Simple, budget-friendly house in Kottayam boasting comfort

Jayakumar, who recently built his dream abode at his hometown in Nedungadappally in Kottayam, Kerala is happy to share his experiences of it. The new house has been built after demolishing the old ancestral home that was more than forty years old. The family wanted a quaint single-storey house of below 1000 sqft. Besides, they insisted that the budget shouldn’t exceed Rs 15 lakh. Noted architect Reneesh, who is also a family friend, has designed this amazing abode.

The house has a flat roof. However, GI truss roof has been installed only in the front part for aesthetic purposes. The roofing tiles from the old house were cleaned before reusing them in the new house. Besides, the timber from the windows, doors and door frames have been reused to make furniture for the new house.

Designed in 965 sqft, the beautiful house has a sit-out, living and dining areas, courtyard, kitchen and two bedrooms.

The walls are built using cement interlock bricks. The advantage of this is that the walls need not be plastered or painted using putty. Cement plastering has been done only in the front part of the house. Meanwhile, gypsum plastering is done inside the house. As it is white in colour, there is no need to paint the walls again. Besides lowering the expenses, it ensures a comfortable ambience inside the house.

The interiors are designed in an open style. This makes the spaces look incredibly vaster. However, a multi-wood screen embellished with attractive CNC designs separates the living and dining areas. The wash area, meanwhile, has been arranged beside this.

The family is indebted to the architect for designing a courtyard, in this small house, as per their wish. The courtyard and the pooja space are arranged just beside the entrance area.

The bedrooms are simple and have attached bathrooms and storage spaces.

The compact kitchen has everything arranged within the hand’s reach. The shelves are built at a comfortable height.

The construction of the house began during the pandemic times. The budget overshot a bit as the cost of the construction materials skyrocketed. However, the family is relieved that could complete their dream abode for a pocket-friendly budget of Rs 17 lakh.

Project Facts

Location – Nedungadappally, Kottayam

Area – 965 SFT

Owner – Jayakumar

Architect – Renish Gopalakrishnan

Sthaama Architects

Mob – 99612 91980

Year of completion - 2022