Box Model or Sloped Roof? How to Choose the Perfect "Face" for Your Home

The "Elevation." It’s the face of your home. It’s the photo you will share on WhatsApp groups and frame on your wall.

But picking a style is harder than it looks. You are torn between trends and tradition. You love the sleek, modern "Box" look, but you’re worried about Kerala’s heavy monsoon. You like the charm of a tiled roof, but you don't want your house to look "old."

Your home’s exterior shouldn't just look good; it needs to survive the climate. Here is a breakdown of the three ruling styles in Kerala right now—and which one is right for you.

1. The "Contemporary Box" (The Trendsetter)

Walk through any new villa project in Kochi or Trivandrum, and you will see this style. Clean lines, flat roofs, and zero clutter.

• The Look: Minimalist. Usage of concrete textures, glass, and steel. Often uses "Cantilever" (floating) balconies.

• The Pro: It looks ultra-modern and maximizes internal space (no wasted attic space).

• The Con (The Leak Risk): In Kerala, a flat roof is a giant rain-catcher. Without perfect waterproofing and drainage, you will have leaks. The walls also get direct sun, heating up the interiors.

• Our Advice: Go for this only if you are willing to invest in high-grade waterproofing and heat-reflective paint.
  

2. The "Colonial" Style (The Status Symbol)

Think of the grand white houses with tall pillars and arched windows.

• The Look: Symmetry is key. White walls, grey shingled roofs, and grand entrance porches. It screams "Luxury."

• The Pro: It feels timeless. A Colonial house built in 2026 will still look classy in 2050.

• The Con: High maintenance. White walls in a humid climate attract moss/algae quickly. You will need to pressure wash and repaint the exterior every 2-3 years to keep that pristine look.

• Our Advice: Perfect if you have a large plot with a long driveway to admire the symmetry.
  

3. The "Tropical Modern" (The Smart Choice)

This is the "Jack Constructions Favorite." It is the perfect hybrid.

• The Look: It has the sharp lines of a modern house but uses Sloped Roofs (with flat tiles) to handle the rain.

• The Pro: The large overhangs (sunshades) protect your walls from rain and direct sun, keeping the house cool and reducing maintenance. It looks modern but respects the climate.

• The Secret Weapon: We use "Cladding" (natural stone, brick, or wood-finish HPL) on specific walls to add warmth without the rot.
  

4. The "Texture" Game

Gone are the days of painting the whole house one color (Cream or Yellow).

• The 2026 Trend: Contrast.

  • CNC Jali Cutting: Intricate metal or concrete grills that provide privacy but let air in.

  • Exposed Brick: Leaving one exterior wall in raw red brick or laterite for that earthy "Laurie Baker" feel.

  • Vertical Gardens: Building planter boxes directly into the elevation design to soften the concrete look.

Don't pick a style just because your neighbor has it. Pick a style that suits your plot and your personality.

• Love maintenance-free living? Go Tropical Modern.

• Love grandeur? Go Colonial.

• Love urban chic? Go Contemporary (but waterproof it well!).
  

Can't visualize your dream home? We don't just draw 2D plans; we create 3D Walkthroughs. See exactly how your house will look—from the gate to the porch—before we lay a single brick.

Book a 3D Elevation Design Session +91 94001 00010