In Ernakulam, India, Wallmakers Architects have brought to life the Nisarga Art Hub, a vibrant space envisioned by a family of musicians to nurture community engagement and cultural events. Surrounded by paddy fields and traditional Kerala roofs, the hub stands as a modern reinterpretation of local architectural heritage.
Innovative Design
The architects sought to modernize traditional Kerala roofs by introducing skylights to enhance natural light and ventilation. Leveraging the roof’s 35° angle, they integrated an open-air amphitheater concept, using skylights as seating spaces for up to 80 people. This innovative design blurs the boundaries between architecture and landscape, fostering a dynamic relationship between the built environment and the surrounding nature.
Flexible Spaces
Upon entering the hub, visitors are greeted by a spacious living area overlooking the fields. The interior spaces are designed to be open and flexible, allowing occupants to interact and dine on wooden floors. Walls constructed with a patented Shuttered Debris Wall Technique, using construction debris and local soil, support even a cantilevered recording studio on the first floor, showcasing the architects’ commitment to sustainable and innovative construction methods.
Sustainable Features
The west-facing side of the hub features guest rooms protected by discarded racks, repurposed from a scrapyard, and adorned with creeping vines to shield from the sun. Strategically placed breaks in the roof allow for natural light and ventilation, while reclaimed laterite blocks form the verandah, paying homage to traditional Kerala architecture. The hub embraces sustainability not only in its design but also in its ethos, promoting environmental consciousness and resourcefulness.
Harmonious Architecture
Drawing inspiration from music, the architecture of the Nisarga Art Hub embodies a harmonious interplay between built forms and empty spaces. Just as in music, where the pauses between notes are as significant as the notes themselves, the hub celebrates the balance between structure and openness, inviting contemplation and dialogue.
Conclusion
The Nisarga Art Hub stands as a beacon of creativity and community in Ernakulam, blending tradition with innovation to create a space that resonates with local culture and global aspirations. Through its thoughtful design and sustainable practices, it not only serves as a venue for artistic expression but also fosters a sense of belonging and interconnectedness among its visitors and residents alike.
