This space-efficient Kochi house is a perfect model for city dwellers

Rejeesh and Parvathi, who work at the Infopark, were not interested in purchasing a flat when they decided to settle down in Ernakulam. So, they bought a 4.2 cents plot in Thevakkal and built a beautiful house with all the modern facilities.

The couple wanted their house to be as space efficient as possible that would overcome the constraints of the small plot. Besides, they wanted the house to have three bedrooms and the front yard to be spacious enough to park at least two vehicles.

The elevation has been designed in three sections. The wall cladding in the centre adds a chic look to the exteriors. On the right side, there is a glass wall in double height. Besides acting as a designer element in the exteriors, this glass wall brings lots of natural sunshine into the interiors as well. Sun film with UV protection is pasted on the glass to prevent the heat from the sun rays from entering the house. The car porch is built by arranging tinted glass inside C channel frame.

There is a foyer, living cum dining hall, three bath attached bedrooms and an open kitchen with an adjacent work area in this stunning house designed in 1800 sq ft area. The interiors are designed in the open style which makes the spaces look vaster. Besides, this doesn’t make the interiors congested and uncomfortable. The huge windows ensure excellent cross ventilation. Each space in this house is interconnected in the most amazing way. All these features do not make it appear like this house is built on such a small plot.

A wall in the formal living area is panelled with gypsum board and is further highlighted using cement texture. The LED mood lighting on the gypsum false ceiling gives a pleasant look to the interiors.

The family also wanted some greenery in their house. So a vertical garden has been arranged on the boundary wall near the patio. Pannal plants that are easier to maintain are planted here. These plants play a vital role in purifying the air inside the house as well. One could get into the patio from the dining area through a sliding glass door. Rolling shutters too have been installed here for added safety.

Vitrified tiles in 80'' X 160'' sizes are paved on the floor in the common areas. Meanwhile, tiles in 2' X 2' are used in the bedrooms. The patio is separated by using wooden tiles for flooring. In the meantime, the lapotra granites add classy elegance to the stairway and the sit out.

The stair area is designed in double height. The family living area cum TV unit is arranged in the lower landing of the stairway. This helps manage space in a meticulous and stylish way. Space has been found in the first landing of the stairway for storage where the inverter is kept. The handrails of the stair feature the classic combination of toughened glass and wood.

There is a bedroom in the ground floor, while the other two bedrooms are in the upper storey. The stairway leads to an open hall in the upper floor. The couple often works from home, so a small office space has been arranged here.

There is a TV unit and a couch cum bed in the upper living area. This couch could easily be turned into a comfortable bed when they have friends sleeping over. This has actually helped save the money that has been allotted for building another guest bedroom. The cots and the wardrobes are made in plywood – veneer combination. Laminate finish panelling adorn the headboards of the cots in the bedrooms.

The kitchen cabinets are done in multi wood with laminate finish. Meanwhile, the pantry counter is in plywood – veneer finish.

The balcony designed in the cantilever style is an eye-catching feature of the house. This looks as if a stylish box is projected from the façade. You could enjoy the views without actually being noticed from the outside. This beautiful balcony is the liveliest spot where the family members love to spend their evenings. The open terrace has been covered to be turned into a utility area. This is also the laundry space where the washing machine is kept.

Natural stone and grass are paved in alternate layers in the front yard. Meanwhile, pebbles are used around the house to allow the rain water to seep into the earth.

This spectacular house stands out for its smart designing that overcomes spatial constraints. It is an excellent example for those who plan to build houses on smaller plots that cost a bomb, in the metro cities.

Project Facts

Location – Thevakkal, Ernakulam

Area – 1800 sq ft

Plot – 4.2 cents

Owner – Rajeesh and Parvathy

Designer – Shinto Varghese

Concept Design Studio, Ernakulam

Mob – 9895821633

Year of completion – November 2019