sum of many parts

Honouring memories and creating new ones, Stirvi Architects redesigns a Kerala family home with care

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What legacy do we leave behind in this world? Is it the poetry, the art, the culture, or our homes — or a little bit of everything, tangible and intangible? Originally built in the 1950s and lovingly passed through generations, a family inherited their ancestral bungalow, steeped in meaning and memories. They say stories find their tellers, just as homes find their makers. With a desire to breathe new life into their heritage, this family entrusted architect Jayadev Kesavankutty, principal and founder of Stirvi Architects, to reimagine their generational family home.

Despite the challenges posed by such an emotional and complex project, Jayadev and associate Merin Joseph crafted a thoughtful design that bridges tradition and modernity. The house, initially expanded in the 1980s, retains its footprint but is now reimagined as an 8,000 sq ft, six-bedroom residence. Set amidst the lush paddy fields and open landscapes of Muvattupuzha, the two-story ‘50 80 20 House’ celebrates three significant chapters in its history — each woven seamlessly into the present. This home now tells the story of a businessman, his mother, his wife, and their children, all carrying forward the essence of their land and legacy.