This is the tale of an architect who decided to build a dream home for himself. After all, architects are known to give shape to others' dream homes. Architect Frank Thotan's ancestral home was in Thrissur. Considering the noise and air pollution and the possibility of water ingress during the rainy season, the new house was placed in a quiet location.
The family wanted a traditional-looking house with modern amenities inside. So Frank designed the house by blending the old and the new.
His family wanted a single-storey house as they felt it would help in maintaining communication and keep the relationships stronger, besides easier maintenance. Since there was 45 cents of land, there were no space constraints.
As if to echo the family’s openness, what awaits us are large, open spaces when we enter the home. There are several windows that permit enough air and light inside.
Considering Kerala’s monsoons, they have given slanting rooftops in the interiors. The GI trussed roof tiles ensured traditional charm to the house.
A porch, sitting room, formal living, family living, dining, kitchen, workroom, and four bedrooms with attached bathrooms have been covered in 4800 Sq.ft.
Mostly the old furniture was polished and reused. There is a large sliding glass door to the side of the family living and dining area. This way you can get out into the landscape outside. When it is opened, air and light fill the interior in abundance.
There are 4 modestly furnished bedrooms. The mirrored wardrobes give the illusion of largeness to the rooms. From each room, there is a provision to step out through the sliding glass doors. Enclosed with walls, this space offers the ambiance of a private courtyard.
The cabinets are done in plywood. Quartz was laid on the counter. Instead of an electric chimney, the exhaust is given inside a stainless-steel chimney. There is also a breakfast table.
Utilizing the ceiling height of at least one floor, a mezzanine roof was constructed, and a mini library and study space were set up. The stair is made of metal + wood finish. The teak wooden panelling on the ceiling is made from reused wood from the old family home.
It has a driveway and landscape that supports the house well. The driveway was prepared by mixing Bangalore stone and grass. Greenery fills the landscape with lawns and trees.
Whoever visits this house vouches that it is indeed an architect’s home. That’s how precisely designed it is!
Project facts
Location - Thrissur
Plot - 45 cent
Area - 4800 Sq.ft
Owner - Antony Thottan
Architect - Frank Thottan
The Design Mill, Thrissur
