Nature up close for joint family at this elegant home

In the days of yore, joint families were a common sight in Kerala. The tradition slowly started getting replaced by nuclear families with the advent of modern lifestyle and urbanization. However, this elegant house of Manikandan Nair and his wife Chandrika in Thiruvananthapuram is a departure from the modern theory of home and is a perfect abode of a family. Nair and Chandrika live with their two sons and their families at this 3200 sq ft house which stands elegantly in a 50 cents plot.

Owing to the unique geographical features of the plot, the house is constructed in 5 levels. The house is on the middle level and landscaping is done on the first two levels of the slopes, which make the entire structure look incredibly attractive. Alex Nalinan of Casa India Designs in Thiruvananthapuram, has meticulously utilized the spaces while designing this house.

Steps lead to the sit out and this is an ideal space for family members to spend a pleasant evening together. There is a water body behind the car porch, and this fountain and the surrounding garden would be a pleasing sight for the guests who enter the house. There is a formal living space, family living area, dining area, pantry, kitchen, work area and 5 bedrooms in the house. Wooden claddings, beautiful paintings and unique curios adorn the formal living space. The family living space has been furnished in wooden finish.

The pooja room/space arranged behind the stairway has ample privacy. At the center of the main hall, there is an eight-seater dining table. The curio shelf and the wash area complete the dining area. There is a small courtyard below the staircase here and an indoor plant enhances the charm of the courtyard.

All the bedrooms are bath attached with dressing and study areas. The balconies of the bedrooms open to the soothing sight of the beautiful greenery outside.

The kitchen is predominantly in green theme and has lots of cupboards and storage spaces done in the laminate finish. Korean stone is laid on the counter top and a small breakfast table too is arranged here.

There is an organic vegetable farm behind the house and the family harvests vegetables from here for their daily use. Besides, there is also a play area for the kids, a separate area to keep the pets and vermin compost here. The owner and his family have created a unique atmosphere at this house where the family members are constantly in contact with the nature.

Project facts

Location – Pallichal, Thiruvananthapuram

Owner – B Manikandan

Plot – 50 cents

Area – 3400 SFT

Designer – Alex Nalinan, Casa Design Concepts

Mob – 9895393626

Completion year - 2017