Dinesh Kumar’s house at Meloor near Chalakudy in Thrissur has become the talk of the town for its traditional features that instantly excites nostalgia. The house that stands on a vaster plot close to his ancestral home exudes the timeless charm of the traditional architectural style. Moreover, the house, with its eco-friendly construction and other unique features, perfectly reflects the family’s commitment to environment conservation.
The majestic house has been designed in the traditional architecture of Kerala. Noted architect Shantilal of Costford that focusses on building eco – friendly homes in the state deserves the credit for designing such a fabulous abode.
Locally sourced laterite stones have been used to build the walls. Meanwhile, old roofing tiles have been reused on the roof. The unique roof is designed using the filler slab technology.
Besides the main gate, there is a wicket gate too in the model of a traditional ‘padippura’. Laterite stones have been used to build the compound wall as well as the well.
A unique mixture of sand, lime and jaggery has been used to plaster the walls. The outer walls too are mud plastered in the traditional style. This house is an incredible canvas on which myriad shades of the earthy tones have been used. These fabulous textures and designs have been created by mixing organic and natural materials like jaggery, fenugreek, ‘kadukka’ (terminalia chebula) and lime along with sand.
Meanwhile, some areas aren’t plastered revealing the rustic charm of the laterite stones. For instance, the walls of the formal living area feature the classic exposed style. Meanwhile, a water-based paint has been used on the walls in some areas to add sheen. Concrete has been used only in the kitchen and the bathroom to avoid moisture risk.
Designed in 2700 sqft, this excellent abode has a sit out, living areas, pooja area, dining space, kitchen with an adjacent work area, four bedrooms, balcony and a multi utility space. The light well with a glass ceiling is an attractive feature that brings natural sunlight abundantly into the house.
The balcony above the sit out is designed in the model of a traditional ‘koothambalam’ with villazhi or grille. Even though the grille, at a glance, look like they have been made in timber, they are actually made in steel.
However, coats of wooden paint have been applied on them to make them look like ‘authentic’ wooden villazhi. This area is used as the kids’ study area and a utility space for Dinesh’s wife who is a teacher.
The spacious bedrooms have attached bathrooms and wardrobes.
The family wanted a modern kitchen with cabinets done in multi wood finish. The counter top, meanwhile, has been paved with granite. The adjacent work area completes the kitchen area.
The construction of the structure alone was completed on a moderate budget of Rs 35 lakh. The interiors of this eco – friendly abode is cooler and pleasant even during the noon when the mercury soars to unbearable levels. The mud walls and the filler slabs prevent the burning sun rays from entering the house, keeping the interiors extremely comfortable.
It must be noted that in order to build a concrete house of the same size and area would cost at least Rs 55 lakh, considering the current labour charges and the price of the construction materials. So, besides being eco – friendly, this beautiful house is pocket friendly too.
Project Facts
Location – Meloor, Thrissur
Area – 2700 Sq.Ft
Owner – Dinesh Kumar, Sreekala
Designer – Shantilal
Costford, Thriprayar
Mob – 9747538500
Year of completion – November 2021
Budget – Rs 35 lakh
