Ruby’s Cube

Srijit Srinivas -
DESIGNED
2018

COMPLETED
2020

TECHNICAL DATA
Ground Floor Area - 83 sq.m.
First Floor Area - 70 sq.m.
Total Floor Area - 153 sq.m.
Plot Area - 121 sq.m.

PROJECT TEAM
Srijit Srinivas – ARCHITECTS

MANUFACTURERS
Kohler, Decowood, Red Cotton
by Geosam, Trojan, Tulip &
Hybec
Text description provided by the architects. The clients - Dr. Ruby Abraham a
Civil Engineer and Principal of a leading Engineering College in Trivandrum,
and her husband Mr. Raju A.J. an Advocate, desired a distinctive look for their
second home on a small, three cent (i.e. 121 m2) plot of land in a crowded
residential part of Trivandrum city.

The resultant overall composition eponymously titled ‘Ruby’s Cube’, took the
form of a platonic cube augmented by a slight truncation of one top corner.
Given the tightness of the site, set in a busy and cluttered neighbourhood with a
paucity of good vistas, the design opted to rather focus inwards, and create a
cloistered ‘oasis of tranquillity’ in the midst of chaotic surroundings. The tight
programming methodology employed for the Entry Foyer, Living Room,
Staircase, Dining, and Kitchen, expressed itself in a seamless design-flow
forming a near contiguous space but with nuanced articulation
The Master Bedroom opens out to a
courtyard at the rear and abutting the
property’s boundary wall, allowing for free
entry and passage of light and breezes. It
incorporates safety grills built from rebars,
affording a soft visual touch to what is
typically an obtrusive safety feature. The en-
suite wet areas are also similarly extended
out into an enclosed landscaped court.

The Bed Room located on the first floor

towards the front has a balcony has louvers
which ensure privacy while bringing in
cooling breezes. The visual effect in these
rooms is also a striking feature.
A cement finish scheme was used for all walls of the house,
while the ceiling was painted white. Natural terracotta floor tiles
were then used to give a warm yet subtle contrast to the walls
and ceiling. The front façade features terracotta jali work under-
girded by metal-framed glazing, to create visual interest.
Overall a minimalist scheme was used for the furniture, with
some being designed and others externally sourced.

The Living Room located on the first floor offers good views
downstairs to the Living Room on the ground floor living room
and intervening stairwell. The design has allowed for a home
theatre room at the rear side, for subsequent execution in the
future.