Building a house of one’s own is probably one of the greatest dreams often cherished by a common man. However, the construction costs, which keeps rising on an alarming note, may force him to renounce the idea as no one wants to be neck-deep in debt. But, this brand-new house at 11th Mile near Cherthala in Alappuzha, Kerala, owned by civil police officer Jithin proves that a comfortable abode could be easily built, on an affordable budget, with proper planning and execution. It's quite unbelievable that this beautiful 900 sqft traditional style house was completed on an extremely low budget of just Rs 9 lakh. Moreover, the house has been uniquely designed to suit the 5 cents plot.
The aesthetically designed landscape is an amazing feature here. The stone paved walkway and the pearl grass meadows elevate the classy look of the structure. A traditional thulasi thara (sacred stone platform where the Tulsi plant is grown) could be seen facing the entrance door. Meanwhile, the compound wall is constructed in ferro-cement. Interestingly, a sitting space, that matches the traditional theme of the house, has been smartly added as part of the compound wall. This cosy space made with ferro-cement pillars has a roof that is paved with leftover mud tiles. The sitting area soon became the family’s favourite spot as they often gather here to enjoy the misty mornings as well as the serene nature in the evenings.
The elevation of the house has been designed in the classic traditional style with mud tiles paved on GI truss roof. The quaint sit-out and the veranda are incredibly beautiful. The ferrop-cement pillars here add to the traditional charm of the house. Meanwhile, the flooring done in red oxide finish in the sit-out is the perfect ode to the traditional homes of yesteryears. A traditional style easy chair completes the beautiful sit-out.
The foundation of this house has been built in laterite stones. Meanwhile, the solid bricks were directly purchased, without any middlemen, for building the structure. The entrance door is crafted in acacia wood which is pretty sturdy.
Designed in 900 sqft, this splendid house has a sit-out, living and dining areas, kitchen with a work area, two bedrooms, a bathroom and an upper deck.
Vitrified tiles have been paved on the floor in the common areas inside the house. Meanwhile, the false ceiling done in calcium silicate finish is adorned with LED lights to make the interiors look chic and fancy.
The couch set and the coffee table made in teak wood are the highlights of the formal living area. A framed picture of the owner receiving the award for exceptional service from Kerala’s Chief Minister adorn the wall here. The classic glass-top dining table has four chairs. The TV unit and the wash area are arranged close to the dining space. Besides, the common bathroom too is here. Taking advantage of the tall ceiling in the dining area, an upper deck has been built here in V board. Interestingly, this space has been turned into a multi-utility area that could be used as a bedroom, study space or storage area.
Even though there aren’t too many bedrooms in this house, each area has been named after the couple’s children. The master bedroom is called ‘Kashmeeram’ after their daughter Kashmira. Meanwhile, the kids’ bedroom has been named ‘Neeharam’, after their son Nihar. The small kids room above is called ‘Thanima’ after their niece Thanishka.
The kitchen is compact and has everything within the hand’s reach. The cabinets are done in ferro-cement with aluminium composite paneling in order to reduce the expenses. The countertop, meanwhile, has been paved with granite. A traditional-style wood fire stove too has been arranged in the adjacent work area.
Other than a small home loan, the house didn’t push the owner into severe financial burden. Such small houses boast of comfortable interiors that aren’t too hot. Moreover, maintenance never becomes a hassle. Jithin vows that the family enjoys peace and joy in their small but beautiful abode.
Among the numerous factors that helped in keeping a check on the expenses, purchasing old roofing tiles for just Rs 2 per piece helped a lot. Besides, old timber, doors and windows too were purchased for impressively low price. The ready-made furniture pieces were bought directly from outlets at Nellikuzhi, the village that is famous for making attractive furniture on affordable rates. Meanwhile, the ferro-cement pillars that grant a traditional charm to the house cost just Rs 1200 per piece. The kitchen is simple and has been mostly furnished with aluminium finish.
Project Facts
Location – 11th Mile, Cherthala
Plot – 5 cents
Area – 900 SFT
Owner – Jithin
Budget – Rs 9 lakhs
Year of completion - 2022
