Unique and enchanting design features that do justice to the likes and interests of the family is the highlight of Arun Mohan’s brand new house at Karunagappally in Kollam district, Kerala. The multiple box design in various sizes adds that extra bit of modish charm to the exteriors. The house has been constructed by retaining the trees that stood in the plot. Besides adding the perfect surrounding of pristine greenery, these shady trees make the interiors pleasant and cool too. Moreover, the aesthetically done landscape and the green courtyard in the sit-out further display family’s admiration for greenery.
There is a paddy field on the north side of the plot. So, land had to be filled on this part. Meanwhile, the compound wall has been built in a way to complement the road that is not as wide, in the front side. The compound wall too is decorated by planting shrubs and small flowering plants near it.
The parapet is as high as the structure to make the house look bigger. Beautiful bamboo varieties are planted in the holes on the slabs above the courtyard in the sit out. Natural clay tiles and jali bricks have been used to highlight the wall here. Interestingly, the jali bricks play a vital role in ensuring cross ventilation inside the house.
There is a verandah, living and dining areas, patio, courtyard, two bedrooms and kitchen with a work area in the ground floor while the upper storey has a comfortable living space, two more bedrooms, balcony, an open space and a utility area.
The interiors exude the chic elegance of minimalism. The cross ventilation, huge windows and the inner courtyards fill the interiors with natural sun shine and fresh air.
Interestingly, the use of timber is very limited in this house. Instead, marine ply and amazing laminates have been used for furnishing which have helped in keeping the expenses at bay. The partition units, the eye catching ceiling pattern, classy furniture pieces and the simple furnishing perfectly complement each other as if in harmony. Timber has been used only on the stairway. MS profile too is used here. Meanwhile, the hand railings are done in MS pipes with black paint finish.
The beautiful courtyard just beside the dining area is the focal point of the interiors. This brings in lots of sunshine that naturally illuminate the areas and pleasant breeze too. Fancy pergolas, louvers and bricks add to the fabulous look of the courtyard. Incredible light fitting is another interesting feature that amps up the ambience of this area.
There is no need to switch on the lights or fans during the day time as the amazingly ventilated house is always cool. Sometimes chirping birds would fly in from the nearby paddy field, giving company for the nature loving family.
The simple yet elegant bedrooms have attached bathrooms, in – built wardrobes and separate study areas.
Besides a show kitchen, there is a working kitchen too. Granite has been paved on the counter top here. The cabinets, meanwhile, are done in marine ply with merino laminates.
A quaint garden has been arranged in the open terrace on the upper floor. The family has pledged their commitment to nature and eco friendly life style by setting aside around 5 cents of land, among the 15 cents, for organic farming. They vow that each moment that they spent in this amazing haven of greenery is pure bliss.
Project Facts
Location – Karunagapally
Plot – 15 cents
Area – 2720 cents
Owner – Arun Mohan, Arya
Design – Shelter Living, Thodupuzha
Mob – 9961313831, 9495380560
Year of completion - 2020