An architecture student of the National Institute of Technology, Kozhikode, has won the Kerala Government’s award for designing the best model of a house that could be constructed at a cost of Rs. one lakh.
Johnu John Thomas, ninth semester student, had submitted the model at a competition conducted by Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra (building centre) as part of the celebration of World Habitat Day which falls on October 5.
State Housing Minister Binoy Viswam told reporters here that Thomas’ model was selected from among 20 entries. The entries were evaluated by an expert panel comprising P. R. Sreemahadevan Pillai, Principal, P. A. Aziz Engineering College and architects Eugene Pandala and Jayagopal.
The award, which carries a cash prize of Rs. 50,000, would be presented to Thomas at a function in Kochi on October 5.
The Minister said Nirmithi Kendra was now on a path of growth. The Laurie Baker International Institute of Habitat Studies under the kendra would start its training programme in October.
The first training camp would be for officers of HUDCO from across the country which would begin on October 14. Union Housing secretary Kiran Dingra would be the chief guest on the occasion, Mr. Viswam said.
