The House XO in Tanur, Kerala, masterfully blends the comforts of contemporary urban living with the raw, utilitarian appeal of industrial design. This project pays homage to the client’s roots in the steel trading business with a design that symbolises ambition, strength, and professional identity while providing a modern, meaningful living experience.
The structure features an open-plan layout that enhances spatial fluidity and connectivity, seamlessly blending the living, dining, and kitchen areas into a cohesive, airy environment. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light and offer views of the lush greenery outside, while industrial materials and an emphasis on open spaces embrace the urban loft lifestyle. The design creates a harmonious flow, reinforcing the sense of openness and connection throughout the home.
Ahmad Thaneem Abdul Majeed, Muhammed Jiyad, and Muhammed Naseem, Principal Architects of 3dor concepts delve into the intricacies of the house and how the material palette and design elements reflect the house’s character, while the integration of passive cooling and efficient material use ensures both modernity and environmental responsibility.
Spatial Structure
Contemporary urban living with industrial design, using steel, concrete, and minimalist elements to create a striking, cohesive, and sustainable home. The facade is a key design feature, where exposed rectangular steel beams and raw concrete surfaces are complemented by bold circular steel forms, offering a departure from conventional design and emphasising innovation. The design prioritises flexibility, utilising steel I-beams and C-sections to reduce reliance on traditional materials, speeding up construction timelines. Prefabricated concrete blocks and fly ash bricks further expedite the build, minimising costs and environmental impact.
The material selection for the house is pivotal to its structural strength, aesthetic appeal, and efficiency. Steel, used as the primary structural material, provides durability and strength, enabling open spans and large spaces without the need for excessive internal supports. The incorporation of I-section and C-section steel beams enhances flexibility and structural integrity, while welded and bolted connections create a resilient framework that supports the home’s open, airy design. Exposed concrete finishes add a sophisticated, unrefined texture, aligning with modern architectural trends and further enhancing the building’s aesthetic and functionality.
Beyond the Challenges
One of the primary challenges in constructing House XO was the limited plot size of just 6.5 cents, requiring efficient use of every inch of space. This challenge was addressed by designing a compact, highly functional floor plan that maximised vertical space and incorporated an open layout. The use of I-sections and C-sections eliminated the need for heavy load-bearing walls and enabled large spans and open spaces. This design choice facilitated rapid assembly, crucial given the tight construction timeline. Additionally, the six existing mango trees on the property were preserved and integrated into the design, serving as part of a passive cooling system and further optimising the use of the site.
Several key factors contributed to the rapid construction of House XO. The use of prefabricated materials enabled faster on-site assembly by reducing labour and curing time. Steel sections were also prefabricated off-site and delivered ready to assemble, further expediting the construction process by eliminating lengthy on-site work. The lightweight steel and prefabricated blocks minimised reliance on concrete, enabling quick assembly and ensuring the project was completed within its tight three-month deadline without compromising structural integrity, showcasing how modern technology and design can revolutionise homebuilding.
Eco-friendly Focus
Sustainability plays a crucial role in the material choices for the project, utilising eco-friendly materials. These materials minimise waste, reduce environmental impact, and enhance efficiency by reducing on-site labour. The roof’s thermal insulation properties and the preservation of mango trees for passive cooling further support the home’s eco-conscious design, ensuring minimal environmental disruption while delivering a modern, high-quality home.
The minimalist design is reflected in the clean lines, open layout, and raw finishes, creating a calm and uncluttered atmosphere. Expansive glass windows seamlessly connect the interior to the exterior, promoting a sense of openness and transparency. The incorporation of sustainable materials such as steel, fly ash bricks, and laterite stones, coupled with passive cooling and abundant natural light, aligns with the urban loft style, which is defined by large, open spaces and industrial features.
Fact File:
Project Name: House XO, Tanur
Client: Aquib Muiz
Architect: 3dor concepts
Structural Consultant: Design Genics
Project Management: Lecube
Fabricator: PS Metal Fab
Supplier: MTM Trades
Tonnage: 10 tonne
Status: Completed
Quote:
“The House XO is a manifestation of the intersection between materiality, identity, and modern living. It transcends the conventional, using industrial materials like steel and concrete not just as structural elements, but as symbols of endurance and ambition. Through its integration of sustainable practices and thoughtful material choices, House XO reimagines what a home can be — an architectural reflection of both personal identity and a forward-thinking, responsible future.”
– Ahmad Thaneem Abdul Majeed, Muhammed Jiyad, and Muhammed Naseem, Principal Architects, 3dor concepts
