Writer and social activist Sudesh built his brand new house in the scintillating countryside of Edavanakad near Vypin in Ernakulam, Kerala. The family had lived in a congested flat for years. So, they wanted to enjoy their retirement life in a spacious house, in the company of nature. The family preferred a space-efficient and eco-friendly house that looks incredible too.
Interestingly, this house has been designed on four levels. Designed in 2000 sqft, this amazing abode has a sit-out, formal and family living areas, dining space, kitchen and a bedroom on the ground floor. Meanwhile, the upper floor has two more bedrooms and a multi-utility space.
The living areas – dining space and kitchen have been arranged in the open style. So, the interiors look and feel spacious. Meanwhile, taking advantage of the double-height ceiling, a mezzanine floor has been built here. This is a multi-utility space that is often used as an office space and library.
Hard rocks have been used to build the foundation as Vypin is a place where water levels could surge. Besides, the floor too stands at a higher level as the barrier island is prone to flooding during the monsoon. Moreover, a layer of the concrete belt has been built above it to prevent moisture.
The walls are built using Porotherm blocks that have holes inside them. This feature helps in blocking the hot rays from entering the house. So, cement plastering has been avoided on both sides of the walls. As the Porotherm blocks are baked in the oven, they are sturdy and grant a rustic charm too.
The flat roof is done using the filler slab technology where a layer of mud tiles too is paved. Meanwhile, GI truss roofing too has been installed at certain places. The bamboo ceiling beneath this looks unique and grants a pleasant ambience inside the house. Interestingly, more than five thousand mud tiles have been used on the roof of this eco-friendly house.
The windows and the doors are built using old timber. Moreover, concrete hasn’t been used anywhere in the house except in the kitchen. So, there is no need to switch on the fan even during the day as the interiors are always cooler.
The flooring works stand out for its spectacular beauty and finish. Athamkudi tiles, specially made as per the unique designs provided by the family, have been paved on the floor.
Facilities are arranged for proper waste disposal and rainwater harvesting. Biodigester septic tank where the toilet waste gets disintegrated has been installed here. The water from the outlet of this tank is then used for watering the plant. Meanwhile, the rainwater that falls on the roof is collected to recharge the well. Meanwhile, the house runs on the electricity produced by the solar panels on the roof.
The construction of this splendid abode, including the structure and furnishing, was completed on a budget of Rs 50 lakh. This house is a perfect model for a beautiful eco-friendly abode that does justice to the ideology that it preaches.
Project Facts
Location – Edavanakad, Vypin
Area – 2000 SFT
Owner – Sudesh
Designer – Shantilal
Costford, Triprayar, Thrissur
Mob – 9747538500
Year of completion - 2022
