Excerpt: XO Residence by 3dor Concepts is a modern minimalist home that blends industrial aesthetics with tropical living. The design emphasizes clean lines, open spaces, and exposed materials like steel and glass, creating a bold yet functional environment. Set within a lush context, the residence integrates nature through an open-plan layout and large windows, achieving harmony between the built form and its surroundings.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] Core Concept: House XO merges industrial elegance with modern minimalism, focusing on contemporary urban living. The design features clean lines, minimalist furnishings, and industrial elements like exposed steel beams and large glass windows. This creates an aesthetic that is both striking and functional, seamlessly blending with the tropical surroundings in Tanur, Kerala, while maximizing space and maintaining openness.
Engagement with Site/Context: The design thoughtfully responds to its tropical context, integrating greenery both indoors and outdoors. Six mature mango trees were preserved during construction, emphasizing environmental sustainability. The tight 6.5-cent site required careful space planning to accommodate parking, privacy, and functionality, all while fostering a strong connection to nature through expansive windows and an open layout that invites the outdoors in.
Spatial Organization/Layout: House XO follows an open-plan layout that promotes flow and interconnectedness between spaces. The living area, dining room, and kitchen are integrated, with minimal partitions to enhance natural light and airflow. High ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows further enhance the sense of space and openness. The design also efficiently incorporates parking for three cars at the front, balancing functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Material Choices: Material choices focused on sustainability and efficiency. I-section and C-section steel beams were used to reduce construction time and add industrial flair. Concrete walls were minimized, and lightweight fly ash bricks, made from recycled materials, were used throughout the house. The durable deck-sheet roof offers thermal insulation, completing the modern industrial aesthetic while ensuring energy efficiency.
Most Significant Gesture: The most striking feature of House XO is the combination of raw industrial materials – exposed steel beams and concrete surfaces – with the natural beauty of the surrounding greenery. Large glass windows allow uninterrupted views of the lush landscape, creating a visual contrast that highlights the harmony between the built environment and nature. The preservation of the mango trees adds an element of environmental consciousness, anchoring the design in its tropical setting.
Design Process & Outcome: The project was completed in a tight three-month timeline, which pushed the design team to innovate and streamline the construction process. The client’s background in the steel trading business greatly influenced the industrial aesthetic of the home, resulting in a design that reflects both the client’s personal identity and modern sensibilities. The final outcome is a dynamic, functional home that balances sleek urban style with a deep connection to nature.
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