This sturdy, durable Kozhikode house in fibre cement boards is a spectacle

Dr. Prasad’s brand new house in Kozhikode, Kerala, has proved that success favours those who are willing to fearlessly face the challenges. This fabulous house stands on a 5-cent plot that is around 2.5 meters above the road level. Adding to the list of challenges, a well stood right in the middle of this small plot. Usually, it is difficult building a concrete house in a unique terrain like this. The family approached noted designer Vajid Rahman to design a house for them. Vajid who had built countless prefab stilted houses, finally found a solution to effortlessly get through the challenges posed by the layout of the plot.

The foundation is built on GI pillars that are 3.5 feet tall. The structure of the house was then made using GI and steel. Fibre cement boards were then attached to this structure. Houses and buildings built in this method are comparatively lighter and are easy to maintain. Moreover, this house is removable and could be shifted to a different place.

The ground floor has a sit-out, living and dining areas, one bedroom, kitchen with a work area and a servant’s room as well. Meanwhile, there is an upper living space and three bedrooms in the upper floor.

Rub wood has been mostly used for furnishing in this house. Meanwhile, the door frames and the window panes are built using GI frames and aluminium. Acquiring wooden flooring material for a reasonable price of Rs 90 per square feet, from acquaintances, was an amazing advantage. Usually, this costs up to Rs 150 per square feet.

The bath-attached bedrooms have in built wardrobes as well. A balcony has been arranged close to one of the bedrooms in the upper floor. There are lots of openings and evnts to ensure cross ventilation inside the house. The Malabari kitchen furnished in aluminum fabrication is a highlight.

The construction of this beautiful prefab dwelling, including the structure and furnishing, was completed on a reasonable budget of Rs 30 lakh. Experts say that a concrete house like this would cost at least Rs 45 lakh. Though the construction had begun around one and half years ago, it got stalled due to the floods. However, the house could be completed in just 6 months after the works resumed.

Fibre cement boards or V boards are easily available in Kerala now. It costs around Rs 32 per sq ft. The rate is determined by the density or the weight of the boards. It is easier to screw in these boards on steel structures. Unlike the gypsum boards, these do not have the feel of concrete. Designer Vajid vouches for the sturdiness, durability and flexibility of fibre cement boards that can be used to build houses and large buildings as well.

Project Facts

Location – Mayanad, Kozhikode

Plot – 5 cents

Area – 2100 SFT

Owner – Prasad

Designer – Vajid Rahman

Heirarchytects, Malappuram

Budget – Rs 31 lakhs

Year of completion - 2020