Uneven charm: A touch of innovations

According to architects, very rarely do Keralites go for innovations while constructing their houses. This might be one reason why most Kerala homes are seen on a flat surface or a square plot. But P.M. Moideen Koya bought the layered plot in Mankavu, Kozhikode, he was determined not to convert the land to build his ‘Puthiyara Maliyekkal House’. Their architect was more than happy to experiment with the design for the 2250 sq ft home.

The 5 cents land is divided into two — upper and lower. Pillars were built in the lower portion above which is the unique living area. Beneath the living area, space is allotted for car porch.

On the upper part of the plot, two entrances are there to the house — one that leads to the living area and the other, to the dining hall.

“We were not ready to convert the land, for which we will have to take off a lot of soil,” says Moideen. So the only option left was to construct the house on the existing structure of the plot. This has only made the house more beautiful and unique, he added.

Breaking away from traditional architectural style, the house has a distinctive air about it. It blends historic elements with current lifestyle concepts, connecting the warm, inviting indoors to the outdoors.

Irregular, asymmetrical façade, strong and geometric shapes, extensive use of natural light, open floor plan, flexible layout to adapt to changes in family needs and large windows make the house different. With a living area, a dining hall, two bedrooms, an open kitchen, add-on kitchen space in the first floor, two other bedrooms and a balcony, the house looks elegant with minimal furniture.

Moideeen Koya resides in the house with his wife Suhara Koya, sons Yasir and Nihal, daughter Marzeena, her husband Hafis and their son Arash.