It is not even possible to think of building a house without using wood and stones, or without engineers and carpenters. But if you go to Mallappally in Pathanamthitta district, you will find a house that is being constructed without any of these. And it is unlike any other house.
One portion of the house resembles a plane, the middle is modelled to look like a train and a ship makes up the other end.
The house of T T Thomas is so unique in concept and design that you will spot the house when you reach near Paduvelkunnu, en route to Nellimoodu from Mallappally, without even having to make any enquiries. The construction of the house is in the final stage.
The house has several novelties attached to it. No wood has gone into the construction of the house. Twenty-five sacks of concrete were used to build just the foundation. The complete construction has been done using steel. Aluminium and fibre cement board have been used for interior works. Several of the materials were brought in from Coimbatore and Pune.
Thomas works in the steel structure construction sector in Bahrain. Taking inspiration and courage from his work, Thomas came up with this idea for the house. The 2,200-sq-ft house on the 19 cents of land has big sliding doors. If you throw open all the sliding doors, the house will turn into a large hall.
Three bedrooms, a dining room, a sitting room, four wash rooms and a big kitchen make up the house. The plane portion of the house has the design of Bahrain's flag. Sandwich panels have been used for roofing and hence, no problem of heat. The plan is to use solar panels and generate power.
Team steel house
The credit for the concept and design goes to Thomas. Bangladesh native Sophy, who is his colleague in Bahrain, came down and did the steel structural works. The steel fabrication works were done by Mathai and Michael, who are siblings.
The electrical works were done by Jeffin and team, gypsum ceiling by Saji, aluminium fabrication by Rajesh, and art work and painting by Hari. Prameela helped with the designing. Biju, who is also a panchayat member, supervised the construction. This is the team of steel house.
Thomas' wife Betty and younger son Jimmy are in Bahrain now. They are all waiting to return to this amazing house after the lockdown is lifted.
Thomas’ son Bovas says, "I was shocked when I first heard of Pappa's idea. It is only now that I am able to grasp the value and beauty of this. My friends call me and ask me to send the photos of the house. Only because Pappa implemented his idea, everybody is noticing our house. Everyone who sees the house is amazed by it.”
(Photo and video by Rijo Joseph)
