Traditional Kerala homes were built for joint families in earlier times. They have vast space through verandahs, open areas, and courtyards. These homes incorporate design concepts that made them stand out from the rest. Notably, a traditional Kerala house design can have several blocks. This includes several styles like 'Nalukettu' (four-block), 'Ettukettu' (8-block), and 'Pathinarukkettu' (16-block), depending on the plot size. Here is learning more about these fascinating homes:
Kerala House Design
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Simple Kerala house design principles are based on the Nalukettu style of architecture. Nallu means four and Kettu means blocks. Simply put, the Nalukettu is a rectangular-shaped structure with four blocks that are connected through an open courtyard. The buildings are one, two, or three storied and their walls are made by mixing clay and laterite. Notably, every block is used for a specific purpose, with the puja room, storage area, family rooms and storing valuables, and the kitchen. In these homes, the eastern and western verandahs stay open, while the northern and southern ones are enclosed.
Traditional Kerala house design
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Traditional Kerala house design principles usually mandate building homes facing the north or east based on Vastu principles. Trees are planted on both sides of the house. Other distinct features are parapet-like seating, verandahs, porches, and sloping roofs. The traditional design ensures sufficient cross-ventilation and natural light for the home.
Traditional homes are usually made with timber wood, clay, palm leaves, and local wood and stone. Laterite is used for construction by blending with timber, mahogany, teak wood, sandalwood, and wood derived from jackfruit trees. Assembly, joinery, and carvings on wooden walls, roofs, and columns are key elements of Kerala's home architecture. Besides, wood is used extensively for the roof and gable, which are thatched with tiles or coconut palm leaves. They are supported by rafters and wooden columns. Traditional homes come with vast verandahs while the clay is applied to fill up timber floors, and walls, as well as for making tiles and bricks.
Modern Kerala house design
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Contemporary Kerala house design incorporates several traditional features, including the open layout, spacious verandahs, and floor plans, besides the Nalukettu design components of the sloping roof. It has smaller verandahs supported by tall columns and pillars, in addition to mini courtyards built in the house in the olden days.
Kerala house design: Entrance
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Kerala homes have a signature design for their entrances. This is known as the Padippura. It is positioned above the gate of the Nalukettu, which has a Gopuram like temple. The arched entrance starts from the fencing of the property with a tiled roof and a majestically designed door with intricate patterns.
Kerala house design: Courtyard
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Courtyards are a key feature of houses in Kerala and are used to host family events and special functions. Known as the Nadumuttom, it is mostly square-shaped space free of columns as per Vastu principles. The courtyard has tiled and sloping roofs that protect the inner areas and verandahs from rain and heat. The rooms all open into the common courtyard, thereby ensuring abundant natural light and ventilation.
Traditional homes usually have external and internal verandahs, with the former reducing sunlight exposure and the latter enabling more natural light. Verandahs are recreational zones for both adults and children. They are also used to dry rice and for cooking. Tulsi plants are sometimes placed in the center of courtyards in these homes.
Charupadi in Kerala house design
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Charupadi is a key aspect of traditional Kerala house design. This is an in-built wooden seat on the balcony or extended porch known as the Poomukhom, which faces the home entrance. This verandah ensures greater relaxation for residents, enabling them to enjoy the fresh air and rain. It is also a place to socialise with near and dear ones.
Ambal Kulam in Kerala house design
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Another component of traditional Kerala house design is the pond or 'Ambal Kulam'. This is usually located at the end of an open passage or 'Chuttu Veranda'. The pool was usually built with rubble and used for daily bathing by family members, as well as evening socialising and relaxation. The ponds also have lotuses and lilies in many houses, adding to their beauty.
Kerala house design: Interior decor ideas
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Kerala house design incorporates several interior decor ideas, including wooden furniture with intricate decorations or carvings. Many of the Kerala homes have wooden benches, chairs, and classic four-poster beds, besides recliners and swings.
Many Kerala homes have antiques and artwork made of sandalwood and mahogany. They are great options for decorating the living room and other zones of the house. Brass items are also popular choices, which include traditional jewellery boxes or 'Nettur Petti', pots, and other handicrafts.
Some other ideas include bell metal crafts and religious artefacts along with traditional sculptures. Also, hanging bells, brass lamps, and elephant figurines are very popular in Kerala. Besides, coir is used as a decor item for floor mats and baskets.
Kerala house design: Wooden furniture
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Wooden furniture, a key interior decor element in traditional Kerala homes, is usually passed on from one generation to another. It extensively uses various types of wood, including Rosewood and teakwood for ensuring durability and visual appeal. The furniture is carved by hand using traditional tools for carpentry. Wooden doors are a staple, usually depicting various religious motifs. Rocking chairs, cabinet sofas, floor-rested temples, and diwans are all made of wood in these homes. Wooden poster beds and in-built sit-outs are also seen in these houses.
Kerala house design: Sloping roofs
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Imagining a traditional Kerala house is difficult without its charming sloping roof. The brown and red sloping roofs are a sight to behold throughout the state. The homes have sloped roofs with terracotta tiles. These enable better drainage of water during heavy rainfall while cooling the interiors amidst humid weather conditions. Gabled windows enable superior cross-ventilation and natural light, at the top of the Nalukettu.
