House in Muvattupuzha that conforms to modern and eco-friendly architecture

Many often complain that their concrete houses feel like kilns during the harsher summer. They cannot stay inside the houses without switching on the ceiling fans or air conditioners. Meanwhile, this beautiful house in Vazhakulam in Muvattupuzha easily beats the summer sun with its cool interiors and eco-friendly features.

The house is designed to blend amazingly with the surroundings that boast of lush greenery and cool vegetation. The theme of minimalism could be spotted in every corner of this elegant abode. The walls with cement finish and exposed brick works and the roof paved with traditional mud roofing tiles add a rustic charm to the exteriors. Truss work is installed on the concrete roof and then paved with tiles. This blocks the hot sun rays from entering the house. The vacuum spaces between the walls and roof push the warm air out of the house.

The house is designed in three levels owing to the unique structure of the plot. The common areas, designed in double height, appear vaster and spacious. There is a car porch, sit-out, living and dining areas, patio, and kitchen with an adjacent work area, four bedrooms, balcony and a multi utility space too in this house that has an area of 2500 sq ft.

The doors and windows are made using wild jack and teak wood. The unique flooring is truly the highlight of the interiors. The exclusive handmade Athamkudi tiles add a luxurious charm to the spaces.

The construction of this house, including the structure and the furnishing, was completed on an affordable budget of Rs 35 lakh. Considering the current construction rates and material costs, it could have gone up to Rs 45 lakh.

A decent garden and some front yard too have been accommodated in the 8.5 cents plot. The front yard is paved with hard rock and grass in alternate layers. The beautiful vines that spread to the roof look mesmerizing. There is a fish pond closer to the structure. The rain water that falls from the roof is stored in this pond.

Among the many factors that helped in reducing the expenses, designing the interiors in rustic finish played a vital role. Wall claddings, false ceiling and plastering are avoided. Significant amount of money could be saved as the house didn’t require elaborate painting. Just a touch of white washing was required at certain areas. Roofing tiles procured from an old factory were reused here. The use of timber is limited.

Project Facts

Location – Vazhakkulam, Muvattupuzha

Plot – 8.5 cents

Area – 2500 SFT

Owner – Ajith Kumar

Architects – Akhil Chandran and Midhunkumar

SO Studio, Vazhakkulam

Mob – 9400950204, 9544222640

Year of completion - 2019