When I sold my big house, I knew I didn’t need something that large. It was too expensive to maintain, and honestly, it didn’t feel like home. So, I decided to build a small house, one that would fit my needs, my budget, and my values.

At first, I was nervous. I had no experience building a house, but I had a vision. I wanted it to be affordable, made from local materials, and designed for the weather here in Kerala. Oh, and I wanted it to be sustainable too. Low cost to build and low cost to live in.

The first thing I thought about was materials. Local materials are cheaper and work better for the weather here. I used laterite bricks from a nearby quarry for the walls. Laterite bricks are made from laterite soil, common in our regions. They are eco-friendly and cheaper than fired clay bricks. They’re perfect for the heat and rain. They stay cool and dry quickly after a storm. 

For the roof, I went with terracotta tiles because they’re light, durable, and keep the house cool.Terracotta is an Italian word, meaning “baked earth”. It IS baked earth. Terracotta tile roofing can last for over 100 years, not that I will live that long.

I also wanted the house to feel open, so I used large windows and high ceilings. That way, air can flow through, and I don’t need to use fans all the time. It is natural ventilation and I don’t have to pay for it.

By the way, money. I didn’t hire expensive contractors. Instead, I worked with local masons. They knew how to work with laterite bricks, and they charged less than big companies.

I even helped with some of the work myself. I learned how to lay bricks, and paint walls. It wasn’t easy, but it felt good to be a part of it. And because I kept the design simple, just two bedrooms, a living space, and a small kitchen, I saved a lot of money.

I wanted my house to be as eco-friendly as possible. So, I added a few things to make it a zero energy home:

• Solar Panels: I put them on the roof to power the lights and fans. I don’t even have an electricity bill now!
• Rainwater Harvesting: I installed a tank to collect rainwater during the monsoon. It’s enough for all my water needs.
• Natural Light: I made sure there were plenty of windows, so I don’t need lights during the day. The windows are shaded to prevent direct sunlight from entering the house.

I even added a solar water heater for hot water. It’s amazing how much you can save when you plan carefully.

Building this house taught me so much. It’s not just a house, it is who I am. Every brick, every window, every detail is mine.

I learned that local materials are the best. They’re cheap and work with the weather. Secondly, you don’t need a big house to be happy. A small, well-designed home is enough. Thirdly, zero energy ideas are worth it. Solar panels and rainwater tanks save so much money in the long run.

This house is small, but it’s perfect for me. And now that it’s ready, I feel like I can start the next chapter of my life.