More than a comfortable space to live in, houses in Kerala have now become a status symbol. Wealthy Keralites are confused about the extent of luxury that they could arrange in their grand mansions. Everyone wishes for their homes to stand out and look unique from other houses in the neighbourhood. They want the best when it comes to the design, furnishing, décor and construction materials. Finally, after drawing inspiration from designs and architectural styles from all over the world, they would settle for an opulent mansion that boasts of all the luxuries. Meanwhile, similar houses would crop up in various areas as people copy ideas and designs mistaking it for the latest trends. Here are six points to note before building a house her
• Geographical and weather factors – Always keep in mind that you are building a house in Kerala that has unique weather patterns and geographical features. The design of the house should suit or complement the natural layout of the plot and the climate of the area. Kerala has a tropical climate and receives heavy rains for almost six months. Besides, we have really hot summers with high humidity. The state is known for its amazing coastlines, verdant mountains and low-lying areas. All these factors have to be considered while designing the house. Experts say that it is not wise to design house like the ones that are seen in Europe or other Asian countries as it isn’t feasible in the unique climatic conditions in Kerala.
• House that looks good outside – Most people want the elevation of the house to look fabulous. They feel proud when others admire the beauty of the structure. However, not many realise that the structure or the elevation should suit the unique geographical and weather features of the area. Besides this, the interests of the family too should be considered. It is important that all sides of the structure look similar and harmonious. Otherwise, your house would merely be a concrete structure that looks as if separate parts have been joined together without any harmony.
• Building materials – Building materials in myriad styles and qualities are available in the market. Some people have the misconception that a house would look perfect only if all sorts of materials are used. It is wise to use the materials reasonably and sparingly. Quality of the materials should be given preference over the quantity. It is important to follow the motto of ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ while building your dream abode. This would not only help you save money but would be a sign of your social and environmental commitment too.
• Do not cut trees – Cutting down all the trees in the plot or closing the wells and other water sources have become a trend so that the family can enjoy spacious yards. The layout of the plot and the ecology of the area should be preserved so that they become natural décor. Experts warn against altering the natural features of the plot to suit the structure. Instead, it is wise to design the house to complement these unique features.
• Not a competition item – Vanity and envy are what forces a person to build houses that are bigger and luxurious than the neighbour’s house. Earlier, bigger houses were required as the families too were bigger with 8 – 10 members. However, now the families have become smaller and most houses have just 3 – 4 members. So, there is no point in building huge houses where spaces are wasted. Try not to be adamant that you need a special prayer area or separate study just to read books.
