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Budget-Friendly Open-Planning Home | R+A Architects Kerala Case Study


Project Overview

  • Project Name: Shafeeq & Family Residence
  • Location: Perinthalmanna, Kerala
  • Project Type: Budget Residential Home
  • Timeline: 1.5 Years
  • Cost Range: To be updated
  • Services Provided: Architectural Design + Planning
  • Firm: R+A Architects Kerala

This project by experienced architects in Kerala demonstrates how smart planning and material choices can transform a congested plot into a breathable, light-filled home — even within a strict budget.

Client Requirement & Site Challenge​

The site was located in a dense residential neighborhood with:

  • Houses on three sides
  • Limited openness and external views
  • Restricted natural ventilation
  • Strong need for privacy

A major constraint:

  • An existing well positioned near the center of the plot had to be retained

The client wanted:

  • A simple, cost-efficient home
  • A sense of openness despite the tight surroundings
  • Functional planning without visual clutter
  • Natural airflow and lighting

Architectural Design Strategy

1) Integrating the Existing Well

Instead of treating the well as an obstacle, it became part of the design language.

  • Integrated into landscaping
  • Subtly blended with spatial movement
  • Not visually dominant, but experientially present
  • Adds character and memory to the house

As residents move through the home, the well becomes a calm, unexpected spatial element.

2) Creating Openness in a Congested Site

To overcome surrounding built mass:

  • Adopted open planning strategy
  • Visual connectivity between interior spaces
  • Carefully positioned openings for airflow
  • Strategic light entry points

This helped:

  • Bring daylight deep into interiors
  • Improve ventilation despite limited external exposure
  • Create a sense of openness inside

3) Privacy-Focused Planning

Since houses surround the site:

  • Openings oriented inward where required
  • Controlled visual exposure
  • Layered planning for family privacy

The design balances openness and protection.

Materials & Cost-Conscious Construction

Material selection focused on durability, simplicity, and affordability.

  • Exposed brick cladding
    • Low maintenance
    • Natural aesthetic
    • Budget friendly
  • Cement-based textured finishes
    • Weather resistant
    • Modern visual character
  • Minimal interior palette
    • Reduces cost
    • Maintains visual calm
    • Easy to maintain

This approach supports a budget-friendly home construction in Kerala without compromising architectural quality.

Spatial Experience

Despite a compact and surrounded site, the home now offers:

  • Light-filled interiors
  • Continuous visual movement
  • Calm, breathable spaces
  • Hidden yet meaningful landscape integration
  • Functional everyday living zones

The open planning removes the feeling of congestion.

Final Outcome

The Shafeeq Residence stands as a strong example of budget residential architecture in Kerala, showing how design intelligence can overcome site constraints.

Key achievements:

  • Transformed congested plot into open-feel home
  • Integrated well into landscape narrative
  • Balanced privacy and ventilation
  • Maintained budget discipline
  • Created a simple yet impactful architectural identity

Client Impact

  • Comfortable indoor environment
  • Improved airflow
  • Sense of openness within limited site
  • Easy maintenance
  • Cost-effective construction

About R+A Architects Kerala

R+A Architects focuses on:

  • Budget-friendly residential design
  • Site-responsive architecture
  • Climate-aware planning
  • Functional layouts for everyday living
  • Context-driven design solutions

Each project responds to its site, client needs, and cultural setting.

Planning a Budget Home in Kerala?

Looking for:

  • Affordable home planning
  • Architects in Kerala for small plots
  • Smart design for congested sites

R+A Architects can guide you with practical, thoughtful architectural solutions.

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