OCHRE
Project Ochre, this residence draws its identity directly from the earth. The name perfectly encapsulates the home’s grounding material palette defined by baked terracotta, rich timber, coconut wood roofing, and natural cane and its overall atmosphere of unpretentious warmth.
This residence draws heavy inspiration from the architectural ethos of Geoffrey Bawa. It is a masterful study in tropical modernism, deliberately prioritising intimacy, warmth, and a seamless connection to the natural world over grandiose displays of scale.A sprawling, low-pitched terracotta tiled roof dominates the exterior, offering deep overhangs that protect the home from heavy tropical monsoons and intense sun. In a conscious departure from typical luxury homes, the interior ceiling heights are intentionally kept at a minimum. This deliberate spatial compression avoids any sense of stark opulence, instead wrapping the inhabitants in a warm, grounded, and highly personal atmosphere.
Minimalist white cylindrical columns support the roof, creating a deep, shaded verandah. This acts as a transitional threshold, blurring the boundary between the built environment and the outdoors. Lush, curated tropical greenery—featuring ferns, broad-leafed tropical plants, and mature trees—is integrated directly into the footprint of the home, acting as a natural, living facade that greets you from the paved courtyard.
Shabna Nikhil’s interior design establishes an earthy, sophisticated dialogue with the architecture, using a rich, tactile material palette.
• Striking Flooring: A bold grey and black checkerboard stone floor runs through the corridors and living spaces, adding a layer of classic grandeur that contrasts beautifully with the minimalist white walls and raw concrete textures.
• Earthy Warmth: The dining space is anchored by a solid, minimalist wooden table paired with cane-backed teak chairs. This use of natural rattan and wood brings immense warmth to the space.
• Eclectic Accents: The interiors feature a masterful mix of eras and styles. An ornate, heavily carved wooden console table sits harmoniously beneath a classic tiered crystal chandelier, offset by contemporary black ceramic lamps and sleek, minimalist candle stands.
• Indoor-Outdoor Dialogue: Expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows in the dining area remove visual barriers, framing the dense tropical foliage outside and turning the landscape into a permanent, living piece of art for the interior.
This collaborative project ultimately succeeds by letting the landscape dictate the rhythm of the home, offering a tranquil retreat where modern living coexists perfectly with nature
and tradition.