Nestled in the silence of the Kuttikkanam Hills in the Idukki district of India, Deck House is a slice of paradise. It was imagined by its owners during the Covid pandemic and later designed by Sarath S. Kumar and Durga Cholapurath from Durga Sarath Architects. With the home surrounded by lush nature and located far from the hustle and bustle of any major cities, the architects set out to create spaces with breathtaking views and in constant dialogue with the outdoors. The result is a project that is inherently connected to both nature and the landscape.
The project, in which colors and materials play pivotal roles in connecting with nature and achieving a curated atmosphere, also benefited from the contribution of Nexion. Specializing in sintered surfaces with an Italo-Indian imprint, the company supplied different surfaces for each level of the home. The main floor of Deck House features the distinctive elegance of the Runa Collection in light gray, which lends a sophisticated tone to the interiors. For the verandas, the design team chose Gabbro Sfumato stone from the Lithic range. Finally, the bathrooms evoke warmth and contrast by pairing tones of Pomegranate and Lime, Mint and Plaster, Plaster and Clay, and Lime and Sand, all from the Terraelino range.
The client brief stipulated that the home should be a place to invite friends and family. This informed every aspect of the project, with expansive spaces designed to echo the surrounding environment, encouraging sharing and interaction. Featuring delicate shades that convey serenity, the color palette mirrors nature itself, while the deliberate interplay of materials, including the extensive use of glass, ensures that the interior remains in constant connection with the outdoors. Glass is also featured at several points on the roof, reinforcing this architectural return to nature.