LIJO RENY architects: the breathing wall residence in india

in kerala, india, architecture studio LIJO RENY has completed a house on a narrow plot, characterized by a corten steel surface that provides natural ventilation. titled ‘the breathing wall residence’, the three-storey dwelling replaces the client’s previous home, which provided little natural light and a limited connection with its surroundings. ‘it was difficult to know if it was day or night, or for that matter rain or sunshine, while inside the client’s previous dingy home that stood on this site,’ explain the architects.

the structure occupies a site that measures just 6 x 16 meters
all images by praveen mohandas, unless otherwise stated

conceived as a prototype for narrow plots, LIJO RENY architects’ design occupies a site that measures just 6 x 16 meters. a centrally positioned atrium rises through the center of the home, providing both natural light and ventilation. this landscaped core connects the building with a staircase that adjoins the two enclosed blocks to the east and west. in order to facilitate ventilation through other parts of the home, the design team used a weathering steel wall — resistant to the region’s harsh tropical climate.

the design is characterized by a weathering steel wall

the ground level contains provision for a parked car, as well as the home’s primary living accommodation and one of the residence’s three bedrooms. another bedroom is found at the storey above, alongside a spacious family area and a more private study. the uppermost level houses a further bedroom, with a private bathroom and a roof terrace. see more architecture in india on designboom here.

living accommodation at ground level

the residence is brightly and naturally illuminated

lush vegetation is included throughout the scheme

dining area at ground level

a centrally positioned atrium rises through the center of the home
image by suneesh suresh

a staircase connects two blocks to the east and west

a communal lounge at the building’s intermediate storey

the bedroom at the uppermost storey

the ‘breathing wall’ provides natural ventilation
image by LRa

the project is located in the indian state of kerala

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LIJO RENY architects the breathing wall residence thrissur kerala india designboom

project info:

project: the breathing wall residence
location: nellikkunnu, thrissur, india
site: 169 sqm (4.10 cents)
total built up area: 2,200 sqf
completed: december 2015

architect: LIJO.RENY.architects, thrissur, kerala
interiors: LIJO.RENY.architects
landscape: LIJO.RENY.architects
design team: ar. reny lijo and ar. lijo jos
structures: rosmey, keystone engineers
photography: praveen mohandas, suneesh suresh, and LRa

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perforated corten façade provides ventilation for LIJO RENY's breathing wall residence

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