Why this elegant house on a tiny plot is incredibly lavish

Kannan Nair, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala shares his experience of building his dream home, in 5 cents, at his picturesque home town in Kulathara. The lush greenery and other bucolic nuances of nature surround this plot, giving it a tranquil charm. Though there aren’t any houses near Kannan’s house that stand on the banks of the Karamanayar River, the adjacent plots are up for sale. So, there are chances for lots of houses to be built in this area in the near future. Kannan’s house, therefore, is designed by keeping this in mind. The house features a tropical style to suit the area where there is an abundant supply of sunshine and rains.

Metal grilles are installed on one side of the balcony to allow the flowering creepers to climb. Though the plot is smaller, a car porch has been arranged, close to the boundary wall.

The family didn’t want to feel space crunch inside the house. So the interiors have been designed in an open style, without any unnecessary walls that separate spaces. This beautiful house has a sit-out, car porch, formal living area, and spacious hall cum dining area, courtyard and three bedrooms, arranged in 1750 sqft. Spaces have been meticulously designed to accommodate more features to suit the interests of the family members.

Instead of brighter shades of colour, an elegant combination of rustic finish and wooden theme dons the interiors. Tiles in rustic finish are paved on the floor.

A long corridor, from the sit-out, leads into the interiors. The rooms are arranged on both sides of this corridor. The beautiful pillars act as a semi-partition between the living and the dining areas. Walls, adorned with brick claddings, lend a natural and rustic charm to this area.

The courtyard is the most stunning feature of this house, through which the pleasant sunshine, cool breeze and the soothing rains make their way in. Natural stones and lush green grass are paved on the floor here. Indoor plants and a small water body fill this space with tranquility and peace. A pooja room too has been arranged here. Metal pergola has been installed above the courtyard to secure it. The living and the dining areas and the bedrooms are designed in a way that an excellent view of the scintillating courtyard is possible.

The stairway is designed using metal pipes, by avoiding free spaces. The wall adjacent to the stairway is in glass which brings in natural light in abundance. The family members say that there is no need to switch on the lights and fans inside the house during the day time as the interiors are well illuminated with natural light.

The windows in the upper storey bedrooms open to the thrilling view of the Karamanayar River which flows through the back of the house. The glass walls too help in bringing the beautiful sights of the river into the house.

The modular kitchen is designed by giving prime importance to storage spaces. A breakfast pantry counter where two persons can be accommodated has also been arranged here.

Kannan Nair says that the guests often forget that the house has been built on a five cents plot when they enter the house. The cool breeze that flows in from the river and the soothing views of the lush greenery ensure that this mesmerizing house is in perfect sync with the nature.

Project Facts

Location – Kulathara, Thiruvananthapuram

Area – 1750 SFT

Owner – Kannan Nair

Architect – Syamraj Cahndroth, View Point Designs, Thrissur

Mob – 90610 48106