The beautiful pictures clicked by the talented photographers of the Komachi family have always impressed the photography enthusiasts in Kerala. Noted photographer Ajeeb Komachi who has clicked the pictures of hundreds of houses for the ‘Homestyle’ feature is thrilled to show around his own house that was recently renovated. Ajeeb’s sons Akhil and Akin and daughter Akiya too are interested in photography.
It was around 12 years ago that the Komachi family built this house near Farook College in Kozhikode for just Rs 4 lakh. Recently, the house got a fabulous makeover to celebrate Akhil’s wedding in style. Earlier, the walls made of laterite stones weren’t plastered. The house has undergone a spectacular transformation and it now dons a serene white hue.
The walls were raised up to 15 feet to receive lots of natural sun shine and cool breeze. Small windows too are featured on each wall to ensure amazing air circulation inside the house. Interestingly, no other shade of colour than the pristine white has been used in this house. This makes the interiors look incredibly spacious and comfortable. Besides, the photographers in the family use the house as a studio floor as well. So, the clean white walls provide the perfect backdrop and light settings for them to click spectacular pictures.
The Komachis say that their house has evolved in stages over the decade. A few features were added earlier as well to make the house spacious. Meanwhile, this time, two bedrooms and a modern kitchen were newly added in the house. Taking advantage of the double height ceiling, a mezzanine floor too is newly built. A comfortable sitting space is arranged on this floor. A screen has been installed on the wall above the TV unit. So, this smartly designed space acts as a home theatre-cum-multi purpose area.
The owner himself had built the furniture pieces in metal years ago. These were, however, given a fresh coat of polish to match to the renovated interiors. The benches in the sit-out, the furniture set in the living area, cots, wardrobes, cupboards and the stair are all made in metal and are coated with wooden finish paint. This helped in limiting the use of expensive timber for furnishing. These furniture pieces look chic and elegant and aren’t expensive either. Besides, the furniture aren't attacked by moisture and termites and do not get dusty very easily.
The front yard is paved with Kadappa stones that allow the rain water to seep into the ground. Meanwhile, the car porch is built by paving polycarbonate sheet on metal pillars, to save space. The car porch that is designed in the floating style features an eye-catching cycle installation as well.
A separate room has been arranged in the house to store the photographers’ cameras and other equipment. The beautiful photographs clicked by Ajeeb and his kids line the walls here.
There is a small grove near the house which is home to lots of birds. A small space has been arranged in the roof for these birds to build their nests. The terrace garden and the organic vegetable garden here is quite impressive. Besides, there is a fish pond in the front yard too. The Komachis who love freezing nature in beautiful frames are elated by the awesome house that stands on a small plot.
The house was renovated for a reasonable budget of Rs 12 lakh. The house, with its serene white spaces and wonderful features, has recently welcomed Akhil’s bride.
The Komachis
Ajeeb Komachi is a well-known photographer who has many state and national awards to his credit. A passionate follower of true art, Ajeeb is an art and literary enthusiast and is a veteran in wild life and architectural photography. His kids Akhil, Akin and Akiya too have followed their father’s footsteps to photography. Akiya Komachi, who has shined as a seasoned photographer even at a young age, runs a Youtube channel as well.
Project Facts
Location – Farook College, Calicut
Area – 1800 SFT
Plot – 8.5 cents
Owner – Ajeeb Komachi
Supervision – Mirshad
Mirsha Associates
Pictures – Ajeeb Komachi