Palakkad district of Kerala known for its rustic charm has become the ideal canvas for Praveen who longed for a traditional house In the countryside setting. So he decided to get back to the very essence of nature to reinvent heritage as he chose to build his dream abode at Kulapully, near Shoranur. That’s how the tale of a sprawling mud house in 1,800sqft unwinds.
Vastu was a concern for the family. Hence, construction began after making slight changes in the first plan to fit into the Vastu principles. A tulsi plant, instilling positive vibes, is situated facing the entrance of the heritage mud house.
The walls are made using the sustainable alternative to concrete called the rammed earth technique by stuffing clayey soil, that was taken from the compound, with lime and rice husk ash in the right proportions. Given that the colour of your choice is blended into the earth mixture at the time of the construction phase itself, the process has the added advantage of saving additional time, energy and money on painting the walls after the structure is ready.
The 1,800sqft house gives room to a sit-out area, living room, dining, kitchen, prayer room, courtyard and two bedrooms.
The main entrance leads to a spacious hall that is marked by the absence of inner separating walls. Ceramic tiles with rustic hues fill the floors to strike a perfect balance with antique expressions through the furniture collection, windows, grills, cupboards, wardrobes, staircase - all carved out of wood. The swing bed hanging in the main hall adds to the grandeur of the traditional setting.
The lone area where concrete has been used is in the ceiling of the central region which is topped with truss roofing of terracotta tiles. The space in between the truss work and concrete ceiling serves as a perfect insulator against the blistering heat waves of Palakkad.
The inner courtyard that lets in rain and sun rays is an added attraction. The in-built seating space allows one to enjoy the refreshing raindrops or sun rays that get in through the open space up above. Metal grills are laid across the open roof for added security.
The staircase, with wooden railings, is designed with minimum dead space. The TV unit and a washing area are tucked beneath the stairs. A wooden table and benches adorn the dining room to give a touch of antiquity.
At one point, the dining room merges with the kitchen. Though a wall separation is absent, wooden railings function as semi-partition. Shelves and cabinets all made of wood spot the kitchen area where granite countertop is laid atop the cabinets.
The bedrooms bear the signature of simplicity. The cot in the master bedroom features GI frames to add a provision to install mosquito nets.
The very essence of sustainability was obeyed all throughout the construction as the trees in the courtyard were not disturbed at any point of work, nor interlock tiles laid on the ground. The repute of the mud abode goes up with its cool interiors even on a hot sunny day. With ample natural lighting, the electrical bulbs are only a luxury during day time. Though ceiling fans are installed, their use is minimal. So it is no big surprise why the family gets very low power bills. People who have set foot in the exquisite natural and cool setting of Praveen's mud house are equally awed by the warmth of hospitality.
Project Facts:
Location: Kulappulli, Shoranur
Area- 1,800 sqft
Owner: Praveen
Construction: Hilite Constructions, Kakkad
Mob: 9847252735
Budget: 42 lakhs
