The beautiful house at Kangarapadi in Ernakulam, Kerala is the perfect model for those who wish to build their dream abode in a small plot of land in the heart of the city, that too, on a moderate budget. Designer Shinto Varghese deserves applause for designing such a beautiful and space efficient house, with all the modern facilities, in a meagre 5.5 cents plot. The elevation flaunts the elegance of the contemporary – minimalistic style.
The marvellous house, designed in 2050 sq ft, has a car porch, sit-out, formal and family living areas, dining space, a mini courtyard, kitchen with an adjacent work area, three bedrooms, upper living area cum office and balcony as well.
As the plot is smaller, the car porch is designed as if it is projected from the façade. The simple box style features makes the elevation extremely elegant. Multiple windows, which draw in lots of cool breeze, are the highlight here.
The interiors, meanwhile, are designed as vast and open spaces that allow spectacular cross ventilation. The spaces are open and interconnected without any unnecessary walls to separate.
The entrance door opens to the finely furnished formal living area. Simple and minimal furniture adorn the common areas. The family living area is arranged as part of the dining hall. A smartly designed outdoor courtyard separates the formal and the family living areas. This courtyard acts a partition and a splendid green space as well.
The dining hall is designed with double-heighted ceiling to make it feel vaster and airy. The TV unit too is part of the family living area. The wall beside the dining space is highlighted with stylish panelling where the prayer area has been arranged.
Instead of timber, GI grille and glass are used on the windows. The walls in the common areas don the pleasant shades of lighter hues. However, a wall each has been highlighted in colour in the dining area and in the bedrooms as well.
There are two bedrooms in the ground floor while the upper storey has one bedroom. The upper living area has been transformed into an office space as well. A small balcony and the open terrace complete this area.
The modular kitchen is simple and space efficient. The cabinets here are done in marine plywood. Meanwhile, the counter top has been paved with shiny granite that adds lustre to it. An adjacent work area and a store room too are part of the kitchen area.
The brilliant designs and smart features do not make the interiors look or feel congested. The family says their guests often speak in awe of the house as it hardly looks like it is built in just 5 cents.
Project Facts
Location – Kangarappadi, Ernakulam
Area - 2050 SFT
Plot – 5.5 cents
Designer – Shinto Varghese
Concepts Design Studio, Kadavanthra, Kochi
Mob – 0484 4864633
Completed in 2020 February
