CC House: A Testament to Tropical Modernism

Golden A' Design Award Winner Merges Nature with Architecture

Conceived by Muhammed Naseem M, the CC House is a residential marvel that seamlessly blends with its verdant environment. The design ethos is deeply rooted in the family's agricultural legacy, with a commitment to preserving the site's existing flora. This dedication to conservation is evident in the home's layout, which is strategically planned to celebrate the natural beauty of the site.

What sets the CC House apart is its minimalist design philosophy, which is perfectly attuned to its surroundings. The structure's form is deceptively simple, featuring two mirrored C shapes that converge around a central tree, a natural focal point where the property's walkway meets the architecture. The building's dark texture is a deliberate choice, harmonizing with the totality of the setting and reinforcing the connection between the home and its context.

The realization of the CC House required meticulous craftsmanship, particularly in constructing the curved RCC walls that define its signature form. A custom-made curved formwork of plywood, supported by horizontal plates, was essential to achieving the desired curvature. The material palette, dark yet natural, was carefully selected to ensure the residence felt intrinsic to its context.

Spanning a floor area of 270 square meters, the residence is an epitome of thoughtful planning. The design team, including Ahmed Thaneem and Jiyad Muhammed, centered the home around an open courtyard, with an eight-foot-wide sit-out encircling the rooms. This design choice facilitates a fluid transition from indoor to outdoor spaces, with maximum transparency for semi-private areas and balanced privacy for the four bedrooms.

Completed in 2022 in Thamarassery, Wayanad, the CC House is a product of extensive research that delved into the socio-cultural nuances of the site. The design reflects the client's deep connection with the land, minimizing barriers between the interior and exterior to foster a sense of unity with nature. The project overcame challenges by integrating the social and historical context of the locality into the design language, preserving the authenticity of the region's farming lifestyle.

The CC House is not just a residence; it's a sanctuary that encapsulates the essence of northern Kerala. Its design has been recognized with the prestigious Golden A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to its outstanding contribution to the fields of art, science, design, and technology. The award celebrates the house as a paragon of design excellence, significantly impacting the world with its desirable and innovative characteristics.