THE MONSOON CABIN

 

Client / Location Jitin Sabu / Kodakara, India

Year / Status 2022 / Completed

Typology Regenerative Farm & Farm Cabin / Micro-Home​

Site Area / Built-up Area 2023.24 sq.m. / 49.5 sq.m.

Collaborations & Execution Team

Masonry: Mr. Krishnan & Team

Metal & Glass works: Mr. Jayan & Team, Vattakkuzhy Glass 

Painting works: Mr. Rajan & Team

Concrete works: Mr. Shaju & Team

Flooring Works: Mr. Aji & Team

Carpentry & Interior: Raja & Raja's Timber Works

Electrical & Plumbing Works: Mr. Biju

Landscape Works: Mr. Satheeshan & Mr. Biju

Art: Jayakrishnan R.J., Vara by Finder Studio

Publications youtube.com/bold&fearlessdesigners

 

The micro home is part of an orchard with more than 50 varieties of fruit trees surrounding the building. The unit has a living space with a kitchenette, a study, two separate bedrooms, a bathroom and a toilet in two levels within a relatively small footprint of less than 50 square meters. The ground coverage of the building is as less as 37 sq.m. Extended use of outdoor spaces has been made possible by connecting the living space to the outdoor grill yard, facing the orchard, towards the north eastern corner of the building. The project is an experimental take on promoting low footprint lifestyle without compromising on the comforts of a modern home. 

 

The micro home is designed as a one and a half floor unit with a bedroom and the study area occupying the mezzanine floor and the rest of the program is served by the ground floor. The one and a half floor high living area, even though small in footprint at 10 sq.m., provides a sense of spaciousness owing to its proportions, height and openness to the outdoor living and recreation spaces. The bedrooms, with integrated wardrobes, are made compact by reducing the amount of circulation space required. The washroom is split into a separate toilet and a bathroom, enabling simultaneous usage of both. A small terrace space above the washroom block provides space for services. 

 

The building is partially fabricated in Galvanised Iron profiles and is only 5.1 meters high at its highest point, eliminating the need for deep footings. By using readily available and re-usable materials, local labour and building techniques, cost of the construction has been kept below INR 1 million (approx. USD 13500 at the time of construction).