Renovated traditional house in Kottayam exudes quaint charm

Kurian Punnoose’s century-old ancestral old house at Thottakad in Kottayam, Kerala was recently renovated to suit the demands of the modern era. Interestingly, it was Kurian’s daughter Anupa who took up the responsibility of giving their house a modern makeover.

The interior spaces were rearranged in order to make them spacious. The front side of the old house had open terrace. This was pulled down to install a GI truss roof which is paved with traditional roofing tiles. The newly added roofing plays a major role in adding a grand elegance to the elevation of the house.

The sturdiness of the old ceiling was tested before retaining the wooden rafters and ceiling. The long veranda and the pillars enhance the traditional charm of the house.

The pebble paved front yard and the beautifully curated garden and landscape perfectly complements the elevation of the house. Interestingly, such spacious front yards aren’t a common sight in modern homes.

Designed in 3000 sqft, this amazing abode has a spacious sit out, formal and family living areas, dining space, courtyard, kitchen with a work area and four bedrooms. The sitting area is designed in the detached style, close to the sit out. The wheels of an old cart owned by the family adorn the wall here. Besides, the enchanting beauty of Athamkudi tile flooring is incredible.

Chemical treatment was done on the old walls and ceiling made with laterite stones to prevent termites.

The courtyard is the middle of the outer sitting space and the main structure. The rain water that falls on the roof flows through the channels to nourish the beautiful water body here. Meanwhile, the wind that passes through this area gets cooled before entering the house.

The inner walls don the serene elegance of white hue. Meanwhile, the old furniture in the formal living area has been given a fresh coat of polish. They are enhanced by custom made lamps. Old furniture has been reused in the family living area too. A photo wall filled with old black and photos pays homage to the fabulous memories that are connected to the house. A TV unit too has been arranged here.

The windows in the old house have been installed in a straight line to bring in lots of sun shine and cool wind. This is an excellent example of traditional Vastusastra. Other than replacing a smaller window in the dining area with a long one, too many additions aren’t made in the interiors.

The dining area in the old house was congested. The redundant inner walls were pulled down to make this area spacious. A wash area has been newly added here. Meanwhile, the old back oxide flooring has been replaced with stylish lapotra granite.

The old bedrooms have been made spacious by joining the adjacent areas. Some bedrooms are bath attached and have separate wardrobes too.

The kitchen in the old house was already spacious. So, this has been divided into a modern modular kitchen and a working kitchen.

The landscape too has been modified by planting more trees and plants in the garden area. The renovation was done around six months ago. So, now, the landscape has become a scintillating haven of greenery.

The family is delighted that they have renovated their old house that is a fabulous example of traditional Vastusastra and amazing designer features.

Project Facts

Location – Thottackad, Kottayam

Plot – 2 acres

Area – 3000 SFT

Owner – Kurian Punnoose

Architect – Anupa Kurian

Studio 3 Twenty One Architects and Designers, Kottayam and Kochi

Year of completion - 2023