Navas had just one request to his friend and noted architect Mejo when the former decided to build his dream dwelling. He wanted a beautiful house, with all the modern facilities, on his 6 cents plot in Edappally, Ernakulam. Besides, Navas wished for a budget-friendly abode that didn’t burn a hole his pocket. Mejo considered all these demands and suggested an interesting solution – GFRG panels.
This fabulous prefab house is built using GFRG panels that were made in FACT. The panels were transported from the factory to the site in lorries after the foundation was built. These gypsum walls that are 12 x 3 meters high and 12.5 centimetres dense were then installed with the help of cranes. These were installed after leaving spaces for the windows and the doors. GFRG panels have been used on the roof as well. However, a layer of concrete proofing has been done over this.
The most amazing advantage of this method is that the construction could be completed in a very short time with a small number of skilled workers. The temperature inside the house is very comfortable as concrete isn’t used.
Navas wanted his prefab house to look like a regular house from the outside. So, a cement show wall has been installed in the front as a designer piece. The stone claddings on it add the perfect contrast here.
Designed in 1400 sq ft area, this beautiful house has a sit-out, formal and family living areas, dining space, kitchen and three bedrooms. Vitrified tiles are paved on the floor. The interiors, meanwhile, are designed in the minimal style without any over the top decor.
The open spaces make the interiors look incredibly vaster. The entrance door opens to the formal living area which then leads to the dining space. A wall each in every area is highlighted using pleasant shades of hues.
A door-cum-window has been installed near the family living area. One could get to the landscape through this door. Besides, it brings lots of fresh air and sun shine into the house.
The bedrooms are simple with attached bathrooms and ample storage spaces. The kitchen, meanwhile, is furnished in the red and white colour theme. The cabinets here are done using aluminium fabrication. An adjacent work area completes the quaint yet space efficient kitchen.
Interestingly, the construction of this splendid prefab house could be completed on a moderate budget of Rs 21 lakh. This is a reasonable amount when compared to the current costs to build a concrete dwelling of the same area in square feet. Experts say that it would at least cost Rs 33 lakh to construct such a house in concrete. Prefab houses could be built within a short period of time with few skilled workers. Moreover, these houses could be built on a pocket friendly budget as well. These houses are as safe as a concrete house. Besides, funguses do not grow on these durable walls. The structure is safe from fire hazards too. Designer Mejo vouches for the sturdiness of these panels and say that not just houses but industrial buildings too could be easily built using the GFRG panels.
Project Facts
Location – Edappally
Plot – 6 cents
Area – 1400 SFT
Owner – Navas
Design – Mejo
Voyage Designs, Vytilla
Mob – 9745640027
Year of completion – 2016
