The entire world is battling climate changes that affect the stability of the ecology and the lives of people as well. Kerala too has gone through some disastrous natural calamities in the past few years. Part of the blame must go to unscientific construction methods that cause great harm to the surrounding environments. Pristine natural settings are turned into concrete jungle by blasting off boulders and clearing forest land. Many of us even turn a blind eye to the illegal sand mining just so that houses and buildings could be constructed.
Dr. Nisamuddin, a doctor of naturopathy, has built an eco-friendly house that doesn’t harm the nature at Karakulam in Thiruvananthapuram. Limited use of timber and concrete is the highlight of this beautiful house. Most parts of this house are built using soil, stones and bricks. Concrete has been used sparingly in this house. Interestingly, this splendid abode looks like a regular house from the outside. If you doubt whether one can live comfortably or not in a mud house in this modern age, this house with all the facilities would give any luxury mansion a run for their money.
The structure is designed by retaining the natural slopes of the plot. The foundation and the walls are built using the rammed earth technology where sticky mud is pounded into moulds. Expert workers were hired for this job. The exterior walls exude the classy charm of exposed bricks. As the house is designed in multiple levels, it appears like a spacious three storied building.
Designed in 2200 sq ft area, the magnificent abode has a car porch, sit-out, formal and family living areas, dining space, four bedrooms, kitchen with adjacent work area and an open balcony.
The entrance door opens to the formal living area that stands out for its minimal style and elegance. The attractive furniture plays pivotal role in enhancing the charming look of this space. A semi partition is what separates the living and the dining areas. Walls with mud texture finish add the perfect ambience of a rustic dwelling that is one with the nature.
The mini courtyard beside the dining area has an open ceiling through which rains and sun shine come into the house. Steel is used to build the doors and the windows. The stairway features an interesting suspension design which utilizes less space. Meanwhile, the hand railings of the stairway are done in stainless steel.
There are two bedrooms in the level just below the dining space. Similarly, there are two more bedrooms in the upper storey as well. The stairway leads to a spacious hall where an office space too has been arranged.
Apart from the modern modular kitchen, there is also an adjacent work area that is equipped with the traditional wood fire stove.
The minimally designed bedrooms are elegant and extremely comfortable as well. The bath attached bedrooms have huge windows to ensure excellent cross ventilation.
Nisammudin says that many tried to dissuade him from building a mud house saying that such houses aren’t sturdy and durable. However, he admits that he felt confident after URVI, a construction firm that specializes in designing eco friendly houses came on board.
“The temperature inside the house is very comfortable even during the noon time. There is no need to switch on the air conditioner. Even the ceiling fans do not have to be used at all the time. As the interior spaces are well lit with natural sunshine, there is no need to switch on the lights during the day. So, the electricity bills do not burn a hole in the pocket,” says the owner.
The name ‘Dew Dale’ is perfect for this spectacular abode which makes you feel cool and comfortable even during the harshest summers.
Project Facts
Location – Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram
Owner – Dr. Nisamudeen
Architect – Hasan Naseef
URVI Sustainable Spaces
Mob – 97466 38023
