Ranjith and Shivaprabha who work at ONGC are proud to show around their dream home ‘Mithila’ at the beautiful countryside of Kooropada in Kottayam district, Kerala. The couple regularly reads the Home Style feature on Manorama Online and had developed a taste for designing. The most amazing fact about their brand-new house is that it was designed by the couple themselves. As both of them are geoscientists, they have used many natural elements to enhance the unique look of their house. The compound wall built using laterite stones exudes a rustic charm. The plan was finalised after designing each area, multiple times. For this, they had even purchased a special software. Ranjith says that it took almost a year for them to try out various designs and finally come up with a plan. Engineer Shibu too deserves credit for fulfilling the family’s dreams by perfectly executing the plan and building them their dream dwelling.
The elevation features an enchanting blend of colonial elegance and contemporary style. Pergola designs, which are a unique feature of contemporary architecture, have been added on the main gate and the wicket gate too. Roads run on the north and west sides of the house. So, the elevation too dons two different ‘looks’ offering unique views from the roads. Even though the house faces the north direction, the west side too looks grand and elegant as if it is the entrance. A Truss roof has been installed above the flat roof to suit the tropical climate of Kerala. The roof had been paved with tiles to grant that classy look. Besides reducing the heat inside the house, this feature ensures double height for the upper floor. This has actually helped the structure, which stands in a plot that lies below the road level, look tall and majestic.
Designed in 3760 sqft, this splendid mansion has a car porch, sit-out, formal and family living areas, pooja area, upper living space, kitchen with an adjacent work area, storeroom, library and five bedrooms and two balconies too. The interiors are designed in an open style. The public spaces don the elegant white hue. Meanwhile, the borders of the windows have multi wood panelling which is topped with walnut colour stain polish. The custom-made furniture pieces are classy and compliment the theme of the house. The space-efficient areas are the highlight of this smartly designed house. Digital door lock, CCTV surveillance and automated wifi lights are some of the spectacular features of this modern abode.
The entrance door opens to the foyer. The pooja space that exudes traditional vibes and the formal living area has been arranged on both sides of the foyer. The image of Lord Ganesh done in CNC cutting works on the metal door of the pooja area is an eye-catching element. Besides, the beautiful CNC design of a peacock feather on the foyer ceiling too is incredibly attractive. A wall in the formal living area has been highlighted with natural stone cladding and a Buddha figurine is fixed on this wall. Meanwhile, the quaint pebble court below this is a beautiful addition that completes the composition. All these grant a mesmerising ambience to the formal living area.
The stairway that is designed in the industrial style is the highlight of the spacious family living area. The steps are covered with palm timber panels that are specially brought from Palakkad. Meanwhile, hand railings are stainless steel cables. The internal courtyard paved with artificial grass beneath the stairway is an interesting addition. The vertical pergolas on the wall beside the stair bring lots of natural light into the house. Meanwhile, another double-height wall has been decorated with laterite stone cladding.
A semi partition is what separates the family living area and the TV space. As the dining area is designed in the open style, a rolling shutter has been installed here, instead of a door, to connect this area to the patio. The compound wall beside the patio has been built in double-height to separate a gazebo here. The vertical garden here adds a hint of pleasant greenery. Moreover, this area is cool and exudes positive vibes too.
The cabinets in the modular kitchen are done in multi wood with a lacquered glass finish. Meanwhile, the nano white counter too adds a classy elegance to the kitchen. The quaint breakfast table painted in white acrylic finish perfectly matches the colour theme of the kitchen. The storeroom and the work area have been arranged on both sides of the kitchen.
There are four bedrooms in the house. Besides, there is a servant’s room too. Two bedrooms are on the ground floor while three are arranged in the upper floor. The bedrooms are decorated in unique colour themes. The bath attached bedrooms have separate dressing areas and wardrobes too. One of the balconies have a pergola roof of toughened glass. Meanwhile, the other one is a closed balcony with sloped roof.
As there is sufficient supply of natural light and cool air inside the house, there is no need to switch on the lights or fans during the day. The structure is built using double-layered bricks which helps in reducing the heat inside the house. The family expresses their love for greenery by adorning their house with lots of beautiful indoor plants. Besides, they are all set to plant some exotic fruit trees in their amazing garden. The couple says that they were thrilled to move into their dream abode that they had designed on a computer screen.
Project Facts
Location – Kooropada, Kottayam
Area – 3760 SFT
Owner – Renjith KR
Year of construction – 2021
Mob - 9435718160