Eyebrows were raised when Suresh Kumar and his wife Radha decided to build the garden and landscape before constructing the house. However, architect Shersha of Nestiyon Homes in Thiruvananthapuram thought that was an amazing idea.
The couple had been living in a flat at Chenkalkonam and their kids have settled abroad with their families. Radha says that during the pandemic days, their lives got limited to just the quaint balconies of the flat. They started dreaming of purchasing a plot and building a home since then. However, they didn’t want to move too far away from the place they were staying. So, they purchased a plot of land in the Nestiyon Villa, just two kilometres away from their flat. The couple purchased two adjacent plots of 4 cents each in order to build an elaborate garden and landscape as per their wish.
Garden before house
Shersha confesses that he was a bit startled when Suresh Kumar and Radha said that the landscape should be given more importance than the house. Besides, they needed a modern house that had enough amenities for two people to live comfortably. Shersha and his team took it up as a challenge to execute this unique project. The owner and the architect supported each other and contributed ideas while the house was being designed.
Suresh Kumar who is a lifestyle teacher and yoga trainer has many disciples around the world. Whenever he visits foreign countries, he is eager to learn about the gardening trends there. He understood that designing a beautiful garden is as important as building a comfortable house.
It was a landscape artist, Suresh Kumar’s disciple from Germany, who had designed the garden at their home in Chenkalkonam, without even seeing the plot. Suresh Kumar says that he was impressed by how she would spread a paper on the floor and slowly begin drawing from one end. She would then fill the paper with beautiful strokes and designs that capture the heart.
Landscaping
A long pebble-paved walkway surrounds the splendid garden and landscape before leading to the entrance area. The verdant lawns, flower beds, fruit-bearing trees, a small pond, and gazebos grant a fabulous grace to the landscape. It took around a year to design and grow the garden. Interestingly, the construction of the house began only after completing the garden.
Two trees on both sides of the gate welcome you into this cool haven of greenery. Meanwhile, the swing with the roof is an interesting addition. It is soothing to watch the fish swim around in the quaint pond. The lawns are paved with buffalo grass and regular grass too. Meanwhile, the bed of globe amaranth adds a flush of magical purple hue to the garden area. Around fifty to sixty varieties of fruit trees could be seen here. Meanwhile, the reading area with a roof is a cosy space that is perfect to enjoy a refreshing coffee or practice yoga.
The house
The house designed in 550 sqft faces the beautiful garden. The area where the house stands was raised a bit before the construction began. A flight of natural stone paved stairs leads to the house. The wide veranda and the stairs add an exotic charm to the house. Suresh Kumar says that their guests love enjoying food, sitting on these stairs that face the garden.
The interiors are designed as a spacious open hall. Recliner couches are arranged here to watch TV. Meanwhile, the glass door here opens to the garden. You could just pull the curtain in case you need to enjoy some privacy.
The kitchenette has all the required facilities. Food could be passed on to the veranda through a small door that connects these areas. This wall is decorated with a charcoal louver that adds a rustic charm.
You could get to the patio through the other side of the hall. A small coffee table and indoor plants are arranged here. Besides, there is a half wall here in the shape of a box that is filled with shiny pebbles.
The bedroom is compact as the couple uses this room only for sleeping at night. Meanwhile, the attached bedroom has an open roof.
Interestingly, the neighbours often visit the house to spend the evenings in the beautiful garden. Suresh Kumar says that the neighbours had gathered at his garden to watch the final of the FIFA world cup.
Even though everyone appreciates the aesthetics of such a scintillating house, Shersha wonders why many aren’t showing interest in building such homes themselves.
