Wayanad in Kerala has a natural architectural landscape nestled among hills and meandering water bodies which is the muse of this weekend holiday home.

Colonnaded verandas, courtyards, high ceilings, breezy folding doors and a clean contemporary design makes this Wayanad home designed by Humming Tree architects Mohammed Afnan and Arun Shekar a delightful space. The home is a combination of art, furniture and the use of locally available materials like clay, terracotta and reclaimed wood. Courtyards and double heights dominate the 3,200-square-foot space with a huge foyer space, three bedrooms, a living room, a semi-covered dining room and an open kitchen.

The brief given by the client was for a home that resonated the character of traditional Kerala home with a modern twist. An ornate Kerala teak door is the main feature of the entrance accentuated by a trunk less elephant, floor stand mirror, photo frames from Mysore and custom-made benches by Humming Tree. The owner had bought the door and artifacts from an old manor house near Mattancheri and the entire space has a nice tropical vibe that flows seamlessly into the entire home.

Read the full story that first appeared in Architectural Digest Online here: