Gridded Steel Frame Defines 3dor Concepts’ Kerala Home
Kerala, India – December 30, 2023 – In a striking blend of modern industrial design and natural beauty, House XO in Kerala has become an architectural landmark. Designed by the local studio 3dor Concepts, this 205-square-metre home features an exposed steel grid frame, creating a visually stunning interplay of clean lines and structural elegance. Located in the coastal town of Tanur, the house sits amidst a serene setting of large mango trees, providing a perfect backdrop for the industrial-inspired design.
The client, who hails from a background in the steel industry, sought a home that combined an industrial aesthetic with the surrounding natural environment. The design by 3dor Concepts does just that, using oversized structural steel elements to achieve a loft-style atmosphere with high ceilings, expansive windows, and a seamless connection between the indoors and the outdoors. The most prominent feature of the home’s façade is a gridded steel structure, reminiscent of a tic-tac-toe game, with a large X and O inserted into the frame, adding an artistic touch. The use of a steel grid is not just a design element; it serves to integrate the home’s modern industrial style with the natural beauty of its surroundings. The exposed structure highlights the sense of openness, transparency, and connection with the environment.
Architectural studio 3dor Concepts explains that the challenge of working with a tight site was met by carefully planning the space to ensure privacy and functionality while maximizing the connection to nature. Large glass windows on both floors open up to the lush greenery outside, creating an inviting flow between the interior and the tropical garden. “The clean lines, minimalist furnishings, and exposed steel beams are paired with full-height windows and open spaces to create a home that is both striking and functional,” said the studio. “The design maximises the space, maintains openness, and fosters a sense of airiness.” The architectural approach also emphasizes sustainability. The use of I-section and C-section steel beams was critical in reducing construction time and enhancing the industrial aesthetic, while fly ash bricks, made from recycled materials, were used throughout the structure to minimize the use of concrete.
The roof features deck-sheet panels offering superior thermal insulation, ensuring energy efficiency alongside its modern, industrial appeal. Inside, the design is minimalist, with predominantly white finishes that create a neutral backdrop to showcase the home’s connection to its environment. The use of wooden grids on the interior walls draws a visual connection to the steel grids on the façade, creating a harmonious flow between the inside and outside. Despite its modern, industrial style, the house maintains a deep respect for its natural surroundings. The careful balance of steel, glass, and wood provides a dynamic contrast with the tropical landscape, allowing the house to feel integrated with the environment rather than imposed upon it. On the ground floor, the living, dining, and kitchen areas are situated in a narrow section of the house, with fully-glazed walls that can be slid open to further blur the boundaries between the home and the outdoors. A covered porch in the front provides space for a driveway, while the first floor hosts additional living areas and en-suite bedrooms, with metal grids providing privacy without compromising the view.
3dor Concepts, founded in 2013 by architects Muhammed Jiyad CP, Ahmed Thaneem Abdul Majeed, and Muhammed Naseem M, has consistently created innovative designs that combine functionality with aesthetics. House XO is another testament to their ability to balance industrial design with natural beauty, as seen in their previous work, including another Kerala home with a unique oversized tiled roof. With House XO, 3dor Concepts has brought an industrial flair to a tropical environment, demonstrating how thoughtful design can create homes that are both modern and deeply connected to nature.
