FAQ

"NO" represents a strong refusal to follow fleeting stylistic trends in society. Instead, it reflects a dedicated effort to understand and analyze the fundamental aspects of each new project, allowing us to develop a conceptual approach that integrates the necessary climatic, functional, and contextual responses into the design.

NO focuses on designing climate-efficient buildings and sustainable landscapes. We specialize in crafting 'Living Breathing Houses'—homes tailored to their specific environment, taking into account factors like plot orientation, sun path, wind, rains and other natural features.

Our designs also address the challenges of climate change, by incorporating custom solutions, that help structures withstand its impacts. This approach extends to larger projects like housing communities and apartment complexes. We prioritize using alternative materials and construction methods to create environmentally sensitive and sustainable architecture.

In the hospitality sector, we merge minimalist, luxurious living spaces in tropical resorts and hotels with specially crafted landscapes inspired by our 'Tropical New Wave Landscapes' concept, offering unique and immersive experiences.

The role of an architect is to understand the requirements and aspirations of the clients and translate them into an aesthetically pleasing building that is sustainable, climatically efficient, and meets the needs of all family members.

In India, architect fees generally range from Rs 100 to Rs 1,000 per square feet, depending on the firm you choose, their reputation, experience, and the specific services you need.

The stages of choosing an architects in Kerala include making a list of potential candidates, reviewing their published works and portfolios, researching each architect’s specialization, visiting the built projects physically and identifying your needs to find the best match.

It takes approximately 3 to 6 months to design a house and complete all the drawings, depending on the scale of the project and the level of detailing required.

The services of an architect include conceptual design, site planning, detailed building layouts, elevations, sections, rendered 3D views, and estimates. Architects also coordinate the services of consultants for structural design, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing), and landscape design. Additionally, architects conduct periodic site visits to ensure the quality of construction at site.

Pre-Construction Stage

  • Step 1 : Project Initiation
  • Step 2 : Land Survey and Soil Testing
  • Step 3 : Site visit and study
  • Step 4 : Design development
  • Step 5 : Building permit approval from Authorities

Construction Phase

  • Step 1 : Site Preparation
  • Step 2 : Laying the Building Foundation
  • Step 3 : Installing the Plinth Beam and Slab
  • Step 4 : Constructing Columns and Beams
  • Step 5 : Masonry or Brickwork
  • Step 6 : Installing Lintel and Roof
  • Step 7 : Electrical Wiring and Plumbing
  • Step 8 : Flooring ( Vitrified tiles, Natural stone, Teakwood etc)
  • Step 9 : Interior works ( Kitchen and Wardrobes in Plywood, Natural veneer, Laminate,HDF, HDHMR etc )
  • Step 10 : Painting and finishing (Putty finish, Texture painting, wood polishing etc)

Post-Construction Stage

  • Step 1 : Final Quality Inspections and Checks
  • Step 2 : Completion certificate from authorities

The time required to build a new house in Kerala typically ranges from 9 to 18 months, depending on factors such as the size of the house, complexity of the design, availability of materials, weather conditions, and any potential delays in approvals or labor. Larger or more intricate projects may take longer, while simpler designs can be completed more quickly.

The development of a new design project at NO involves the following stages

  1. Site visit
  2. Land survey and soil testing
  3. Detailed requirements listing
  4. Conceptual Design Development ( Models, & Schematic plans )
  5. Detailed design portfolio ( Detailed plans & 3D views of exteriors and interiors )
  6. Structural design
  7. MEP design
  8. Construction documentation
  9. Landscape and lighting design
  10. Detailed estimate & BOQ
  11. Site management

Yes, we do. We believe that reviving or reusing existing buildings is a much more sustainable option than tearing them down and starting from scratch. Wherever possible, we try to give every built structure a second chance, not just to save costs, but also for the environment. We also respect traditional architecture styles and try to preserve authentic structures for their heritage value.

Yes, it is essential to get a proper set of structural design drawings prepared by an expert, before the start of every new project. At NO, we hire professionals for structural design and MEP design to ensure quality of construction.

The choice depends on the scope of the work. If your project involves major structural changes, demolitions, or modifications to the building itself, it’s best to hire an experienced architect. However, for theme-based interiors or aesthetic updates, a specialized interior designer would be the better choice.

We believe architecture and interior design are inseparable when it comes to new buildings. Our designs are concept-driven, with a unique aesthetic tailored to the climate, context, and functional needs. We extend the same design principles and aesthetics to the interiors, ensuring a cohesive building process that harmonizes both the exterior and interior spaces.

Yes, we design bespoke furniture for our buildings as well as for other clients on a custom order basis. We have a dedicated workshop, which is an essential part of design studio, where we associate with traditional craftsmen to create unique furniture, lighting fixtures and other products.

Yes, we design Kerala homes and other buildings with sloping roofs, that follow the traditional architectural style, if it suits the context, site climate and the functional requirements.

Yes, we believe in adapting modernist architecture to the climatic context of the tropics. We have completed a range of projects in the genre of tropical modernist architecture.

It is a new typology in tropical landscape design that has the following characteristics.

  • Landscapes with changing seasonal colors, a novel approach in the tropical context.
  • Balancing combinations of low-maintenance flowering perennials with beautiful foliage plants.
  • Choosing combinations of low-maintenance plants and weeds that can thrive together in groups, based on continuous planting experiments.
  • Planning in advance for the growth and maintenance of the designed landscape over many years, considering challenges like harsh rains and intense sunlight.
  • Using different plant species in unique combinations to give the landscape a distinct identity, avoid repetition, and enhance biodiversity.
  • Creating opportunities for wildlife habitats by introducing wild berries, nectar plants, and living water bodies into an otherwise monotonous greenery.