K E Varghese’s simple house at Kattode near Thiruvalla, Kerala, is just perfect for a nuclear family. He and his wife are the only residents here as their sons are settled in Chennai. So, the couple wished for a minimal house yet with all the required facilities. Gokul Mohan, a final year architecture student, deserves credit for designing such a beautiful abode. He completed the house well within the budget that was approved by the owners. Moreover, the youngster is happy that he could complete his course and enter the profession that he is passionate about.
The exteriors feature the simple yet elegant box style. Both the interior and the exterior walls don the serene charm of the white hue. The darker shades of hues are used as highlights. The windows in the front are contoured in designer box shapes which add the perfect contrast. Meanwhile, the sit-out too is arranged inside a box structure that projects from the façade. There is a very small courtyard closer to it, to complete the look.
Designed in just 1400 sq ft area, this quaint house has a sit-out, family and formal living areas, dining space, three bedrooms and kitchen with an adjacent work area.
The family wanted a spacious hall to host guests and relatives. So, the interiors are designed in the open style. The living – dining and the kitchen are part of the spacious hall. This is the perfect spot for gatherings and parties as needless walls do not separate spaces here.
The interiors are extremely simple. Most of the furniture pieces that they already owned are reused in the new house as well. However, some furniture has been newly acquired. Vitrified tiles are paved on the floor.
The spaces are designed giving prime importance to ventilation and natural lighting. The skylight courtyard in the hall illuminates the entire house. So, there is no need to switch on the lights during the day time. Round and shiny pebbles are used to decorate the courtyard. Besides, the indoor plants add a hint of greenery here.
Wardrobes are installed in the bedrooms for storage. Two bedrooms are bath attached.
The kitchen is simple and has an adjacent work area. This area is a utility space where the washing unit too has been arranged.
The house has flat roof as it has been designed based on the concept of a growing abode. There is an open terrace as well. The family could utilize an additional 1400 sq ft if they decide to build more rooms in the future.
The construction of this house, including the structure and furnishing, was completed on a reasonable budget of Rs 17 lakh. Architect Gokul is extremely proud that he could amazingly complete the first project in his career. The family too is happy about their brand new house.
Among the multiple factors that helped in keeping a check on the expenses, designing the interiors in the open plan by reducing the area in square feet played a vital role. The interiors are simple and don the lighter shades of hues. The use of timber for furnishing is limited. Most furniture in the house is reused. Decorative and expensive furnishing features like false ceilings, panelling and claddings are avoided.
Project Facts
Location – Kattode, Thiruvalla
Plot – 20 cents
Area – 1400 SFT
Owner – KE Varghese
Structure – Daniel C
Designer – Ar. Gokul Mohan
Aayu Design Studio, Thiruvalla
Mob - +91 8590316057, +91 9656004866
Cost of construction – Rs 17 lakhs
