How an architect designs his dream home, keeps it within budget

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Razim, an architect at the renowned Insight Architectural Ideas based in Kollam, wanted his brand-new house at Keralapuram to stand out from the houses that he had designed for his clients. The fabulous abode in 2700 sqft, designed by Razim and his colleague Arun, boasts striking designer elements in multiple textures and hues.
The owner who designs beautiful homes for others has been dreaming of designing his dwelling for some time. Although Razim and Arun had vivid ideas, the house features some basic yet classy elements that the owner had been contemplating.
The elevation features a charming fusion of colonial and traditional architectural styles. GI truss paved with clay roofing tiles has been installed above the flat roof. Meanwhile, the sloping wall on both sides of the structure that extends to the ground is the highlight of the exterior.
The natural layout of the 11-cent plot has been retained to add multiple levels inside the house. Besides, the owner was determined not to cut down any trees on the plot as they offer not only beautiful views but also a cooling atmosphere.
The house has a sit-out, three bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, a dining area, kitchen, wash area, office room and a balcony space. The first level exudes the regal charm of Moroccan tile flooring while vitrified tiles in antique finish have been used on the second level.
The foyer space at the entrance area has a double-height roof that makes the interiors look incredibly spacious. Meanwhile, the living area is to the right side and is furnished minimally with an L-Shaped couch, a TV unit and a swing.
There is a study area beside the foyer from where you can access the master bedroom. The fluted PVC panelling on the head side wall here plays a pivotal role in elevating the classy ambience of the room. Meanwhile, the private courtyard close to the cot is an interesting addition.
The sit-out, living area and master bedroom are on the same level while the dining area, courtyard and kitchen are on the lower level.

The staircase features an eye-catching design with acacia timber-works hanging on the metal hand railings. The circular skylight above the stair-wall lets in oodles of natural sunshine, making the spaces nicely lit during the daytime.
The dining area and the kitchen have been furnished minimally. The dining table is quite simple with a bench on one side and a single counter on the other side. The kitchen and the dining area are designed as cohesive spaces that complement each other perfectly. Besides the main kitchen, there is a working kitchen too.
The central courtyard with an open ceiling is the soul of this house, letting bright warm sunlight and cool drizzles make scintillating cameos inside the house. Interestingly, jet pipes have been installed here to water the indoor plants.
All the bedrooms have been designed as private areas yet communicate with the rest of the house. Moreover, the bedrooms come with adjacent courtyards, granting a resort-like ambience.

There is only a bedroom and a balcony upstairs. Meanwhile, this uniquely designed kids’ bedroom connects to the open area downstairs. Besides, the windows on the head side walls bring lots of natural air and light into this room. From the kids’ bedroom, a staircase leads to the office room where the traditional palm frond ceiling work captures your attention. A single wheel of a bullock cart has been added as an attractive showpiece on the wall here.
The construction of this house, including the structure and the furnishing, was completed on a budget of Rs 68 lakh. The fact that the owner of the house is also the designer turned out to be an advantage as the construction was completed without any delay.
Project Facts
Location – Keralapuram, Kollam
Designer – Arun and Razim
Insight Architectural Ideas, Kollam