N Vasudev, an IFS officer, settled in Mumbai, had always dreamed of moving to his hometown in Kozhikode after retirement. He bought a 4 cents plot near the Kozhikode town and wished to build a comfortable retirement home there. However, it was quite challenging to build an elaborate house as the plot, with roads on three sides, is narrower. It was the meticulous planning and wise utilization of the spaces which helped overcome the space constraints and construct their dream dwelling. The three-storied modern house has all the comforts and facilities required for a nuclear family.
The road lies closer to the plot which is surrounded by lots of concrete structures. As it is an urban area, trees are hardly seen in the vicinity. These factors were enough to increase the temperature inside the house. However, Vasudev wanted his house to have a pleasant atmosphere without the temperatures soaring inside. Architects Sajith and Avyai had designed a perfect house which suited the interests and preferences of the family members.
Lush greenery
The unique exteriors show off lush greenery which is not just soothing for the family living inside the house, but also for the neighbors as well. The artificial vertical wall, made with board, is the highlight of the exteriors. This huge wall with holes, in designer pattern, helps letting in lots of natural light and pushing out the warm air as well. This unique façade and beautiful landscaping creates a magical visual effect.
As the plot is smaller, the house is built in three stories and the interior spaces are designed in interesting ways. There is a living area, kitchen-cum-dining space, utility area, three bedrooms, library, yoga space, deck, home theater and a beautiful garden space in this elegant house. The living and dining areas and the kitchen are arranged in the lowest floor while the library, yoga space and a bedroom are on the first storey. Two bedrooms are on the second floor. Meanwhile, the deck, area, home theater and other facilities are on the top most floor. There is also a small area in the third floor, reserved for the owner to grow a beautiful patch of vegetable garden. This area is separated from the rest of the floor with a sliding glass door.
No hues
The interiors mostly adorn natural hues. Instead of splashing the spaces with lots of colors, a few shades of hues, which are soothing to the eyes, are used. The unplastered walls, wood paved decks, beautiful paneling and the marbled floor are all part of the scintillating colour palette here. These hues surely give the house the warmth and goodness of a bucolic setting.
Light in abundance
Facilities are arranged, in all the common areas, to let in lots of sun shine and fresh air from above. Limiting the scope of horizontal circulation, vertical ventilation has been given prime importance in this house. Besides connecting the three floors, the stairway helps bring in the natural light and air as well. The verandahs with the beautiful greenery are the perfect spots to enjoy calm evenings.
The pergolas on the ceilings of the bedroom and the living area not only act as designer elements but also regulate the temperature inside the house. Without installing too many windows or huge air holes, it is the unique design of the house which ensures excellent air circulation.
As the big windows and louvers ensure abundant supply of natural light which illuminate the interiors, there is no need to switch on the lights and fans during day time. The beautiful house, whose unique design upholds the values of the traditional style, is truly a design marvel.
Project facts
Location – Kozhikode
Area – 1800 SFT
Plot – 4 cents
Owner – N Vasudevan
Architects – Sajith and Avyai Premnath, De Signature, Puthiyara, Kozhikode
Ph – 9947793303
Year of completion - 2018
