Arun’s old house stood on a 5 cents plot at a serene spot away from the bustle of the city in Edappally, Kochi, Kerala. However, time had begun taking a toll on the old structure and the family wanted to give it a modern makeover. Designers Ramachandra Menon and Gayathri Unnikrishnan who had designed many stunning houses deserve credit for transforming Arun’s old house into a fabulous abode.
The old two-storey house had just one bedroom on the upper floor. The interiors were congested and natural light shied away from entering the house. However, this was overcome by rearranging the spaces. Two small bedrooms in the old house were turned into a classy formal living area and kitchen. Meanwhile, the spacious and luxurious master bedroom took the place of the old kitchen. One more bedroom, an upper living area, a roof garden and an attic space have been newly added in the first floor.
This amazing house, designed in 2019 sqft, has a sit out, formal and family living areas, dining space, kitchen with adjacent work area, four bedrooms, upper living space, balcony, open terrace and a roof garden as well. Lime stone flooring in multiple hues is the highlight of the interiors. Besides adding a rustic charm, the lime stone flooring makes the interiors extremely cool as well.
From the sit out one could enter the formal living area. The dining and the family living areas are designed as part of the spacious hall. Earlier, this area was choked with many smaller rooms. Redundant walls were knocked down to make the spaces vaster and airy. A huge glass sliding door takes up one side of the wall in the dining area. One could get into the patio through this glass door. An automated rolling shutter has been installed here for additional security. The patio is decorated with greenery which also ensures privacy.
All the bedrooms are now vaster and spacious. Terracotta tiles are paved on the floor here. The bath attached bedrooms have wardrobes as well. One of the bedrooms is equipped with a study space. Lots of windows line the bedrooms to ensure amazing cross ventilation.
The kitchen cupboards are made using marine plywood. Interestingly, these cupboards have been given only a coat of plain varnish. Marble is used on the back splash and the counter top as well. A pantry counter which opens to the dining area too is part of the kitchen.
Mud tiles have been paved on the truss roof. Ceiling made with high quality timber ensures a sturdy and spacious attic space as well. Moreover, this feature helps in reducing the heat inside the house. It could also be used as a utility space.
Small compound wall that doesn’t block the views matches the beautiful exteriors. A traditional padipura (gate) is an attractive feature here. Terracotta tiles are paved on the front yard. A beautiful and lush lawn, which allows the rain water to seep into the earth, too is part of the landscape. One cannot help but admire the brilliance in designing and planning when they realize that this mesmerizing abode stands on just 5 cents. The family is thrilled that their renovated house has now become the talk of the town.
Project facts
Location – Edappally, Ernakulam
Plot – 5 cents
Area – 2019 SFT
Owners – Arun and Anita
Design – Ramachandra Menon and Gayathri Unnikrishnan
Menon Associates, Aluva
Mob – 94465 44968
