N&RD forms tiny yet functional cabin in rural india

N&RD shapes Farm Cabin in India 

Located in the rural part of Kottayam District in Kerala, India, ‘KGR Farm Cabin‘ sees the transformation of a tiny shelter into a multipurpose family gathering space. The clients — a former bank officer couple — wanted to convert their property into an organic farm after their retirement. According to their wish for farmland, architectural studio N&RD has removed all the trees from the site that was previously a rubber plantation, but this resulted in extremely hot conditions for the area. Thus, the design team came up with the idea of a day shelter that could host the whole family.
all images courtesy of turtle arts photography

designing a one-room-day-shelter with a toilet

Taking an area of almost 1 acre (4,046 sqm), the site accommodates farmlands as well as a tiny cabin that serves as a  family gathering space. The structure provides a minimal yet functional living space. The facility features a room with minimal seating, a kitchenette, and an attached toilet. Furthermore, a storeroom is designed for safekeeping farm equipment, fertilizers, and other necessities. Meanwhile, the design team added a long cantilevering roof to extend the living space and protect the inhabitants from the sun’s rays. 

Although the cabin uses minimum space, it optimizes the views of the surroundings. Most of the east side partitions can fully open, providing visual contact with almost the entire property while one seats inside. However, thanks to its location being a bit far from the main street, it meets the requirements for privacy and quietness.

the long cantilevering roof protects the room from the morning sun

When it comes to the materiality palette, the architects prioritized durability. The main walls are constructed in brick masonry, and most of the east side partitions are accomplished in galvanized iron tubes and cement boards. The roofing is made of GI and aluminum sheets, while the flooring is of yellow oxide cement. To adjust to the slight slope of the site, they formed an elongated gardening space utilizing locally available stones. Finally, an abstract aquatic mural is added to the room to soften the farm activity intervals.

front elevation with all the doors and windows open

the cabin is placed a farther from the road for privacy

masonry, mild steel tubes, cement boards and GI roofing sheet are the main materials

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plan

axonometric view

project info:

name: KGR Farm Cabin
designer: N&RD

location: Kottayam district, Kerala, India

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edited by: christina petridou | designboom