What Is Kerala Architecture?
Let's explore what design elements constitute traditional Kerala house architecture
Kerala architecture is a famous style of architecture from the eponymous state in southern India. Widely speaking, this architectural style is primarily based on the principles of Thachu Shastra, the science of carpentry, and Vastu Shastra, the science of architecture and construction. If you were to look at a home built using this style of architecture, the most distinctive features you’d notice would be the long, steep roofs in plain circular, square or rectangular shapes (built so to withstand the heavy monsoons), gable windows, tall pillars and airy courtyards. The use of local materials such as stone, wood and clay is imperative to the structure as these materials strike a harmony with the nature and surroundings. A traditional Kerala house is integrated with nalukkettus (4-block structures), ettukkettu (8-block structures) or pathinarukkettu (16-block structures), depending on the size of the plot and the affluence of the owner.
Here’s a closer look at its features in residential design.
Here’s a closer look at its features in residential design.
Chuttu verandah (passageway)
In Kerala architecture, the poomukham is appended with an open passage. the chuttu verandah, which leads to either side of the house, usually surrounding it. This space was traditionally marked by lights that were suspended from the roof, hung at equal distance from each other.
See these passageways from around the world
In Kerala architecture, the poomukham is appended with an open passage. the chuttu verandah, which leads to either side of the house, usually surrounding it. This space was traditionally marked by lights that were suspended from the roof, hung at equal distance from each other.
See these passageways from around the world
Charupady (verandah seating)
Along the chuttu veranda and the poomukham are parapet-style, traditional carved wooden or cement benches. These are called charupady. They allow one to sit back and enjoy the views around the home, the breeze and the rain. Traditionally, these were made for the family and visitors to socialise in.
Along the chuttu veranda and the poomukham are parapet-style, traditional carved wooden or cement benches. These are called charupady. They allow one to sit back and enjoy the views around the home, the breeze and the rain. Traditionally, these were made for the family and visitors to socialise in.
Picture is representational
Ambal kulam (pond)
According to Kerala vernacular architecture, it is imperative for every home to have its own pond, situated at the end of the chuttu veranda. Traditionally, this pond is built with rubble on the sides. Inside the pond, a thamara (lotus) is planted.
Check out these indoor water features
Ambal kulam (pond)
According to Kerala vernacular architecture, it is imperative for every home to have its own pond, situated at the end of the chuttu veranda. Traditionally, this pond is built with rubble on the sides. Inside the pond, a thamara (lotus) is planted.
Check out these indoor water features
Nadumuttom (central courtyard)
Considered the prime centre of the home, the courtyard is an open area, (also open to the sky ) situated in the exact middle of the house, dividing the house into four sides. A tulsi plant or a tree is normally placed in centre of the courtyard, and is worshipped. Architecturally the logic is allow the tree to act as a natural air purifier.
Browse through these images of courtyards
Considered the prime centre of the home, the courtyard is an open area, (also open to the sky ) situated in the exact middle of the house, dividing the house into four sides. A tulsi plant or a tree is normally placed in centre of the courtyard, and is worshipped. Architecturally the logic is allow the tree to act as a natural air purifier.
Browse through these images of courtyards
Puja room
This room is situated in the north-east corner of the house. Idols are placed facing east or west and the person praying will face west or east respectively.
Take a look at these striking puja room designs
This room is situated in the north-east corner of the house. Idols are placed facing east or west and the person praying will face west or east respectively.
Take a look at these striking puja room designs
Other features of Kerala architecture style
Read more:
Kerala Houzz: Corten Steel & Greenery Define This Home’s Design
Houzz Forum: Is Vernacular Architecture Still Relevant?
Tell us:
Is there any other style of architecture you’d like to know about? Let us know in Comments below.
- Kerala mural art is a significant feature in Kerala homes. These murals are painted on walls and depict stories from Indian mythology.
- Aattu kattil or a swing is made with a piece of wood, wide and long enough for two or three people to sit on. These swings are set up in large living rooms.
- Kindi is a brass or bell-metal utensil filled with water, kept at the steps of poomukham. It has a spout on the side so that a person can easily use it to wash their feet before entering the house.
Read more:
Kerala Houzz: Corten Steel & Greenery Define This Home’s Design
Houzz Forum: Is Vernacular Architecture Still Relevant?
Tell us:
Is there any other style of architecture you’d like to know about? Let us know in Comments below.
Sponsored
Padippura (entrance)
Padippura is a roofed gateway leading to the main part of the house. It traditionally has a clay-tiled pitched roof. The modern, contemporary versions of this now include wooden entry gates.
Poomukham (entrance verandah)
This is the first interior space of the house – a verandah, with a sloping tiled roof with pillars (made of either wood or cement ) supporting the roof. In the olden days, the head of the family would sit here, on a reclining chair with a thuppal kolambi (spittoon) placed on the side of the chair.
Find a designer for your home on Houzz