On an 18-cent plot at Irinjalakuda in Thrissur district, Anwar and his doctor-wife Asha have made a house that measures 3,800 square feet in size. Their prime demand was that the structure should have its interiors built in such a way that makes maintenance easy for its owners staying abroad. All the same, it should have sufficient air circulation and let in ample sunlight. It was considering these yardsticks the structure was constructed.
The house has a reasonably spacious courtyard at its front. The overall view gives the building a touch of colonial architecture. The outer surface of the walls has stone claddings. The slanting roofs have shingles paved on them. Courtyards exist with the house and outside it. In fact, one enters the house after crossing the outer courtyard that has plants growing by the car porch.
The interiors are in semi-open shapes. They look spacious because there are no needless veils or partings. Noticeable is a water body between the formal living and family living areas. This spot has a glass roofing above that ensures direct reach on sunlight. A dry courtyard is another arrangement.
A staircase goes up from near the family living area. Here, again, there is a green courtyard that has vast glass openings letting in sunlight.
The ventilation for the house deserves special mention. Sprawling paddy fields are behind . The shuttered louvre window on the wall escorts the breeze to inside. The fresh air it brings wafts within the four walls for a while and then filters out through similar shutter windows on the front walls of the house. Never does the air inside become stale; what is more there is natural regulation of the temperature.
The dining table suits six people to sit around and eat.
The house has five bedrooms, each designed according to the taste of the family’s members. Each such room has windows that open to the greenery outside.
Ease in maintenance, particularly, is the focus of the kitchen. Korean stones pave the counter. There is small breakfast counter as well.
The interiors look pleasant in colours such as brown, beige and yellow. Landscaping has not been given much importance, given that none resides here permanently. The way the construction has gone with the characteristics of the plot and customised the needs of its once-in-a-while occupants make the house a special creation.
Project Facts
Location: Irinjalakuda, Thrissur district
Plot: 18 cents
Area: 3,800 sq ft
Owner: Anwar & Dr. Asha
Architect: Sanil Chacko Space Scape Architects, Thrissur
Mobile number: 94470 42753.
