It’s the story of restoring a 50-year-old ancestral home in all its formal glory. This dream home owned by Rakesh and Indu is located in Brahmakulam near Guruvayoor.
Tiny, congested rooms and decaying interiors were the pressing issues of the house. Many of the rafters on the roof were worn out. The elevation was also short. The roof was removed, the height was increased, and the GI truss was rebuilt. With the positioning of new tiles, the traditional feel of the house was restored. The architect admits that this was the most challenging part.
The space limitation was overcome by relocating some of the smaller spaces in the interiors. Some walls were removed, and some were added to widen the interiors. By following the traditional 'Nalukettu' concept, more wind and light came into the house.
Most of the furniture and wooden items in the house were re-polished and reused. A gazebo and porch were added outside.
Access to the plot is via a private road from the west. A traditional porch in the southwest corner and extended verandahs to the south and west block the afternoon heat. As you enter from the porch, you can see a large living room with a lovely patio and swing on the other side.
3 attached bedrooms are provided along with the veranda surrounding the courtyard which forms the base of the compound. The 'Ananthasayanam' mural painting visible through the four corners adds to the visual appeal of the interior. Access to the dining room from this space is through a utility space.
The dining room has openings to the fourth bedroom, kitchen, and rear verandah. The rear veranda is accessible from the kitchen. It has a washbasin in the middle, a washroom at one end, and a work area at the other.
Positive energy fills the interiors and the touch of antiquity adds to its charm. In short, the family is happy that the old memories have been preserved, but the house has been updated in time.
