A young couple in Kochi, with a small child and a busy lifestyle, recently built a home on a 5-cent corner plot within a housing colony of similar small plots. The couple wanted a simple, frugal design that provided privacy while maintaining good ventilation and natural lighting. The design, almost monolithic in form with limited windows, caters to middle-class families looking for an affordable home in the city. The interior is well-lit and ventilated, with a skylit stairwell bringing daylight into the living area.
The design focuses on creating a transition from the street to the interior, with a living room set at the rear end of the house. The white walls create a sculptural canvas for shadows, offering a meditative space that changes with the shifting daylight. The compact home features built-in seaters to accommodate a larger crowd, if needed, and strategically positioned windows for privacy and visibility.
Grounded in geometry, the architecture balances enclosure and exposure, allowing the family to enjoy privacy while staying connected to the outdoors. The reduced material palette and elimination of color in the interiors maximize the expression of daylight. The house stands as a modest sanctuary for the small family, reflecting a balance between simplicity and functionality.
The project was led by owner Prasanth Kumar and architect Divya Rajesh, with a team of architects, interior designers, and engineers involved in bringing the design to life. The house serves as a testament to the idea that simplicity and frugality can create a serene and functional living space for modern families.
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Photo credit www.onmanorama.com
