The new house of Motti Mathew and family at Vakathanam, in Kottayam, Kerala, drifts away from the oft-treaded design path to reinvent a whole new visual experience. It embraces the family's philosophy of filling the interiors with maximum natural light, ventilation and greenery to usher in positive vibes.
The design has been oriented to match the geography of the plot, to the east of which lies a vast expanse of paddy fields. Perforated terracotta panels fill the facade of the south-facing house. They serve as the best tool to capture the cool breeze blowing from the paddy fields, and at the same make the interiors less exposed to the heat of sun rays from the south. The box-styled elevation has two segments. The bigger box built in double-height elevation houses the master bedroom and terrace among other features.
The plan was designed to make sure the two coconut trees on the plot are well preserved. A distinct feature of the chic home is its low depth ceiling with just 8ft high and floor-to-ceiling doors and windows, due to minimum use of lintel.
A car porch, sit-out, a formal living area, family living, dining space, courtyards, kitchen, work area, four bedrooms, upper living area, and an open terrace make up the 2,900sqft house.
The abode redefines a typical Keralite's mindset in construction pattern, for it drifts away from the usual practice of using teak door in the main entrance and instead went for a bullet-proof centri-laminated glass door.
The interiors embrace the open space theme by using sliding semi-partitions. The accessories used in furnishing also bear the hallmark of uniqueness with leather-finished kota stones adorning the floors and customised furniture. The entire furnishing is done with a combination of wood, glass and steel. The UV-protection glass has been profusely used to ward off the heat of powerful sun rays.
Exposed concrete roofings is a show stopper as they help to generate rustic finish to the interiors. In order to keep the ceiling of the dining area in hanging style, the electrical points were already prefixed.
A dash of natural greenery has dramatically improved the mood inside the house. Separate green islands dot the common area and regions adjoining bedrooms. A distinctive staircase in stainless steel finish is sure to go unnoticed. A 5mm steel rod has been bent and welded giving a out-of-the-box flavour for the stairway. Underneath the stairs lies a green courtyard where sunlight streams in through the pergola skylight ceiling above.
The ground floor and first floor have two bedrooms each with an attached bathroom and wardrobe facilities. Adding to the elegance of the bedrooms are the adjoining courtyards.
The kitchen features teak-finish cupboards and granite countertop, while a bar counter is arranged on the first floor.
The sliding gate outside signs off the surprises of this stylish house. Designed with maximum thrust on ventilation to usher in daylight and cool breeze, this super cool home is a perfect dream home for Motty's family who wanted to save money on energy bills.
Project Facts
Location: Vakathanam, Kottayam
Plot: 8.5 cents
Area: 2,900 sqft
Owner: Motty Mathew
Architect: Prabhul Mathew, Mindspark Architects, Kottayam
Mobile: 8281989080
Y.C: 2020 October
