The stringent regulations in the Coastal Regulation Zone Act may have dampened the hopes of the hospitality sector in setting up permanent structures along the coastal lines.

To overcome the situation, a Kochi-based firm has come out with new wood houses concept, ideal to set up temporary structures on banks of rivers and lakes.

The speedy assembling concept developed by the company, also makes dismantling and reassembling effortless without much damage, George Thomas, Promoter of Woodhive, which introduced this concept for the first time in Kerala said.

According to him, wood houses are globally tried, tested and proven methods for centuries and are prevalent in all advanced countries.

Besides, wood houses offer viable alternatives to permanent structures in many ways as it is comparatively cheaper in terms of cost compared with the spiralling prices of cement and steel. Construction time for wooden houses is also extremely less compared with conventional methods, he said, adding that a 600 sq ft can be assembled in seven days.

The customer will have the option in terms of design, layout and colours. A basic version consisting of a bedroom and a bathroom will cost around Rs 4 lakh.

Woodhive has constructed a 1,200 sq ft model house on concrete pillars along the side of backwaters in Challickavattom near Vytilla in Kochi. The wood house concept would definitely promote Kerala’s booming tourism industry, he added. The company is looking at resorts situated on the coastal lines for introducing the concept. It is also counting on some genuine enquiries coming from various quarters.

The wood house concept can also be taken up on the upper floors of permanent concrete structure to save cost. The company has also received an order to construct a 2,000 sq ft house in Ooty in Tamil Nadu.

Related Topics