Soordas and Minu, who are doctors, wanted their brand new house to be in perfect harmony with the nature. They didn’t want their house to harm the environment; instead wished it to be one with the nature. The couple had approached PK Sreenivasan of Vastukam to help them build their perfect eco friendly house. Soordas and Minu are incredibly happy and proud as they show around their unique mud house built at Ollur in Thrissur.
The foundation of the house is constructed using hard rocks. The walls are built in the rammed earth technology where mud and slake lime are mixed and then rammed or stacked tightly. Old roofing tiles are reused on the slanting roof made in the filler slab style.
The house, at a glance, looks like a single storied one. However, taking advantage of the mezzanine floor, facilities of an extra floor too has been arranged here. The beautiful house which has an area of 1697 sqft has living and dining spaces, kitchen with an adjacent work area and three bedrooms.
The interiors emanate a mesmerizing charm of simplicity. The elegant pieces of furniture amazingly complement the minimal look of the interiors. Instead of paint, the walls are beautified with mud plastering which lends a spectacular rustic charm to the house. The genuine smell of nature could be felt inside this mud house and a pleasant coolness lingers inside the rooms. It is the mud walls which play a vital role in controlling the temperature inside the house. Light points are directly installed without adding false ceiling.
Oxides in yellow and red shades are used on the flood. The meticulous space utilization is another striking feature of this beautiful house. The stairway is built by doing industrial work in GI. The unique design of the stairway, which is in many levels, is a highlight. The lowest level is separated with wooden flooring and the first landing of the stairway has been converted into a study area.
The three bathrooms are bath attached. There are lots of storage spaces in the kitchen.
A pleasant and calming atmosphere is always maintained in the interiors, irrespective of the weather outside. Though fans and air conditioners are installed in all the rooms they are hardly switched on, says the family. The front yard has been retained as it is without paving with interlocking bricks. Lush greenery makes the front yard closer to nature. The charming house stands in the shade of huge mango and jackfruit trees and is surrounded by beautiful flowering plants as well. The construction the house, including the structure, was completed on a budget of Rs 46 lakh.
Project Fact
Location – Ollur, Thrissur
Area – 1697 SFT
Owners – Dr. Soordas, Dr. Minu
Designer – PK Sreenivasan, Vasthukam, Thrissur
Ph – 0487 2382490
Email – mail@vasthukamarchitects.com
