Kanae Lot 1

GM Construction, Inc.

Tropical Entry

Naalukettu: A Timeless Ode to Tradition

LEZARA

Nalukett Elevation and layout The main attraction of this quadrangular design residence is its open-to-sky central courtyard or nadumuttam which lets in a lot of ventilation and light that showcases the harmonious blend of aesthetics, functionality, and climatic suitability. This two-storied five-bedroom home built with Reinforcement Cement Concrete, laterite brick, wood and stones balances the need for privacy along with a sense of community. The chuttu verandah or the hallway around the central courtyard segregates the formal living space, bedrooms, dining area, prayer room, kitchen and stair area. A Puja space located in the east side of the courtyard underlines the spiritual harmony within the home. This functional design preserves and promotes traditional and cultural practices. The north east cornered kitchen is open to the dining area built with teak wood finished veneered marine plywood in a traditional design extended with a vadakkini or a workspace. Unlike traditional houses that adhere to certain design principles, the overall height of joineries and rooms is elevated and the ventilation windows below the roof slab increase air circulation and maintain cool temperatures. It also incorporates contemporary amenities such as home automation, solar electric system, modern equipped bathrooms, rain-water harvesting and proper drainage systems. Home interiors The courtyard with stone tulsi planter and the prayer room holds a special place in the hearts of the inhabitants as eye-catching idols of Indian deities symbolise spiritualism, tradition and beliefs. Lighting, furniture and fabrics are set in traditional themes. Black palm, jackfruit, mahogany and teak wood are mainly used for making furniture and interior panelling works. Terracotta clay floor tiles with epoxy joint fillers and black vitrified tile border are used for flooring, and GI frames with wooden panelling are used on stairs. The rustic charm is endured by painting half of the wall of the common area with an earthen yellow colour and border design. While, chaarupadi or the inclined step in the wall-to courtyard visible from the main door and the traditional wooden swing adds elements to a vintage setting, various antique pieces and mural paintings raises fascination in the spectators. The intricate wooden and stone carvings on the main door, pillars, beams, roof ceilings , sitting bench and front steps make it even more impressive which celebrates the nuances of traditional architecture. The reflection of the artistic legacy of skilled craftsmen is blending within the interior design. The design's adaptability to the tropical climatic conditions and lifestyle needs of Kerala ensures a sustainable living environment. The focus on cross-ventilation, ample windows and natural lighting ensures the stability of indoor temperature in living spaces during the hot seasons. The verandas and corridors help promote air circulation and the roofs of west side bedrooms are designed with an additional layer of sunshade below the actual roof shade acting as double-layer shading elements that control evening sunlight and heat from entering the interior spaces, thereby keeping the bedroom interiors cool and comfortable at night. Roofs Interestingly, rather than typical homes, this grand home is merged with three types of roofs. The roofs of bedrooms are built with Reinforcement Cement Concrete flattened slab layered by terracotta tile providing insulation and protection from the tropical climate's intense heat and heavy rainfall whereas the space between the two layers with GI pipe frames above acts as the attic. Wooden frames with terracotta tiles are used in verandas. They are constructed with proper slope roofs for efficient drainage to withstand heavy monsoons and minimise the risk of water accumulation.

Home along the Kona Coast

Polsky Perlstein Architects

Jared Polsky

Lexington Furniture

Babette’s Furniture & Home

Achieving an "island state of mind" should be as easy as walking through your own front door. Crossing the threshold should evoke a change in attitude and outlook - manifesting itself in a lifestyle that moves at an elegant but relaxed pace.

Lanabria Constructora y Desarolladora

Judd Pilossof

Poipu Drive

Kandi Birdsall

Kilauea, Kauai

Anderson/Collier Architects

Eclectic Tropical Residence in Olivenhain, CA

J. W. McCarter & Associates

This is a custom front door made of teak and mahogany woods and stained glass. Bright colors and tropical plants and birds make this door unique.

Tropical Paradise

Lori Gentile Interior Design

Kitchen remodel. Award-winning architect Kevin Farrell gave Lori Gentile free rein with the interior architecture for this custom home on Crest in Encinitas. Every detail was selected and integrated to execute a relaxed tropical feeling. Huge basket lights and an old Acacia Root table set the tone upon entering the large spacious entry along with grasscloth wallpaper in the ceiling soffits.

Woven Gates

GT Design, Inc.

ASID 2012 Design Excellence Awards

K2 Design Group, Inc.

2012 ASID Design Excellence Award for "Hospitality Design, Hotel Common Spaces" The Hospitality Design, Hotel Common Spaces Award was for the remodel/update of a Naples high-rise lobby entrance artistically using exquisite hand-made lighting features from Israel.

Seashine Entry

Zoleta Lee Designs

Zoleta Lee Designs, The Seashine Entry, designed by Zoleta Lee Designs.

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Interior Design Solutions Greg Hoxsie Photography, Today Magazine, LLC

Tropical Entryway Design Ideas

Make coming home a pleasure by making sure your entryway – also known as a foyer or vestibule – is the perfect transition from the public world to the private world. Your choice of front door, the organisation and general flow of the entryway should be practical and reflect the style of your home. Your entryway, foyer or vestibule is the first impression guests will have of your tropical home. Does it reflect you and your household? Here are a few ways to make your entryway better - and if all else fails, there's always hiring an interior designer to help.

How can you make your front door stand out?

Front doors can make or break a home’s appeal. An outdated or ill-fitting front door will imply what lies beyond is just as overdue for a makeover. No one wants a front door that stands out for all the wrong reasons, so choose one that suits the style of your home. Aluminium doors, for example, are more suited to contemporary-style homes, whereas ornate timber doors suit period homes. That doesn’t mean you can’t inject some of your own personality, though. While the architectural style should remain the same, you can shake things up with paint colours and quirky door handles. If you’re planning a new home, play around with the size and shape of your entrance door, too, and if you want to include a screen door, look for one that architecturally complements the existing front door.

How can you create an organised entryway or foyer?

An organised tropical foyer requires smart storage solutions – otherwise it’s at risk of becoming a dumping zone. Think about what you do when you first walk into your home. Most people will put their keys down, store a bag or coat, then take their shoes off. If this sounds like you, and your entryway is relatively sizeable, consider including some built-in joinery or a slimline console or hall table. Otherwise, hooks for keys, a coat stand and shoe rack will suffice. If you have a large family, allocate one drawer or shelf to each member of the clan. And finally, don’t overcrowd this area with belongings that can’t be stored in a bedroom. When guests arrive, you want to be able to offer them somewhere to put down their belongings.

Could a dirt room save your floors and entry?

Having a mudroom isn’t commonplace in Australia and New Zealand, but it is becoming increasingly popular as a means to keep mess at bay. In coastal areas, it is sometimes referred to as a sand room, while in rural areas, it can be known as a dirt room. A mudroom is usually a secondary entrance or located at the back entrance, and is ideal for storing shoes, school backpacks, sports equipment and pet essentials. You don’t have to dedicate an entire room to a mudroom. A narrow hall or partial wall will do the trick just fine – just add built-ins, some cubbies for individual family members and a bench. If you have a laundry that has direct access to the outdoors, it’s an ideal opportunity to convert it into a multi-purpose space. Combining a laundry and mudroom is a logical and effective use of space. If there’s no room inside, take a look outside. If you have a verandah, cordon off an area for the likes of dirty soccer boots and surfboards.