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. Reusing and recycling materials played a key role in the renovation, and the existing built forms and materials were conserved wherever possible. 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.
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 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. he west side of the pavilion was carefully chosen to provide a breath-taking view of the sunset. 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 Pullolickel Veedu 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 deliberate selection and planting of the trees on the west side of the pavilion have made it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
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