Ideas, guides and
notes from site.
Practical writing on interior design, architecture and project execution for homes and commercial spaces in Calicut, Malabar and across Kerala.
Renovate or rebuild? How to decide for an old Kerala house
A practical way to decide whether to renovate or rebuild an older Kerala home, weighing structure, cost, comfort and sentiment.
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How to choose an architect in Kozhikode: 12 questions to ask
Twelve useful questions to ask any architect or design-build studio in Kozhikode (Calicut) before you sign, so you choose with confidence.
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Small plot, big home: designing on a few cents in Kerala
Smart planning ideas for building a comfortable, light-filled home on a small plot in Kerala, from light-wells to built-in storage.
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Building for the monsoon: materials and details that last in Kerala
Which materials, roof details and waterproofing choices hold up to Kerala's heavy monsoon and humidity, and which commonly fail.
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Commercial fit-out project execution: how to finish on time and on budget
How a commercial fit-out is planned and managed so shops, clinics, offices and restaurants open on schedule and within budget.
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How we manage a residential construction project, from foundation to handover
A behind-the-scenes look at how a well-run home construction project moves from foundation to handover, with quality checks at every stage.
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Restaurant, cafe and shop interior design: a planning checklist
A practical checklist for planning a restaurant, cafe or retail interior in Kerala, from customer flow to lighting, materials and approvals.
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Modular kitchen design for Kerala families: layout, materials and ventilation
How to plan a modular kitchen that suits Kerala cooking: layout, moisture-resistant materials, storage, and ventilation that actually works.
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Architect, interior designer or builder: who do you need first?
A simple guide to what architects, interior designers and builders each do, and the right order to involve them in a Kerala home project.
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How to plan a house in Calicut: 10 decisions to make before you hire an architect
Ten practical decisions that make building a home in Calicut smoother, faster and better matched to your budget and lifestyle.
Read article →A day on site with SKALA
How we run a site day, from the first walk-through to the last quality check.
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Inside a nalukettu: what the courtyard teaches modern planning
Four halls around a courtyard open to the sky: a traditional plan with lessons for today's homes.
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Why every Kerala home should still have a verandah
Deep eaves, a bench, a view of the rain: the humble verandah does more work than any air conditioner.
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