Designed by IS DESIGN SPOT
Captured by Hamdan Muhammed
In the heart of Kakkad, Malappuram, Rooh—the architectural studio of IS Design Spot—redefines the boundaries between workspace and gallery. Spread across 500 sq. ft., this soulful studio embodies biophilic design, sustainability, and artistic expression. The Arabic word Rooh, meaning “soul,” perfectly reflects the ethos of the space—a sanctuary where design is not just functional but emotional, intuitive, and rooted in nature.
Where Sustainability Meets Sculptural Aesthetics
Built within the shell of a former commercial unit, Rooh was designed with a strong commitment to sustainability. Materials salvaged from the demolition of a rear wall—such as building waste—have been reimagined into jali blocks and planter modules, now part of the façade. The use of traditional red oxide and concrete flooring, combined with reused elements, creates a raw yet deliberate aesthetic. Every design move reflects a conscious choice to work with what exists, rather than what can be bought.
An Organic Palette Inspired by Nature
The space thrives on natural materials and imperfections. Curved walls, asymmetrical details, and muted tones of red, white, and grey define the palette. Elements like PVC pipes, exposed random rubble, and mild steel furniture give the studio a crafted, art-gallery-like atmosphere. The studio is not about fitting into a mold—it’s about expressing an architectural identity that is personal, poetic, and ever-evolving.
Blurring the Lines Between Function and Form
Rooh does not follow a conventional office layout. Instead, it unfolds like a canvas of creative energy, where every surface, opening, and junction is a part of the composition. From the partition wall made of PVC pipes to a rebar arch and furniture made of raw mild steel, every element balances functionality with visual storytelling. The space has no core—it is an interconnected flow of soulfully designed experiences.
Harnessing Light, Embracing Green
Strategically placed openings and two large ventilation points allow natural light to flow through the space. Vertical jalis filter southern light while concealing plumbing lines, and native plants like cat’s clove create a green filter against the harsh sun. The central drum tree at the entry is not just landscape—it is a character in the narrative of Rooh, reinforcing the studio’s dialogue with nature.
A Studio That Reflects Its Creators
From the entrance to the smallest detail, Rooh reflects the spirit of its creators. The open-plan layout features four flexible zones that shift with work needs—an entrance with a sculptural waiting bench, a discussion corner, workstation, and media room. Custom furniture, earthy textures, and reused materials all come together to honour imperfection and celebrate the design journey. Each IS Design Spot team member experiences their own corner as an extension of themselves.
Rooh: An Art Piece Shaped by Soul and Sustainability
More than just a design studio, Rooh is a living art installation. It is a spatial manifesto of how design can be soulful, sustainable, and sculptural, even within constraints of budget, size, and conventional formats. Guided by the words of Tadao Ando—“human beings feel a sense of stability within architecture surrounded by nature”—Rooh stands as a creative and emotional refuge, shaped by nature, human expression, and architectural integrity.
