Situated on a verdant site in Kuttanad on the banks of the Pookaitha River is the Kurialacherry house, a homestay that is part of an ancestral home built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. Being developed in phases over the years in response to unexpected and ever-changing requirements, the need to expand the homestay’s premises meant a diligent use of the limited space available between its existing residence and cottages. A dining hall facility was to be accommodated amidst a tight cluster of trees that could not be cut, with a design that could be built quickly on a small budget. This meant a need for simple forms and a structure that could be assembled quickly. The access to the plot being a narrow road flanking the river bed, transporting building materials posed a challenge, thus requiring the use of materials that could be procured easily from within the site or nearby locations. Moreover, the design had to tackle issues of flooding and heavy rains that Kuttanad was prone to. While the challenges and constraints were many, the surrounding verdant greenery and a proximity to the river provided the potential for beautiful views. To build on a pristine site is to let the architecture stay quiet and unobtrusive, becoming merely a means to realize the beauty that already exists. The result is a simple building that lets its backdrop flow through, oriented carefully to capture the greenery through floor-to-ceiling operable windows along its length. Its simple form and white walls become a silent response to the adjacent residence.