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 the concept of wood-houses that are basically temporary structures set up on the banks of rivers and lakes.  

The speedy assembling concept, developed by the company, also makes dismantling and reassembly effortless without much damage, George Thomas, Promoter of Woodhive, said.

Woodhive has introduced the concept of the wood-house in Kochi.

According to him, wood-houses have been globally tried and tested for centuries and are used in all the advanced countries.

Wood-houses are a viable alternative for permanent structures as they are comparatively cheaper to assemble. The construction time required is also much shorter compared to conventional methods, he said, adding that 600 sq ft can be assembled in seven days.  

The customer will have options in terms of design, layout and colours. A basic model consisting of a bedroom and a bathroom would cost around Rs 4 lakh. Houses could have verandahs, pillars, balconies and high roofs to improve their aesthetics.

Woodhive has constructed a 1,200 sq ft model house on concrete pillars along the backwaters in Challickavattom near Vytilla in Kochi. The house has a verandah, livingroom, dining-cum-kitchen and two bedrooms with attached bathrooms.

The company has used termite-resistant treated pine wood imported from Canada for the model house.

He said the wood-house concept would definitely promote Kerala’s booming tourism industry. The company is looking at resorts situated on the coast lines to introduce the concept.

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

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