Velicham
Velicham
Residential.Vitla, D.K, Karnataka
Area: 3500 sq ft
Year: 2026
Photographs by: Hamdan Muhammed
Status: Completed


Velicham, derived from the Malayalam word meaning “light,” reflects the central idea behind the design of this residence. It is conceived as a tropical dwelling where natural light becomes the primary element shaping the spatial experience.




The house is organized into two primary zones- common living areas and private functions such as bedrooms and kitchen. These zones are connected by a central corridor that becomes the spatial and environmental heart of the house. A skylit sloping roof above this corridor brings soft, diffused daylight into the interior, ensuring that natural light reaches deep into the house without direct heat or glare.



Programmatically, the house accommodates the family’s everyday routines. A shared study area for the children is positioned within visual connection to the kitchen, allowing supervision while maintaining openness within the living spaces. A bridge on the upper level connects different areas, including a gym space, while overlooking the central volume.



A key spatial quality of the project is the play of volumes and varying ceiling heights that create a dynamic interior experience. Openings and visual connections between different levels allow spaces to feel larger and more interconnected. Bedrooms are designed with internal openings toward the common spaces, strengthening the visual continuity across the house and enhancing the perception of scale.



The design also responds carefully to the tropical climate. The western facade is protected by a brick jali screen that filters harsh sunlight while allowing air to circulate through the house. A double sloping roof system consisting of ceramic Mangalore tiles above terracotta tiles with an air cavity between them, helps reduce heat transfer and improves thermal comfort inside the home.






Through controlled daylight, passive climatic strategies, and carefully connected spaces, House of Light becomes a home where light, scale, and everyday living are thoughtfully integrated.