It was Santhosh’s dream to build an eco-friendly house in his hometown in Pralayakkadu near Perumbavoor, Kerala, without burning a hole in the pocket. The family roped in noted architect Shantilal of Costford in Thriprayar to design their dream dwelling. Interestingly, the family was clear about their requirements and likes and they communicated well with the design team.
The dual elevation grants a unique charm to the house. One could grab the side view of the house from the main road. Meanwhile, the front view could be enjoyed from the other side. The front yard has been paved with baby mettle. Besides, the family decorated the yard with flowering plants and trees. A long veranda with a sitting space is what welcomes the guests into the house.
Designed in 2030 sqft, this amazing abode has a sit-out, living and dining areas, courtyard, kitchen with a work area and three bath attached bedrooms. The interiors have been designed in the open style to ensure excellent cross ventilation. Moreover, this makes the spaces look and feel vast.
Even though the house looks like a single-story structure from the outside, an open is arranged on the upper floor. The owner runs a printing press; so, the upper floor has been converted into a utility space that could be used as a library, bed space, or working space.
Meanwhile, filler slab technology has been used to build the roof except above the veranda and the sit-out. Mud plastering is done instead of cement to add a rustic charm. A unique mixture of mud, lime, jaggery, and inknut is used to plaster the walls. This helped not only reduce the use of cement but keeping a check on expenses too. Moreover, this nature-friendly method of construction keeps the interiors cooler even during the noon when sun is the harshest.
Trees that stood in the plot and purchased timber have been used to make the doors and windows in this house.
The open roof courtyard which invites sunlight and rain showers into the house is secured with the grille. Lots of indoor plants make this space a quaint spot of greenery. Meanwhile, a scintillating mural painting adorns the wall. A hanging cot and in–built sitting space complete the courtyard.
The staircase with a metal frame splits into two as one side leads to the library and the other one takes you to the open hall.
The walls on the upper floor are almost seven feet tall. The GI truss roof has been paved with traditional style mud tiles. Besides, the walls designed in the traditional sopanam style has grilles installed on metal frames.
The house has been constructed on an affordable budget of Rs 27 lakh. Interestingly, the rate of construction per square foot didn’t exceed Rs 1330. This is an amazing feat as the rates have soared up to Rs 2000 – 3000, especially during post-pandemic times.
This house which is eco-friendly as well as budget-friendly meets all the requirements of a modern family.
Project Facts
Location – Pralayakkadu, Perumbavoor
Area – 2030 SFT
Owner – Santhosh Kumar and Viji
Design – Shanti Lal
Costford, Thriprayar
Budget – Rs 27 lakh
Year of completion - 2023
