnificent poise. The primary bedroom on this floor, in shades of cool greys and wooden flutes, is nourished along with a personal trellis balcony.
These eclectic spaces add another layer to the tropical experience for its residents to cherish together with family and friends.
Sidra is truly a home that draws you into its graceful comforts with a triumph of planning!
Interior Lover team’s view on the Project
Sidra villa was stylishly knotted by Studio Dtail led by the principal architect Ar. Shahbas Tasim Ahamed in a 6200 sq. ft., area located in Kozhikode, Kerala. The luxurious and earthy villa is home to some fascinating new trends, smart concepts, mood lighting, and a feeling of positive ambience, and warmth for the family. The use of wood, earthy tones, natural materials, and soft harmonic colour palettes gives the villa a warm and welcoming look.
Sidra – the villa’s unique concept focuses on reinventing and discovering the magic of light for the residence. A complete amalgamation of contemporary design with an earthy touch, while wall claddings and woodwork are used in certain areas to give the space warmth, yet enhance its opulence. The villa is a handpicked curation of furniture, materials, textures, colours, fabrics, and décor. Various moods of lighting are created to make the best use of space. Decorative lighting has been carefully picked to enhance the overall space.
FACT FILE
Project Name : Sidra
Design Firm: Studio Dtail
Principal Architects/Designers : Ar. Shahbas Tasim Ahamed
Design Team: Ar. Babin, Er. Ashraf
Client : Dr Ahammad K K
Project Location : Kozhikode, Kerala
Plot Area : 26 Cents
Built-up Area : 6200 Sq.ft
Completion Year : 2023
Photography Credits : Nathan Photos
Editorial Writeup Credits : Ar. Jay
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Structural Design : A&N Structural Consultants
Civil Contractor : MAKH Engineering
Interior Design : Studio Dtail
Interior Contractor : Live in Dtail
Landscape Design : Studio Dtail
Landscape Contractor : MAKH Engineering
MEP Consultant : AMPS Solutions
MEP Contractor : MAKH Engineering
HVAC Consultant : Kerala Refrigeration
MANUFACTURER & BRANDS
Finishes : Cements Texture paint, Corten Steel finish , Mud Texture.
Wallcovering / Cladding : Stone veneer
Construction Materials : Laterite Brick, Steel , Cement
Lighting : Kepco, Kiara
Electrical : Schneider Electric & R R Kabel
Doors and Partitions : Custom Wooden Doors
Sanitary ware : Rak, Roca, Kohler, Grohe, Hansgrohe, Franke
Facade Systems:
Windows : Custom Wooden Windows and Tostem Windows
Furniture : Live in Dtail.
Flooring : Granite, Kota stone, tiles.
Kitchen : Live in Dtail
Paint : Asian, Suzuka, Imported Mud texture from srilanka
Artifact : Pan emirates
Hardware : Hafele, Blum
Graffiti : Studio Dtail.
Security Systems : Hik vision, KEY, Iglu
Steel Fabrication : TATA Steels
