Ratheesh, who works as a sub engineer at KSEB has built his brand new house at his hometown in Mayannoor in Thrissur, Kerala. The family wanted a beautiful house that has traditional features like nadumuttam and naalukettu (central courtyard) and all the essential modern amenities as well. Moreover, Ratheesh wished to build his dream home on a pocket friendly budget.
Naalukettu or a central courtyard is an elaborate feature that is usually seen in huge houses of over 2000 sq ft area built on a big budget. The construction costs would skyrocket for such buildings as a naalukettu requires more area in square feet. That is the reason why commoners do not often choose to build a nadumuttam even if they wish to have one in their homes. However, designer Muraleedharan has included a naalukettu or a nadumuttam in this comparatively smaller house, which indeed is quite interesting.
Designed in 1673, this fabulous abode has a sit out, living and dining areas, courtyard, kitchen, three bedrooms and a bathroom. The structure is built using interlock bricks. The most amazing advantage of this method of construction is that it requires minimum amount of sand and cement. As these bricks are relatively bigger in size, less number were required to build the structure. Instead of cement plastering, the interior walls have gypsum plastering. Besides, lowering the construction costs, this features helps in maintaining a cool and comfortable atmosphere inside the house.
Concrete tiles are paved on the GI truss roof. The gypsum false ceiling inside the house reminds one of the classic timber ceilings that are seen in traditional houses. The LED light fitting, meanwhile, enhances the chic look of the interiors. The sit-out and the sitting space in the traditional style were avoided to lower the expenses.
The door and the window in the front side are built in exclusive teak wood. Meanwhile, the rest of the windows in the house are in steel. Readymade doors too are used at some spots in this house. Moderately priced marbonite that costs Rs 60 per square feet are paved on the floor.
The ‘open to sky’ courtyard brings pleasant sunshine and mesmerizing rain showers into the house. Metal grilles are installed here for added security. Besides, a drainage facility too has been arranged in the courtyard to drain away the rainwater that falls here.
The living and the dining spaces are arranged on either sides of the courtyard, allowing amazing views of it from all corners of the house. The dining table has bench on one side. The main kitchen is designed in the open theme. The cupboards, meanwhile, are done in aluminium fabrication. The counter top has been paved with granite. An adjacent work area completes the kitchen. Grilles are installed on the wall here to ensure excellent cross ventilation.
All the bedrooms are bath attached. The wardrobes are built by paving ACP sheet on ferro cement slabs to reduce the expenses.
The construction of this house, including the structure and furnishing, was completed on a moderate budget of Rs 24 lakh. This indeed is impressive as it would have cost at least Rs 35 lakh to build a house like this, considering the current construction costs and rate of building materials.
This splendid house has proved that traditional features like naalukettu and nadumuttam could be built in moderately budgeted houses as well, by using alternate building materials that are less expensive.
Project Facts
Location – Mayannoor, Thrissur
Plot – 6.5 cents
Area – 1673 SFT
Owner – Ratheesh
Designer – KV Muraleedharan
Building Designers Chelari, Malappuram
Mob – 9895018990
Email – buildingdesigners1985@gmail.com
Busget – 24 lakhs
