The pictures of a Swift car parked on a double storey house’s terrace have been doing the rounds on social media lately. Meanwhile, the owner of the house Prasoon Maithri is thrilled that his brand new abode at Mambalam near Payyannur in Kannur, Kerala, has become a rage on various social media platforms. He reveals the ‘secret’ behind how he had parked a white Swift car on his rooftop.
“I am a policeman at the AR camp in Kasargod. Having grown up in an ordinary household, I worked really hard to make a good living. After having a family of my own, I wished to build a beautiful house where I could enjoy special moments with my family. I bought 7.75 cents of land near the junction where the view is incredible. Meanwhile, the construction of the house had begun in December 2019,” says Prasoon.
Prasoon, who had completed a course in draftsmanship, did proper homework before constructing his dream home. Only the basic plan of the house was drawn by an engineer. Everything else, including the idea to ‘park’ a car on the terrace was conceived by Prasoon. His father in law works as a mason on construction sites. So, his vast experiences too had helped in the execution of such a unique idea.
Car on the roof
“There wasn’t a chimney in the initial plan. However, my family members insisted that the house needs chimney. But, after the construction was completed, I felt that the chimney looked odd. Moreover, the smoke from the chimney might blacken the walls too. The chimney was turned into a car to conceal it and also to save the walls from the black smoke. Initially, I had the model of a police jeep in my mind. However, when I asked my superior officers, they advised me that it would be a headache, in case the design lands in legal soup. That is why I chose the design of a Swift car. Sculptor Rajeevan deserves credit for making the car look so original,” notes Prasoon.
First, iron rods and nets were fixed in the shape of the car and then covered the structure in concrete. The measurements of the original car were marked on this structure before plastering and polishing it. Cement, red poozhi mud and jelli stones were the raw materials. The car that is 12 feet long has a width of 5 feet and a height of 6 feet. The smoke that rises from the stove would escape through the opening between the tires, without anyone noticing. Moreover, the white-colored walls too aren’t exposed to the smoke.
Designed in 2300 sqft, this amazing abode has a car porch, sit out, living and dining areas, kitchen with a work area, four bedrooms and a balcony. Alternate materials have been used for furnishing in order to keep a check on the expenses. The false ceiling and the colorful light fittings grant a unique ambience to the interiors. The construction of this interesting house, including the furnishing, was completed on a budget of Rs 45 lakh.
“We had celebrated the housewarming ritual in March this year. I had posted a few pictures of the house on social media. People kept sharing these pictures and soon became viral. We hardly imagined that our house would become so popular. Lots of people come to see the house every day even during the lockdown period. Even the passers–by stops, seeing our house and clicks pictures. Everyone is just curious to know how I had parked the car on the terrace,” smiles Prasoon.
Project Facts
Location – Mambalam, Payyannur
Plot- 7.75 cents
Area – 2300 SFT
Owner – Prasoon Maithri
Year of construction – March 2021