The renovation of “Pullolickel Veedu,” a 100-year-old ancestral home in Kottayam, Kerala, was a thoughtful and deliberate process that aimed to preserve the traditional vernacular style while incorporating modern touches. The renovation of Pullolickel Veedu has been executed with a great deal of care and attention to detail. Reusing and recycling materials played a key role in the renovation, and the existing built forms and materials were conserved wherever possible. The use of locally sourced materials and the emphasis on eco-friendliness have also been major factors in the renovation.
A Modest Ancestral Home that Makes Time Stand Still in its Conform | Studio 3TwentyOne
Kottayam falls in the tropical monsoon climate receiving heavy rains most of the year while the summer heats are to be dissipated to make the interiors comforting. The humidity is an important factor that has its impact in the temperature and quality of the indoor space.
The tropical green around the house was the strength that was to be made into use for the house. The lush green due to the well irrigated soil was to be maintained and hence rainwater conservation was also considered in the renovation. These factors were the primary driving factors to the design of the house.
One of the most striking features of the renovated home is the beautifully restored mosaic floor. The floor was brought back to life by grinding and polishing, and it now serves as a stunning focal point for the home’s interior. The spaces were replanned to incorporate a larger dining space and modern kitchen, while still using traditional materials.
The colour palette is primarily wood, white, and the mosaic floor, creating a balanced and elegant atmosphere. Using traditional Athangudi tiles for a pavilion is a great way to reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainability.
Athangudi tiles are handmade tiles that are made from a mixture of cement and sand, which makes them environmentally friendly and durable. Additionally, using these tiles can also help to promote local craftsmanship and support the local economy.
The use of black and white patterned tiles can create a beautiful aesthetic that complements the rest of the floor. The contrast of black and white creates a striking visual effect that can add depth and interest to the space.
Moreover, these tiles are also easy to maintain and can withstand wear and tear, making them an excellent choice for the house conservation.
The sloped roof design of the building is particularly noteworthy, as it not only responds to the climate but also collects rainwater in the gutters for harvesting and recharging groundwater. This is an excellent example of sustainable design that can have a positive impact on the environment.
The renovation also focused on enhancing the home’s natural ventilation and lighting. Fenestration was placed in a line in every room to maximize natural light and airflow, while the high ceilings aided in natural cooling and added a touch of grandeur to the home’s aristocratic interiors.
The North-South orientation of the house was the added advantage which allowed more openings to the north and thus kept the house cool. The careful crafting of cross ventilation and openings has helped to reduce the running cost of the building in terms of artificial cooling and lighting.
The addition of a veranda to protect the walls and shade the rooms behind it has further reduced heat gain, while the courtyard has been designed to increase air flow and promote evaporative cooling in the summers. The thick vegetation cover around the building has also helped to reduce heat gain and create a more comfortable environment.
The waterbody in the outdoor courtyard also helped in evaporative cooling in the summers. The tropical minimal interiors of the home were carefully designed to create a comfortable and visually pleasing atmosphere. The lighting fixtures were chosen to match the traditional yet elegant look of the home’s interior, and all other lights are concealed, providing indirect illumination that further enhances the home’s aesthetic appeal. The renovation also included the transformation of an existing garage into an open pavilion, offering stunning sunset views and a space for family gatherings.
The landscape was enriched with fruit trees and a butterfly garden, elevating the home’s outdoor living spaces. The west side was carefully chosen for the Pavillion to provide a breathtaking view of the sunset. The evening breeze from the unobstructed landscape makes this space a wonderful and The trees planted there were strategically positioned to frame the sunset in a stunning way, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, the fruit trees were carefully selected to give the area a feel of an orchard of paradise, which is sure to create a sense of tranquillity and peace. Apart from their beauty, the trees also serve a practical purpose by providing shade during the rest of the day. This makes the pavilion an ideal spot for people to relax and enjoy the outdoors while being protected from the harsh rays of the sun.
The planting of the trees also takes into consideration the needs of the local bird population. The fruit trees serve as a source of nourishment for the birds, while the branches and leaves offer them shelter from the elements. This ensures that the area is home to a wide variety of bird species, and their chirping can be heard in the evening as you enjoy your tea by the sunset.
Overall, the renovation of this ancestral home successfully preserved the home’s antique aristocratic vernacular while enriching the quality of space and living to suit modern lifestyles. The careful and deliberate interventions made to manifest the traditional look and antique value of the home demonstrate a deep respect for the past and a commitment to sustainability.
The use of local materials and sustainable building practices, along with the incorporation of natural ventilation and lighting, has resulted in an eco-friendly home that is both beautiful and functional. incorporating traditional athangudi tiles into a pavilion design is a sustainable and beautiful choice that can help to reduce the carbon footprint of the space while promoting local craftsmanship and supporting the local economy.
The renovation of this ancestral home serves as a great example of how traditional architecture can be adapted to modern living while still preserving its cultural and historical significance. It is a testament to the importance of sustainable and thoughtful design in creating a harmonious relationship between people and their environment.
Fact File
Designed by: Studio 3TwentyOne
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Pullolickel Veedu
Location: Kottayam, Kerala
Year Built: 2023
Built-up Area: 3000 Sq.ft
Project Cost: 25 Lakhs
Principal Architect: Anupa Kurian
Photograph Courtesy: Running Studios & Prasanth Mohan
Lighting: Classic Art Lamps, Changanassery
Tiles: P and N Ceramics, Kottayam, Athangudi tiles, Athangudi, Tamil Nadu
Firm’s Instagram Link: Studio 3TwentyOne
Firm’s Facebook Link: Studio 3TwentyOne
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