Vijay, a native of Kasaragod, Kerala, is excited to show around his ancestral home which has been transformed into a modern dwelling, with all the facilities, that too, without losing the inherent charm of the traditional architectural style. The ancestral home, which is 120 years old, is an abode of beautiful memories as well. It housed two generations of the family and gracefully shared their woes and smiles.
The house, which is in the traditional randukettu style, has extensions to the east and west directions. Though time had taken a toll on the structure, which is more than a century old, the family didn’t have the heart to demolish it. However, it was difficult for them to regularly maintain it as Vijay and his family was settled in Pune. It was then Vijay noticed a similar project undertaken by architect Syamkumar. The family asked the architect whether he could oversee the renovation of their ancestral house and he readily agreed.
The 24 cents plot, in which the house stands, is abound with lush greenery, that provide a cool and shady recluse. The hard rock slabs paved on front courtyard lets the rainwater seep into the earth. The ‘thulasithara’ (traditional structure where tulsi plant is grown) in front of the entrance door enhances the charm of the exteriors. The ancestral home, prior to the renovation, had a bedroom in each floor, a kitchen, an elaborate verandah and a hall.
The interiors were redecorated and renovated without demolishing too many parts of the structure. More rooms and spaces are added and the house now has an area of 2470 sq ft. Two more bedrooms were added and the old kitchen has been converted into a chic and stylish modular one.
A spacious living – dining hall completes the house. Attached bathrooms are arranged in all the bedrooms. The laterite stones in the exterior wall were given a nice coat of fresh polish. Boundary wall with laterite stones was constructed as part of the renovation.
The elaborate verandah that surrounds the structure is a unique feature of the traditional houses in North Malabar. It prevents the heat of the harsh sunlight from entering the house. The verandahs in the front and the backside of the house have been retained while merging the rest of it with the interiors. Truss work is done where the rooms are added and is paved with old mud roofing tiles.
The interiors of the house were already adorned with many decorative features done with teak, mahogany and rose wood. Furnishing is done by reusing the old wood. Vijay says that even the stones from the demolished parts were reused while renovating this house. This has helped reduce the expenses significantly.
The beautiful interior courtyard which emanates an old world charm is the favorite spot of the family members. The creepers bring in a slice of nature into the house and the pleasant sunshine illuminates the spaces. Enjoying the monsoon showers from here is as enchanting as a scintillating dream.
Wardrobes are arranged in the newly constructed bedrooms for storage. The cupboards in the new modular kitchen are done in aluminum fabrication. The interiors of the house are designed as per the vastu rules and it ensures cross ventilation as well. This feature ensures a cool and pleasant atmosphere inside the house even during the scorching summer.
The family eagerly waits to come back to the soothing spaces of this traditional house, from the hectic city life. Vijay and his family say that their beautiful ancestral house is the perfect place to unwind and calm their body and soul as well.
These are the changes that were made in the house:
Two bedrooms, a modular kitchen and living cum dining area were added.
Truss work is done over the flat roof in the newly constructed areas.
Terracotta tiles are paved on the floor.
Kitchen renovated into modular one.
Project facts
Location – Bellikoth, Kasargod
Plot – 24 cents
Area – 2470 SFT
Owner – Vijay
Architect – Syamkumar Puravankara, Forms and Spaces, Kanhangad
Mob – 9895404502
Year of completion - 2018
