This Alappuzha house built on just Rs 15 lakh sets an example

The budget house at the coastal village of Thumpoly in Alappuzha is grabbing the attention of the local people and architecture enthusiasts alike. The house owned by Prasanth is designed by his elder brother Sebastian James.

The family wanted a small house with all the modern facilities, without wasting money on unnecessary luxuries or decors. Sebastian is happy that he had designed a comfortable house without compromising on the aesthetic qualities and that too by just spending Rs 15 lakh.

The 730 sq ft, two storey building takes up only 6 ½ cents of the 11 cents plot. The house is situated just half kilometers away from the sea and since there are chances for puddles to form during the monsoon, the foundation was built after raising the level of the plot.

The sand required for the construction was available from the plot itself and this has significantly helped to reduce the cost of construction. The house was designed to suit the shape of the plot which is wide. Solid concrete blocks were used to build the foundation and the walls.

There is no sit out, instead, one can enter directly into the living area from the courtyard. A dining area too has been arranged here as an extension of the living space. The interior of the house has a simple design and has utilized maximum space.

There is a bedroom on the ground floor, and this is the only area in the entire house which has a cemented roof. There is another bedroom right above this one, and both the bedrooms are bath attached. The bedrooms are in fact the most spacious areas in the house.

Unique design

While the bedroom in the ground floor is just 8 feet high, whereas the one in the first storey has a height of 11 feet. There are dressing areas in both the bedrooms. The stair way which has a simple design begins from the dining area.

One can enter the bedroom on the first storey from the upper landing of the stair way. There is enough space at this landing to set up a computer table or study area.

The kitchen in the house is small, with space just enough for 2 people to stand and cook. There is also a work area, adjacent to the kitchen.

The roof of the house is not cemented; instead tress work has been done with clay tiles paved on it. Though the frame made with iron pipes was a little expensive, it played a significant role in enhancing the chic look of the exteriors.

Acacia for wood

The windowpanes, doors and furniture were built with treated acacia wood sourced from the plot itself. The leftover wooden plank which was originally made to build the prayer area was used for the dining table. Stools and bench made with wood are used at the dining table instead of designer chairs. Lampshades and other wooden curios too were made with the left over wood.

Tiles, in many shapes and sizes, which cost Rs 30 per sqft are paved on the floors. The cupboards are built of plywood with veneer finish. Since the size of the house is small, there is just one window in every room.

These windows can only be opened to 180 degrees as they are fixed on the middle of the walls. However, these windows are not exposed to rainfall or sunlight. The exteriors have been painted in a darker shade of color to make it easy for the family to maintain it.

The construction of the house was completed in just 7 months, and the family, who conducted the house warming ceremony in December last year, is happy to stay comfortably in a small, cozy and beautiful house.