Anoop is an expatriate and always loved the traditional architecture of Kerala that perfectly fits the tropical weather. When he decided to build his dream home at his hometown in Punalur, Kollam, Anoop desired a classy house with a central courtyard, tile-paved sloped roof and a long veranda. Interestingly, all the modern amenities have been arranged in this traditional house to suit the lifestyle of the family members.
For instance, the gate, CCTV cameras and the lights could be controlled using a mobile phone from anywhere in the world. Bangalore stones and grass have been paved on the front yard to grant a clean look. Meanwhile, fresh pearl grass makes the landscape look verdant and refreshing. Besides, lots of fruit-bearing trees and other plants too make the garden incredibly beautiful. The car porch, meanwhile, is designed as a miniature of the main structure.
Punalur incidentally is one of the hottest places in Kerala with the temperature soaring to unbearable limits. Interestingly, many features have been included in this house to effectively fight the heat. High-quality laterite stones that were brought from Kannur have been used to build the structure. The sloped truss roof is installed ten feet above the flat ceiling. The vacuum space between the ceiling and the truss roof plays a pivotal role in reducing the heat inside the house.
The beautiful pillars that adorn the veranda are from Bangalore. Meanwhile, the ceiling in the sit-out is done in WPC. Designed in 4000 sqft, this classy abode has a car porch, spacious sit-out, formal and family living area, central courtyard, formal and family living areas, dining space, kitchen, four bath attached bedrooms and an outhouse too.
The interiors are designed in a semi-open style. The multi- purpose furniture pieces in interesting designs have been used in the house. Meanwhile, exquisite pieces of furniture crafted in teak wood and a mesmerizing mural painting are the highlights of the formal living area.
From the living area, you could enter the central courtyard which is the soul of the house. This is also the space where the family members often gather to spend some amazing moments together. The courtyard with open ceiling brings in cool rain showers while pushing out the hot air. Besides, it could be closed using a sliding glass ceiling.
A custom-made couch, TV unit and pooja space adorn the cosy family living area. The bedrooms are simple with the head side wall designed in unique themes. The modular kitchen opens to the compact dining area. Meanwhile, the cabinets here are done in marine ply with mica finish. The countertop is paved with black galaxy granite.
The pool cum entertainment space in the backyard is the most vibrant spot in the house. There is an outhouse, gym area and a few rooms here. Interestingly, the entire house runs on 8 KW on-grid solar plant. Even though the house stands in one of the hottest places in Kerala, the interiors of this house are extremely comfortable and cool. The family’s friends and relatives who visit them say that their dream dwelling looks and feels like a luxury resort.
