Low-cost Kollam house with incredible interiors is social media sensation

Renchu Raveendran, who had worked as a welder in the Gulf for almost thirteen years, was keen to build a house of his own in his hometown in Keralapuram, Kollam. However, he had faced unexpected financial difficulties that toppled his dreams. It was noted architect and his close friend Razim who encouraged him to build a beautiful house on a pocket-friendly budget to build a house in his 5 cents plot. Renchu says he just had Rs 2 lakh with him when the construction began. However, he was relieved when a home loan was approved.

Designed in 1250 sqft, the house has a sit-out, living and dining areas, kitchen and three bedrooms. Interestingly, the well-furnished interiors grant a luxurious ambience.

As Renchu is a welder, he had built all the furniture pieces by covering plywood on metal frames. He proudly says that the couch, dining table, chairs, bench and the cots were built by himself. This helped in reducing the furnishing costs to a great extent.

The open interiors look and feel spacious. The entrance door opens to the elegant formal living area where a couch and a TV unit have been arranged. The designer tiles paved on the floor in the common areas grant a luxurious ambience to the interiors. Meanwhile, TKT panelling works with a timber finish, have been done on the ceiling. Moreover, this is inexpensive too. The wall where the TV unit is installed too is highlighted by pasting the designer tiles. The owner says that he had handpicked these tiles, which looks incredibly beautiful and are inexpensive too.

The clay jali and glass ceiling in the dining area lets in ample sunshine. Moreover, these jali could be separated to build a stairway here in case the family wishes to construct another floor, in the future.

There is a quaint in – built sitting area and a courtyard with clay jali works on the wall, close to the kitchen. This area too plays a pivotal role in illuminating the interiors with natural light.

The kitchen is extremely space efficient. Reasonably priced tiles have been paved on the counter top. Meanwhile, the cupboards are built using WPC. A quaint breakfast counter opens to the dining area. Clay jali works could be seen here too.

All the bedrooms are bath attached. Inexpensive readymade fibre doors are used here to tame the expenses. Meanwhile, the master bedroom is decked up with amazing profile lighting that elevates the ambience. Besides, there are mirrors and storage spaces too in the bedrooms.

The stairway in the backside of the house leads to the party area upstairs. This is where the family hosts small parties and gatherings. Roofing tiles have been paved on the GI truss roof here. This space is what makes the structure look like a double-storeyed one. The clay jalis on the wall here is an attractive feature. This looks fabulous when the profile lights are switched on at night.

This house is not just a perfect example of a charming and comfortable house built on an affordable budget but celebrates the beauty of friendship too. Renchu began the construction of his dream abode when he was financially struggling. But, his close friends and relatives stood with him to make him fulfil his dream. After he posted pictures of his brand-new house on social media, lots of people came to see this affordable house. The family is joyous that their modest yet beautiful home has become the talk of the town.

Project Facts

Location – Keralapuram, Kollam

Plot – 5 cents

Area – 1250 SFT

Owner – Renchu Raveendran

Design – Razim, Arun

Insight Architectural Ideas, Kollam

Mob – 9961061363, 9995970912

Budget – Rs 19.5 lakhs

Year of completion - 2022