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  • A 150-Year-Old Kerala Legacy Lives On Through Porotherm Bricks And Timber | A Rated Creators Lab

    ‘SREELAKOM’ is a home for a family of three that brings together the memories of the past and the needs of modern living. The project draws from the history of the site, where a 150-year-old house once stood. Severe termite infestation and structural deterioration made it necessary to dismantle the old structure. However, the design preserved its legacy by salvaging and reusing as many materials as possible. Aged timber members were carefully restored and reused in the new home. Their rich patina and history bring warmth and authenticity to the spaces. The reclaimed wood also finds use in structural elements, doors, windows and interior details, carrying the spirit of the original house into the new architecture.

    A Rated Creators Lab

    Design Objectives:

    Material Reuse and sustainability: To salvage and reuse materials from the demolished structure wherever possible, particularly the aged timber from the 150- year-old house, minimizing waste while preserving the material memory of the site.

    Respecting the Site’s history: To retain a tangible connection to the previous dwelling by incorporating reclaimed architectural elements into the new design, allowing the past to remain embedded within the new home.

    Functional Living for a Family of Three: To create a comfortable and efficient home tailored to the daily needs of a small family, with well-defined private and shared spaces.

    Creating Warm and Intimate Spaces: To design interiors that feel warm, familiar, and lived-in, where natural materials and textures contribute to a calm and welcoming atmosphere.

    TV Unit

    Reclaimed wooden shutters from the old house now form the TV unit, preserving the timber’s age and character. The weathered timber adds warmth and preserves a subtle memory of the former structure.

    Pooja Unit and Almirah

    Reclaimed wooden window shutters from the original structure were reused to create the pooja unit and almirah. This approach gives the old materials a new purpose while preserving their character.

    The unit is designed as a simple cabinet, allowing the shutters to become the focal element. The contrast between the reclaimed
    timber and the surrounding wall surfaces highlights the craftsmanship of the old material.

    Building with Porotherm Bricks.

    The external and internal walls are constructed using Porotherm Blocks, selected for their durability, thermal efficiency, and environmental benefits. Their hollow clay structure provides effective insulation, reducing heat transfer and helping maintain cooler indoor conditions.

    The lightweight blocks also reduce structural load and allow faster construction while improving thermal and acoustic comfort within the house.

    Fact File

    Designed by: A Rated Creators Lab

    Project Type: Residential Architecture & Interior Design

    Project Name: ‘’Sreelakom’’

    Location: Trivandrum, Kerala

    Year Built: 2026

    Duration of the project: 14 Months

    Built-up Area: 1600 Sqft

    Project Cost: 56 Lakhs

    Principal Architect: Ar. Anandha Padmanabhan.C

    Photograph Courtesy: jenseer_arch.photographer

    Interior Styling: Ar. Anandha Padmanabhan.C, Er. Archana, Er. Varun V

    Landscape Architects: Solo Architects

    Firm’s Instagram Link: A Rated Creators Lab

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