Jabir Ahammed, who works in IT, is excited to share his experiences of building a stylish, space efficient house at Thrikkakara in Ernakulam, Kerala.
“I and my wife decided to settle in Kochi as both of us work at the Infopark. We bought 4.8 cents land in Thrikkakara, where land cost a bomb. Though we tried to get the plan drawn, it didn’t work out as we had expected. It was then that we began noticing the designs of architect Shinto that were featured in the Home Style feature in Manorama Online. We called up Shinto and entrusted the construction to him,” says Jabir.
The family didn’t want their house to feel cramped and congested even though it was built on a small plot. The elevation has been designed in the flat – box style to save space. The natural cladding and the yellow texture paint on the double height wall are truly spectacular. Car porch isn’t built as part of the structure. Jabir says they would soon build the porch using industrial work without wasting any space.
Built in 1929 sqft, this amazing abode has a sit-out, formal and family living areas, dining area, kitchen with a work area, upper living space and four bedrooms.
The family living area, dining space and the stair area are designed as part of the spacious hall. In an interesting move to save space, the family living area has been arranged beneath the stairway. As this area has a double height ceiling, there is a fabulous connectivity between both the floors. The hand railings of the stairway, meanwhile, are done in GI tubes.
“While the plan was being drawn, we had asked to include a dedicated office space in the upper storey. However, we hardly imagined that this space would turn advantageous so soon. Both of us began working from home since the outbreak of the pandemic. So, our home became our office now. A transparent glass door has been installed here so that we could take care of the home while working,” notes Jabir.
Two bedrooms each are arranged in both the floors. A wall in every room has been lined with full length wardrobes as the family wanted more storage spaces. Meanwhile, the head side walls are highlighted with beautiful shades of hues. Besides, all the bedrooms are bath attached too.
The open kitchen has easy access to the dining area. The cabinets are made in multi wood with laminate finish. Meanwhile, the counter top has been paved with granite. A quaint pantry counter is what connects the kitchen to the dining area.
It was only last month that the family celebrated the housewarming ritual. Jabir says their guests are often mesmerized by the splendid designs and amazing amenities that have been arranged in a house built on a smaller plot.
Project Facts
Location – Thrikkakara, Ernakulam
Plot – 4.8 cents
Area – 1929 SFT
Owner – Jabir Ahammad
Designer – Shinto Varghese
Concept Design Studio, Kadavanthra, Kochi
Ph - +91 4844864633
Year of completion – 2020 November
