This rare house at Irinjalakkuda in Thrissur, Kerala, has been grabbing attention for its unique designs and pocket-friendly budget. Interestingly, the house is built using a container that is 20 feet long and 8 feet tall. Designed in just 322 sqft, the compact dwelling has a single bed space, study space, kitchen and a bathroom. The construction of this new age house was completed on a meager budget of Rs 6.5 lakh.
Owner Praji had asked the architects to design a stylish and sustainable vacation home where two persons could comfortably live. The designers came up with the idea to use container, to suit the ideas and demands of the owner. The amazing roof of this house reminds one of the old houses of the past. The thatched roof in the shape of a boat adds a rustic charm to the house, which otherwise looks very chic and modern.
Some might wonder whether container homes are practical in Kerala where the temperature may rise to unbearable levels. However, lots of precautions have been taken in this experimental house that could effectively reduce the heat inside.
The three layered roof is an interesting feature. After installing a regular GI truss roof, a layer of heat insulation panel has been fixed over it. The thatched roof, meanwhile, comes as the top layer. This three layered protection ensures that the house has a pleasant and enjoyable ambience inside, even during the noon time when the sun is harsh.
The container is entirely insulated with rock wool that amazingly resists heat. Fiber cement boards are then arranged over it to build the walls. These walls don white hue which further makes the interiors cooler. The terracotta tiles on the floor look great and play a vital role in making the spaces pleasant.
A sit out has been additionally built by installing three pillars in the front. The solar panels are installed on the roof just above the sit out.
The people in the locality often visit this house as they are curious to know more about the sustainable container house. Many of them even expressed interest in building an elaborate version of this house. Meanwhile, the family and the architects are happy and proud that their unique experiment has really paid off.
Project Facts
Location – Irijalakkuda, Thrissur
Plot – 7.5 cents
Area – 322 SFT
Owner – Praji Cherakulam
Architects – Amal Sudharman, Kiran Cherakulam
Walls N Vouds Atelier, Thrissur
Mob – 8330833633
Year of completion – 2021
Budget – Rs 6.5 lakh
