Roy Antony Architects

By Editorial Staff - 3 March 2025

Designed by Roy Antony Architects, the EPJ Residence in Kochi, Kerala, reflects the desire of a family – a couple with a child – to create an urban retreat, a refuge from the hectic pace of city life. Having previously dwelled in an apartment, the clients were keen to live in a home that would provide them with greater privacy and access to private green spaces.

The transition from the urban to the peaceful sanctuary of home unfolds through a series of spaces that foster an increasingly contemplative atmosphere, enhanced by a variety of sensory experiences. These spaces are arranged in a continuum that stretches from the street to the residence itself, following the notably elongated shape of the lot, which measures just 11 m in width by 54.5 m in length. A gravel-paved driveway accommodating a garage leads to an open courtyard through the main door, set within a wall featuring wooden paneling.

Envisioned as a hortus conclusus, a green patio is predominantly occupied by a body of water, with a central island offering a pedestal for the plant that is the focal point of the design. Walking along the portico around the courtyard leads to a spacious, double-height living area, behind which the more private spaces – a dining room, kitchen and bedroom – are located. The upper floor features two additional rooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. A staircase located on the rear balcony of the building ascends to the top floor, which features a semi-open room crowned by a gabled roof. Dedicated to social interaction, openings in these space are protected by metal grilles, providing a generous panoramic view of the surrounding cityscape.

The boundary wall is constructed from concrete; the house and garage utilize exposed brick masonry, lending the home a rustic charm.