Architect Niya Ann Sharon’s contemporary house at Kumarapuram in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala stands in just 3.5 cents and features space-efficient features. This is Niya's first professional project and she is now pursuing a masters in architecture in the UK.
Niya designed her home overcoming the spatial limitations. She has included all modern amenities required for a family of four. Moreover, the beautiful elevation features a tropical–modern style that suits the unique weather patterns of Kerala.
A terracotta jali show wall is the highlight of the exterior design. Creepers and vines that grow out of this wall add a vibrant dose of greenery. The part of the elevation with aluminum roofing and concealed with a bamboo curtain is used as a utility area. Louvers made in GI pipes forms an interesting designer element on the balcony.
Laterite stone cladding has been generously used to decorate the sit out walls, compound walls and inner spaces too. This grants a rustic charm to the areas. Gate made using GI pipes draws attention instantly. This design is extended to the compound wall too.
The front yard is spacious enough to park at least two cars. Sit out, living and dining areas, kitchen with a work area, a bedroom and a bathroom have been arranged in the ground floor. Meanwhile, there are two bath attached bedrooms, study area, a multi utility space and an open terrace in the upper storey. The house has been designed in an area of 1300 sqft.
Those who enter this house often forgets that it has been built on such a smaller plot. The interiors are designed in the open style to make it look and feel spacious. The entrance door opens to the living area. There are sliding glass windows on both sides of the living area so that it doesn’t feel congested inside. One of the sliding glass doors opens to the courtyard close to the compound wall. Besides, cool breeze flows inside if these windows are open.
As Niya is an architect, she experimented with designs and patterns. The ceiling of the dining area and the upper living area has been retained in cement finish. The flooring works too is worth mentioning as she has tried various styles. Vitrified tiles are mostly used in the common areas. Meanwhile, tandoor stones are paved in the car porch. The incredible charm of kota stones makes the flooring works in the living room stand out.
Instead of hand railings, cabinets are built on the side of the stairway, making the interiors extremely space efficient. The modern kitchen is compact and has everything within the hands reach. The kitchen cupboards are built by fixing cement panel boards in wooden frame.
Lots of tropical plants are part of the quaint garden in the front yard. Besides, indoor plants too add a pleasant hint of greenery. The house has been named ‘Urvi’ which means Earth. The overall charm and the energetic soul of the house makes this name a perfect choice. Niya wasn’t ready to compromise on the quality of the building materials. The construction of this beautiful house, including the structure and furnishing, was completed on an affordable budget of Rs 34 lakh. Niya says that she misses her brand – new home and is eagerly waiting for the holidays to spend some unforgettable moments here.
Project Facts
Location – Kumarapuram, Trivandrum
Plot – 3.5 cents
Owner – Anee SJ
Architect – Niya Ann Sharon
Budget – Rs 34 lakhs
Year of completion – 2021
