Aneesh, who is a teacher wanted to recreate the memories of his old ancestral home when he built his brand-new house ‘Pappadiyil’ in his hometown in Moonamkutti near Kayamkulam. His modern abode surely dons the charming elegance of traditional architecture, paying homage to his old house.
Even though the house looks majestic from outside, it is actually built in just 1880 sqft. The driveway that begins from the gate has been paved with Kadappa stones. Interestingly, the car porch designed in the traditional style looks like a miniature of the house. The roof of the house has been built in multiple layers to make the structure look huge and regal. Old roofing tiles that were procured when an old school and a house were dismantled have been used here.
There are lots of space in this house for family gathering. The owner and his younger brother’s friends often gather here in the evenings or on the weekends. A separate sitting space has been arranged, in the shape of a traditional padippura, close to the compound wall. Interestingly, four such open spaces have been arranged in this house. Beautiful chrysanthemums, ixora coccinea (thetti) and sweet magnolias adorn the garden in the landscape.
Alternative building materials have been used to reduce the expenses. Timber is a main component when it comes to furnishing traditional homes. However, the budget often flies over the roof when timber is used for furnishing. Here, alternate materials that has the finish of timber has been mostly used for decorating the interiors.
The long veranda leads to the entrance door that is exquisitely crafted in teakwood. Meanwhile, the walls of the sit-out are highlighted with laterite texture. The formal living area that has a double-height ceiling is furnished elegantly. The hot air is pushed out of the huge air holes in the ceiling to make the interiors comfortable.
From the living area, you could enter the dining space that has green courtyards on both sides. The spacious dining table designed in the bench concept exudes old-world charm. The open courtyard that receives cool rain showers and warm sunrays is the highlight here. This courtyard is decorated with lots of beautiful indoor plants filling the space with positive vibes. Meanwhile, the wash area is arranged in the closed courtyard on the opposite side.
The staircase is quite simple and has been built by paving cement boards on square tubes. Interestingly, the upper landing of the staircase has been turned into a cosy library and reading area.
The casement window opens to the scintillating views of the courtyard and the landscape. Moreover, lots of natural air and light enter the house through this window. The bedrooms are designed in similar themes. There is one bedroom on the ground floor and two on the upper floor.
Meanwhile, the kitchen that resembles a modern island kitchen is furnished minimally. The cabinets are done using aluminium composite panels. A work area in the model of an old ‘chaaypu’ too has been built as part of the kitchen. The house gets drenched in golden sparkles when the highlighter lights are switched on at night.
Project Facts
Location – Moonamkutty, Kayamkulam
Area – 1880 SFT
Owner – Aneesh
Architect – Kailas Nath
