/* INSTRUCTIONS: 1. You can edit the text below. 2. Keep the quotes (` `) around the text. 3. Save this file to update the website. */ App.loadProject({ id: 'lacasablanca', title: 'La Casa Blanca', category: 'Residential', image: 'images/lacasablanca/lcb_01.jpg', description: 'A neo-classical residence situated in Kollam.', gallery: [ 'images/lacasablanca/lcb_01.jpg', 'images/lacasablanca/lcb_02.jpg', 'images/lacasablanca/lcb_03.jpg', 'images/lacasablanca/lcb_04.jpg', 'images/lacasablanca/lcb_05.jpg' ], blog: { title: 'La Casa Blanca: Mediterranean Soul, Kerala Heart', date: '2025-11-15', excerpt: 'A Coastal Sanctuary in Kollam', content: ` In the port city of Kollam, La Casa Blanca stands as a serene departure from conventional residential design. True to its name, this "White House" blends the airy, sun-drenched aesthetics of the Mediterranean with the structural wisdom of Kerala’s colonial and vernacular past. Because cost was a primary driver, the design language focuses on geometry over demolition. We introduced the Arch as a central motif. By rounding off existing rectangular openings, we completely shifted the home’s character to a refined "Coastal Minimalist" aesthetic without the expense of major structural overhauls. Design Details: Budget-Smart Elegance The Power of White: A monochromatic white palette was used to mask structural imperfections, reflect the tropical heat, and create an expensive, airy feel at a low material cost. Refined Heritage: We opted to refinish rather than replace. The traditional wooden staircase balusters were retained and paired with a modern grey-and-white palette, bridging the gap between old and new. Natural Textures: To keep costs down while adding warmth, we used cane webbing and timber accents, bringing a tactile, artisanal quality to the minimalist interiors. Cultural & Historical Significance Kollam’s colonial maritime history is reflected in the home’s breezy, open feel. Adaptive Reuse: By choosing to renovate, we honored the home’s history while reducing the environmental impact of new construction. Modern Vernacular: We retained the traditional sloping clay-tile roof—essential for Kerala’s monsoons—while modernizing the facade to meet a contemporary lifestyle. La Casa Blanca is proof that great design isn't about the size of the budget, but the cleverness of the intervention. ` } });