The heatwave in Kerala has turned most concrete homes into burning kilns necessitating constant use of air conditioners and ceilings fans to escape from the sweltering summer heat. However, this nature-friendly house called ‘Prakriti’ at Kariavattom in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala proves that you could feel comfortable inside your own homes if the structure is designed to suit the unique weather patterns of a place.
The house stands in a serene area, away from the bustle of the city. Interestingly, this house has been built to fight the harsh summers of Kerala. The use of concrete is limited in this house. Instead, nature-friendly building materials have been mostly used for constructing the structure.
The structure complements the L-shaped plot in ten cents. Interestingly, the car porch has been arranged by installing a pergola roof between the compound walls in the narrow path that leads to the house. The multi-layered roof paved with clay tiles plays a pivotal role in reducing the heat inside the house. Meanwhile, designer elements like laterite cladding and terracotta cladding grant a classy elegance to the elevation. The walls have been built using a unique technique called the Rat Trap Bond. As there is vacuum space between the horizontally built walls, the interiors would be cooler and comfortable.
Designed in 2650 sqft, this beautiful house has a car porch, formal and family living areas, dining area, pooja space, kitchen with a work area, two bedrooms and a bathroom on the ground floor. Meanwhile, there are two more bedrooms, bathroom and a balcony on the ground floor.
The interiors have been designed in the semi-open style to make communication between the spaces easier. However, privacy has been ensured in certain areas as well. Lots of open spaces are there in the interiors to receive oodles of natural light as well as to ensure amazing cross ventilation. Besides making the interiors cooler, these features fill the house with positive vibes.
A pooja space has been separated on the wall that is decorated with terracotta jali work. Meanwhile, the corner windows illuminate the interiors with natural sunshine.
Steps with varying measurements in length is the highlight of the staircase. Interestingly, the staircase could be turned into seats when there is a gathering or a party. Besides, the area beneath the stairway has been turned into a storage space, making the interiors extremely space efficient. The bedrooms are furnished minimally and have attached bathrooms and separate wardrobes.
The cabinets in the kitchen are done in plywood with laminate finish. Nano white has been paved on the countertop. An adjacent work area completes the kitchen.
There is no need to switch on the lights and fans inside the house during the day as the interiors are cooler and receives a good amount of sunshine.
Project Facts
Location – Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram
Plot – 10 cents
Area – 2650 SFT
Owner – Sandeep and Monisha
Design – Solo Architects, Thiruvananthapuram
