Kerala based multidisciplinary firm, Lijo Reny Architects was established in the year 2005. Founded by architects Reny Lijo and Lijo Jos, their small design studio has managed to make a mark in the field and even won several awards to their name. Reny holds a B.arch degree from BVBCET, Hubli, Karnataka. Before starting Lijo Reny Architects, she has worked at reputed firms like Gayathri and Namith Associates in Bangalore and Teamplus in Kerala. Lijo pursued his architectural degree from SIT, Karnataka post which he received training at C & T in Bangalore and later at Teamplus in Kerala. Not only are they practicing architects but also self-taught artists. A few examples of their art can be seen in the form of installations. Their love for art makes itself seen through their contemporary architectural designs. 

The clients required them to redesign their existing house on site. According to the architects, it was hard to tell day from night standing inside the house. “It was difficult to know if it was day or night or for that matter rain or sunshine, while inside the client’s previous dingy home that stood on this site and they craved for a new lease of life!” 

The site was rectangular in shape and abutted by a public road on the west and private road on the north. On the east and south the plot was shaded by two built forms. The architects described the plot as “narrow and tight”. 

Owing to the site conditions and existing plight of the clients, they ensured that house was well lit and ventilated for most of the day. “While designing within the possible, 6 x 16mts, footprint for the building, it was clear that a central ventilating volume was necessary to redeem the clients off their misery.”

Their concept was to split the plot into two bays and create a central space through which light filtered into the interiors and the entire house could be radiant and illuminated. “The linear foot print was divided into two east-west bays of 3.3mts and 1.8mts each to which functional spaces were allocated in the possible logical order.” 

The core of the house was the central space with a sky lit atrium and staircase connecting the east and west blocks. It was beautifully landscaped and the natural light entering the space brought the outdoors inside.

The north and south façade was thus open and that led to the introduction of the ‘breathing wall’ to close the two ends and yet not hinder the feeling of openness created within. They felt, “it was necessary to find a solution for a ‘wall’ that is secure, robust, resistant to the harsh tropical weather and perforated to facilitate the much needed ventilation.” 

The wall was chosen to be done in corten steel as they wanted this element to have a great presence externally as well as internally. It contrasted well with the white interiors highlighting the element all the more. “The ‘Breathing wall’, in corten steel, became an aesthetically pleasing solution to all the functional issues posed by the situation.”

In the architect’s words, “The design of this project was developed as a prototype for narrow plots. Though by the virtue of the site condition, minor opening have been provided on the south and north in this project, it is entirely possible to avoid the same and ventilate those areas by opening them into the central volume.”

The freestyle designs of the firm are an example to be followed. Their work is very different from that practiced in the state. Their continuous experimentation in architecture has gained immense popularity and won them several awards including the All India Stone Architectural Awards, JK State Young Architect of the Year award, IIA State awards amongst many others.

Speaking about their architectural style, they say, “Here in Kerala many practice pseudo-traditional architecture in the name of Kerala style. We don’t want to be another mindless firm following that path. We sincerely strive to be a practice that essentially deal with, space, light, and the other elements. Moreover the primary principles that governed the existence/continuation of traditional style of architecture have changed over the years, namely the Climate, the Condition of the Land, the Construction Materials, the Construction Techniques and also the Lifestyle of the People.”