Jayanthan and Santha have been working in Goa as teachers for a long time. They dreamed of building a house in Kerala to spend their retired life peacefully. So they planned to infuse in it the unique tradition and ambience of Kerala's old ancestral homes. They also aspired for the imposing grandeur of Kerala's ancient manors in their own house. Their dream materialised at Kidangoor in Angamali, Kerala, and the house was designed by Shantilal of COSTFORD, Tripayar.
What enhances the magnificence is the rafter roof modelled on old temple theatres. Steel frames exuding a timber finish have been used here. Tiles have been paved on the GI truss roof. The traditional style facade welcomes one to the house. The long corridors and verandah are the gathering spots.
The ground floor accommodates a sit-out, living, dining, kitchen, work area and two bedrooms with attached bathrooms. Meanwhile, the upper floor has a bedroom with an attached bathroom.
The tiles embedded in the ceiling fill the interiors with a quaint charm. The ground floor has been constructed in the filler slab style that involves plastering of tiles. The bamboo sheet ceiling just below the tiled roof also lends a uniqueness to the house.
The walls of the house have been erected using Hurudees clay blocks. This requires a very small amount of cement and the number of holes in it reduces the heat inside. The builders have tried to reuse materials to the maximum. Tiles, timber, ceiling tiles, cupboards, wardrobes, windows, door frames and all have been reused in this construction. The use of paint is almost nil. On windows, cashew sap has been used.
On opening the main door the first view falls on the pooja room. The interiors have been designed in a semi-open style. The space below the stairs has been utilized by placing a TV unit there. The staircase has been built by fixing wooden planks on steel frames. The dining and kitchen are designed in an open style.
There is a breakfast counter in the kitchen that features an electric chimney and a separate storage space. The top floor remains an elaborate multi-purpose space with a living space, bathroom, a cot and so on.
There is a small swimming pool-like tank where one can take a dip and bath. The construction of the 3000 sq ft house including its furnishing costs around Rs 48 lakh. The house owners are happy that their house shaped up exactly as they dreamed and at a cost they could never dream of. Considering the spiralling construction costs, this is incredibly low as a house of this scale would cost at least Rs 75 lakh.
Project facts
Location- Kidangoor, Angamaly
Area- 3000 Sq.ft
Owner- Jayanthan, Shantha
Designer- Shanthilal
Costford, Thriprayar
Budget- 50 Lakhs
