House Beneath a Jackfruit Tree in Kerala features interconnected spaces, jaali work

When Safder Machilakath visited the 10,000 sq.ft plot on which he was to design a home, he was instantly drawn to a jackfruit tree on-site. “The design draws inspiration from the symbolic significance of the jackfruit tree, a motif that resonates across cultures as a sign of abundance and continuity,” explains Machilakath, adding, “Rather than following a conventional blueprint, we envisioned the house as a book, its pages unfurling the rich tales whispered by the venerable tree. While the tree, that bears fruit to this day, is the home’s focal point, other sustainable features of the home include raw-textured walls, a neutral tan palette comprising earthy brown, designs that incorporate ample natural light, to name a few. Natural light, he says, played a significant role in the house’s design, “with a linear layout that maximises daylight from the East to create a sense of openness and grandeur”. Every level is designed to encourage warm interactions, making it the perfect space for a close-knit family,” says Machilakath, adding that sourcing quality sustainable materials, navigating local regulations, and integrating modern eco-friendly systems required detailed planning.