Dean and Rose are delighted to share their experiences of building their dream home in Kochi, despite bearing the disappointment of losing their favourite plot. They had wished to purchase a 20-cent plot in which they dreamed of constructing a spacious home. However, they lost the plot at the last minute, leaving them with a tiny 3.1-cent area.
The old building on this plot was dismantled before the construction of the new house began. The couple who had dreamed of building a spacious and elaborate house was skeptical about whether a comfortable house could be built there or not. The owner roped in noted architect Rinn who is also his relative to design their house. Interestingly, it was Rinn and his wife who directed the Malayalam movie ‘Pyali’ which narrates the heart-touching story of two orphaned siblings.
The movie’s art direction had earned critical acclaim. The design team faced multiple challenges from the beginning itself. The plot was surrounded by houses and had a narrow entrance path, making it extremely difficult for transporting the building materials. However, they were able to complete the construction on time by overcoming these challenges.
Truss roof is installed over a standard flat roof ceiling to suit the tropical climate of Kerala. Meanwhile, the sliding and folding gate is space-efficient and perfect for small plots like this. The front yard, though small, is spacious enough to accommodate up to two cars. The house designed in 1150 sqft has a sit-out, living and dining areas, kitchen with an adjacent work area and a bedroom on the ground floor. The upper floor has a bedroom, living area and a balcony.
The spectacular colour palette makes the interiors look incredibly charming. The scintillating fusion of hues perfectly complements the unique flooring. Classy terracotta tiles have been used for flooring in the common areas. Meanwhile, the Moroccan tiles paved as designer borders add a dreamy ambience to the spaces.
The owner was keen to follow the reuse and recycle method to keep a check on the budget. Concrete ceilings concealed using white paint has been retained in many places by avoiding plastering. The old dining table is given a fresh coat of white hue and is paired with the same chairs that got new designer upholstery. The open kitchen is part of the hall, making it a common space for the family members to gather. Besides, lots of storage spaces and cupboards are included in the small kitchen.
The house has only two bedrooms as it is a small family. The owner was interested in adding more common spaces that are cozy and beautiful. The family loves spending time at the balcony, enjoying their evening tea while gazing at the surroundings. The interiors of this smartly designed house are so enchanting that it hardly feels like a house that is built on a 3.1-cent plot. The owners can’t thank Rinn and his wife Babitha enough who have designed their dream abode as meticulously as directing a beautiful movie.
Project Facts
Location – Fort Kochi
Plot – 3.1 cents
Area – 1150 SFT
Owners – Dean and Rose
Design – AX Rinn
Rinn Design
