Simple yet classy, this cost-effective Kozhikode house is the real winner

Kozhikode natives Sunil Kumar and Neema have been settled in Goa for years, owing to their jobs. The couple had been dreaming to build a house of their own in their hometown, that too without burning a hole in their pocket. They say that they used to notice small yet comfortable houses as they too wanted such a home. In 2020 August, they came across a house in Manorama Online. Impressed by the fabulous design, the couple contacted architect Hidayath who had designed the house.

The owner wanted a house with three bedrooms built under Rs 30 lakh. After the initial discussions and signing of contract, the couple returned to Goa, entrusting Hidayath with the construction works. Eight months later, they returned to their brand new dwelling, happy and contented that the house had turned out better than they had imagined.

The living area and a bedroom that are part of the front elevation have GI truss roofs paved with roofing tiles. The slanting roof plays a pivotal role in granting an elegant look to the elevation. Meanwhile, the rest of the roofing is concrete-proof.

Designed in 1600 sqft, this quaint yet charming abode has a sit-out, living and dining areas, two courtyards, a kitchen with an adjacent work area and three bath attached bedrooms.

The structure is constructed using Hurudees blocks. Interestingly, specially trained workers were hired just for the construction of the structure.

As these blocks have holes on them, they can effectively prevent heat. Moreover, there is no need for plastering which helped in saving money. As these blocks are pretty huge, there is no need to purchase too many for construction.

The readymade furniture pieces go well with the general theme of the house. The interiors are simple and have been decked minimally. The first courtyard is close to the living area. Meanwhile, the second one is near the stair area. Both courtyards have pergola skylight ceilings that illuminate the interiors with natural sunshine. The indoor plants add a pleasant shade of green against the earthy shade of the Hurudees blocks.

The staircase is built by paving wooden planks on a metal frame. The dining area, meanwhile, is arranged beneath the staircase in order to save space.

Marbonite tiles in white and wooden finish have been used for flooring in this house. This makes the interiors appear brighter and vaster too.

The bedrooms are minimal to make maintenance easier. The bath-attached bedrooms have inbuilt wardrobes for storage.

Meanwhile, the kitchen cabinets are done in multi-wood with a mica finish. Granite has been paved on the countertop.

The construction of the house, including the structure and the furnishing, was completed on an affordable budget of Rs 29 lakhs. The family is delighted that people are showering praises on their beautiful cost-effective house.

Among the many factors that helped in reducing the expenses, limiting the use of timber played a major role. Only the front and the back doors are made with timber. The rest of the doors in the house are either metal or made with UPVC. As Hurudees blocks are used for constructing the structure, there is no need for concrete plastering. Moreover, painting works too were avoided as these blocks don a beautiful shade of hue. Reasonably priced marbonite tiles are used for flooring.

Project Facts

Location – Koduvally, Calicut

Plot – 20 cents

Area – 1600 SFT

Owner – Sunil Kumar and Neema

Designer – Hidayath Bin Ali, Design Arc Architecture Studio

Calicut and Malappuram

Mob – 9846045109

Budget – Rs 29 lakhs

Year of completion – 2023 February

Pictures – Akhil Komachy