encasa archstudio shapes a tropical house with four interlocking concrete vaults

"Encasa Archstudio completes its Vault House in Kerala, India as a three story tropical residence that brings exposed concrete vaults into dialogue with sunlight and greenery. Conceived for a multi generational household comprising a couple, their daughter, and parents, the home reflects a clear client ambition for a unique yet livable environment shaped by daylight, breezes, and plant-life. Located in the heart of town, the house precisely negotiates level changes of its sloping site."

"The team at Encasa Archstudio designs its Vault House with a below-grade swimming pool and courtyard. Here, an arched grill above filters light while ensuring security, casting curved shadows that shift across cement surfaces throughout the day. An elongated cement bench reinforces the raw language of the project, offering a place to pause within an otherwise utilitarian setting. The presence of water at this level sets the tone for the house, as light reflects off the pool and onto surrounding concrete,"

"The Vault House's ground floor is organized by Encasa Archstudio as a fluid living environment that includes two bedrooms, living and dining spaces, and a family area. Circulation moves easily between these zones, guided by sightlines and the presence of water at the center. The dining area forms the emotional core of the home, arranged around a koi pond that introduces sound, movement, and reflection into everyday routines."

The Vault House is a three story tropical residence in Kerala that integrates four exposed concrete vaults with abundant daylight, cross breezes, and planted courtyards. A below-grade swimming pool and courtyard introduce water reflections and filtered light, while an arched grill above casts curved shadows across cement surfaces. A basement portion is woven into the sloping terrain to create an additional sunlit living layer rather than a concealed subsurface. Ground floor living, dining, and family areas circulate around a central koi pond that provides sound, movement, and reflection. Split levels on the upper floor create varied spatial sequences tailored to a multigenerational household.

Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine