"A home that breathes with the climate, where every ray of sunlight is considered, every space curated for comfort."
Waffle House embodies a sustainable approach to architecture. Commissioned by Mr. Ananthakrishnan and his family, the project is a four-bedroom residence situated in Thrissur, Kerala, within a dense semi-urban neighbourhood. The 10.08-cent site is framed by a main road to the front and an access road to the south, which leads to the residences beyond, creating both challenges and opportunities for privacy, light, and ventilation.
On our first site visit, the heat and humidity were immediately apparent. We aimed to create a sustainable home where the family could live comfortably, without compromising the quality, privacy, or character of each individual space.
The initial planning oriented the common spaces toward the north, with the formal living positioned to the northwest and the kitchen to the northeast, optimizing natural light while minimizing heat gain. The first floor was projected toward the south, shading the ground floor from direct sunlight. Bedrooms were carefully designed to remain cool, with attached toilets positioned to receive direct sunlight, while the rooms themselves open onto a central courtyard, ensuring comfort, ventilation, and visual connection to the heart of the home.
The concept of the waffle slab emerged when the common spaces were centralized, creating a need for natural light to reach the heart of the home. To address this, we introduced a skylight, carefully designed to diffuse sunlight and create a subtle play of light and shadow within the spaces. The waffle slab features gentle tapering, allowing soft, filtered light to animate the interiors without glare, enhancing both comfort and spatial experience.
Two large vents integrated into the waffle slab allow hot air to escape, enhancing natural ventilation and maintaining a comfortable indoor climate. Facing west, the residence required careful treatment to mitigate harsh afternoon sunlight. The front elevation incorporates deep cantilevered slabs, operable pivoted shutters, and louvered openings strategies that protect interiors from heat while maintaining light, airflow, and visual connection
Together, these design strategies create a comfortable and balanced microclimate within the home. Waffle House stands as a modern rustic minimal residence, defined by carefully crafted spaces, thoughtful architectural details, and a sensitive response to client’s requirements, climate and context.
Team:
Lead Architect/Principle Architect: Ar. Arjun Parengal, Ar. Arya Pramod
Design Team: Ar. Swaliha , Salwa
Photographer: Nathan Architectural Photography
