Unbuilt Project: Vault House at Cochin By Meister Varma Architects

A residence and studio about an hour’s drive from Cochin and set amidst a lush rubber estate. The south side has river frontage with a temple on the opposite bank. The living and working areas are contained in 2 buildings connected by a walkway. The horse-saddle roof doubles up over the brick vault for shade from the tropical sun. Thick brick walls with natural limestone rendering on the east and west side reflect solar radiation to keep the house cool. The south frontage of the house opens up towards the river to maximise views framed through the rubber clearing and luxuriant vegetation.