This is the tale of a simple yet beautiful house that was smartly designed by overcoming the spatial limitations of a 6 cents plot. Safeer, a native of Malappuram in Kerala, was sure that his dream dwelling would be built at this plot even though it doesn’t have a proper structure or layout. Besides, he wanted a house without burning a hole in his pocket. It was noted architect Vajid Rahman, who is known for designing unique houses, who gave shape for Safeer’s dream abode.
The sloped roof in multiple levels is the highlight of the exteriors. A truss roof paved with roofing tiles has been installed over the top floor. Meanwhile, designer tiles with floral patterns are arranged beneath them to make the ceiling extremely attractive. The exposed laterite stone walls add a rustic charm to the elevation. Meanwhile, the military green hue on the other walls adds a stylish sheen and projects the elegance of the claddings.
This fabulous abode has a sit-out, living and dining areas, four bedrooms, kitchen with work area and a balcony. The interiors are designed in the semi open style by avoiding unnecessary cement partitions. This makes the house look incredibly vaster and spacious.
The entrance door opens to an elegantly furnished living area that is designed in double height. The adjacent stair area too is in double height. This allows easier communication between the two floors. There are countless slits on the double height wall which illuminates the interiors with natural sunshine.
Interestingly, the flooring is done using exquisite Jaisalmer sandal stones instead of the regular tiles. This makes the interiors brighter and unique as well. The small stairway that doesn’t take up too much space is an interesting feature here. The stairway is built using rub wood while the metal handrails grant it a classy look.
Besides the main dining table, there is a small breakfast table in the corridor that leads to the kitchen. This has been designed in the bench concept. A grille window opposite this table invites lots of natural light and air into the interiors.
There are two bedrooms each in both the floors. The bedrooms are designed giving prime importance to abundant supply of light and air. The bath-attached bedrooms have in-built wardrobes for storage. A balcony has been arranged close to the bedroom in the upper floor. Folding glass doors are installed here to get to the balcony.
The kitchen is furnished focusing on storage facilities. The cabinets, meanwhile, are done with aluminum fabrication.
This splendid house that boasts of amazing space management and modern facilities has successfully overcome the spatial constraints of the small plot through excellent planning and design. Interestingly, the construction of the house, including the structure and furnishing, was completed on a reasonable budget of Rs 27 lakh.
Among the various factors that helped keep a check on the expenses, using metal instead of timber for furnishing played a pivotal role. The window panes, hand railings and the kitchen cabinets are all done in aluminum fabrication. Reasonably priced rub wood has been mostly used for furnishing. Moreover, false ceiling has been avoided in this house.
Project Facts
Location – Malappuram
Plot – 6 cents
Area – 1976 SFT
Owner – safer
Design – Vajid Rahman
Hierarchytects, Malappuram
Budget – Rs 27 lakhs
Year of completion – 2020
Pictures – Akhin Komachy
