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GID

ARCHITECTURE

THE DREAMS
TO
REALITY MAKER
ARCHITECTS ARE OFTEN GOD-LIKE FIGURES;
THEY ARE ENTRUSTED WITH THE IMMENSE
RESPONSIBILITY OF MAKING DREAMS INTO
REALITY. SOME OF THEM TAKE THAT ROLE
QUITE PRAGMATICALLY AND

STEER THEIR CLIENTS TO A
PERFECT HOME THAT IS MUCH MORE THAN THE
SUM OF ALL THEIR ASPIRATIONS.
INTRODUCING YOU TO ONE SUCH ARCHITECT
WHO SPINS REAL VISIONS.

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GLAM INTERIORS + DESIGN

BY SURYA JACOB

GLAM INTERIORS + DESIGN

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ARCHITECTURE

GLAM INTERIORS + DESIGN

A DREAM ON A HILL

Providing a new perspective to


detailing, Architect M.M. Jose, the
founder of Mindscape Architects,
a multidisciplinary design studio
has become quite illustrious in the
domain of designing spaces attuned
to the people who occupy them.
Jose has broadened his passion by
bringing together artistic features to
define spaces.
He has won various awards that
recognise his exemplary work.
Each project is considered as a new
seed intended to develop around
aspects that define the site, the client
background and their needs. However,
after dealing with different people
and understanding their tastes, he has
efficiently given form to exceptional
solutions. Hence, his projects are
known for site-specific designs rooted
to each environment making it unique
in their own way.
At a very young age, he was drawn
by his immense love for art and
architecture, and has successfully
completed over 25 years of
professional practice. What moulded
him as an architect is his ability to
beget expressions that enhance human
experience and the confidence in his
lines during the initial days. Being
zealous about design, he has always
been inspired by his clients and loves
nothing more than delivering a family
the home of their dreams.
Working on the principle that a
perfect ideation precedes every perfect
creation, each design is evolved from
a strong and constant process of
conceptualisation. He makes it a point
to use a vocabulary that exemplifies
simplicity. As seen in most projects,
Jose tries to break away from the idea

Designed in 2008, for a couple settled


abroad, who wished for a home which
was rooted to nature and experiencing
the rain, vistas and the topography
of their home town. Hence, the site
chosen has been in the heart of rubber
plantation in Pala that brings out a strong
character.
Their wish shaped around creating
spaces that merged well with the
landscape while giving them privacy.
The spaces are conceived as open
and are visually connected forming a
feel of oneness. The living, dining and
recreational spaces wraps themselves
in a single frame with low height walls as
divisions.
Another feature of the house includes
the staircase to the ground floor that
has a textured wall lining and a skylight.
The texture on the walls illustrates the
outdoor flora and fauna.

Working on the principle that a


perfect ideation precedes every
creation, each design is evolved
from a strong and constant process
of conceptualisation.

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ARCHITECTURE

GLAM INTERIORS + DESIGN

REVIVING TIMELESS GRANDEUR


KALLIVAYALIL THARAVADU
The overall planning of this project focuses on restoring
the lost characteristics and principles of elements used
during the 1920s relating to the present architectural styles
while accommodating four generations. It was intended
to create an experience glorifying the traditional styles.
The structure built in the 1920s, was according to the
climatic conditions of Kerala but later the extension in the
1970s undermined the character of the structure and did
not respond to the tradition. As a result, the harmony of
the design elements was compromised.The restoration
retrieved the lost components and restored the main
blocks incorporating the extension accommodating all
generations. The project was completed within four years.

of concrete structures and attempts


to bring in nature and relate to the
surroundings.
I believe in looking at a design on
the whole and its detailing augments
the overall composition, he says.
He tends to choose the untrodden
path and is known for customized
design detailing. While doing this, he
has been successful in providing the
clients the house they envisaged, down
to the last detail.
The replication of age-old planning
and elements in the architectural styles
of Kerala has opened new avenues
to define the traditional courtyard
houses. At present, courtyards have
been positioned differently, serving
as a link between spaces or as a
source of inviting sky and light within
the interiors. Jose has been deeply
influenced by the local architectural
styles. As he grew up in a locality
which is infested with many traditional
buildings and having experienced
the beauty of the built spaces, he
developed a liking for it, which further
opened doors for accomplishing his
goal of designing at a young age.
He prides himself in being intimately
involved in each project that comes
his way and doesnt regard any one
project better than the other. He is also
known for revamping old treasures,
and one of his most prominent works,
the Kallivayalil Tharavadu was the
first and the most to be showered with
laurels and this was a precursor to
other such projects that came his way.
The revival of Kallivayalil Tharavadu,
immersed in traditional values has left
a mark in my career life, says Jose.
The extended hours spend on detailing
and going back in time exploring

During the course of my


professional journey, the most
challenging part was meeting
peoples expectations and beyond.

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ARCHITECTURE

BEAUTY OF THE BACKWATERS


MEMORIES
The client brief included revamping an ancient house to a multi
cuisine restaurant, open to experience the backwaters and
paddy fields of Alleppy, a small district in Kerala known as the
Venice of East.
An attempt to create a complete concrete rigid form merging
traditional and modern values, this restaurant truly stands out as
a contrast to the landscape around.
The internal spaces are segregated into different levels
establishing a variety of dining experiences. It is also aimed at
creating flexibility in holding large numbers by unifying two or
more zones which maximizes the best of the available space
along with experiencing the outside.
The spatial planning was done such that the beautiful sights of
the backwaters are not missed.
The beauty of the back yard with outdoor dining space and
private dining spots is revealed soon after you enter the space.
Hence, Memories opens out as a nature hideout with a large
pond extending to the backwaters and the large numbers of
guests who visit take a tour around just to experience the
ambience and the architectural character unfolding.

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the traditional techniques have


broadened his knowledge, created
new avenues for similar projects and
made him renowned as a Master of
Renovations.
Though he is renowned as a
residential architect, he has also left
his mark on other domains as well
which includes boutique restaurants,
designer stores, home stays and
serviced apartments.
During the course of my
professional journey, the most
challenging part was meeting peoples
expectations and beyond. Each clients
needs and requirements are very
unique and personal; and providing
form to dreams opened up vistas for
exploration, he says.

SIMPLICITY MEETS THE MARK


SILPAA
The best of fashion always
remain simple, modern and not
over-the-top. This design brings
to light the traditional theme of
the store. A display of various
antique elements
and the art works confined
inside creates a link to an era of
domestic stitching practice.

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