Kerala is a popular state in India and is often the first name on the list for tourists from outside India who want to see the uniqueness of India. Kerala has a rich history of food, culture, art, and tradition and one of the things that stand out is the beautiful Kerala-style houses. There is uniqueness in the way a traditional Kerala house is built and the story behind it is very interesting too. A simple traditional Kerala house is known as the Nalukettu and these houses were constructed by the logical principles of the customary Thachu Shastra (the study of architecture).
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Traditional Kerala House Architecture
Traditional houses in Kerala are still intact. People have protected their homes and the ideas of vernacular architectural plans. The land surrounding the houses has more than adequate development of organic products, vegetables and coconut trees. Houses are developed according to Vaastu Shastra, which proposes the east and north direction for the entry of a house. These simple traditional Kerala houses are built to bear climate changes such as heavy rain or heat. The traditional design of Kerala houses is known for its utilisation of traditional materials and comfortable, very ventilated interiors. Storage facilities, steers, sheds, kitchens, dining lobbies, restrooms, bedrooms, puja rooms, and a well or lake are essential for a much-planned traditional house called Nalukettu.
Features of Traditional Houses in Kerala
The traditional houses of Kerala are built according to the Vastu shastra facing either east or north. There are trees planted on each side of the house. Sloping roofs, verandahs, etc., are some of the house’s features. The traditional houses provide good ventilation and bright sunlight.
1. Spacious Plans
The layouts of Kerala houses are very spacious. Indeed, the house takes care of every member’s requirement, and Keralites focus on future increments. So an ordinary 2 BHK House has a typical base space of 1200 square feet; it is normally more than this size.
2. Big Windows
Kerala’s environment is tropical and humid all year. Furthermore, that automatically requires decent ventilation. In this way, rooms will often have at least two windows, with the normal size being 1.5m X 1.5m. Of course, varieties rely upon space and client requests.
3. Natural Ventilation System
If you glance around, you can notice a cut-like opening in the outer walls of a room in a traditional Kerala-style home. This narrow opening is found midway closer to the roof.
4. Work Area
People living in Kerala cannot imagine a house without a work area. A work area is generally a small space near the kitchen where preparation zones are provided.
5. Red-Oxide Floors
Red-oxide floors are cheap and easy to maintain. This floor is sturdy and environment friendly and continues to get smoother and shinier with daily cleaning and wiping. It is one of the standard features in traditional Kerala-style homes. However, many Kerala-style houses now opt for modern tiled flooring.
6. Distinct & Sloping Roofs of Kerala Houses Design
The most visible element of the traditional houses in Kerala are the red and brown slanting rooftops. As Kerala is famous for heavy rainstorms, homes are planned with slanted rooftops canvassed in earthenware tiles that assist in water seepage and keep the interiors cool during summer. Gabled windows at the top point of a Nalukettu guarantee cross-ventilation and permit passage of light into the upper room.
7. Entrance to Traditional Houses of Kerala
A Padippura (a traditional arched gateway) is an unfamiliar element on top of a Nalukettu door that involves an intricate, sanctuary-like gopuram. This curved entry starts with the fencing of the house and has a stunningly planned entryway with a tiled rooftop.
8. Courtyards in Traditional Houses in Kerala
The courtyard is a basic element of every Kerala house, with most family functions occurring in this part of the house. The courtyard is known as the Nadumuttam and is a focal point of a Kerala house. It is generally square and is situated at the specific focal point of the house. According to Vaastu Shastra, it is a segment of free space.
The tiled rooftop inclines of the Nadumuttam(Central Courtyard), shield the veranda and internal spaces from heat and rain. In the Nalukettu plan, every one of the rooms is open into a typical courtyard that helps with regular ventilation and lighting for the house.
Traditional houses in Kerala had two verandahs – inside and outer Verandah (an outdoor porch with a roof). The outside verandah is assisted with decreasing the direct openness to sunlight. The inner verandah permits light to go into the house through a courtyard. Likewise, it is also utilised for drying rice and as an open space for kids to play. A Tulsi plant was set in the focal point of the yard of a Kerala-style house and was worshipped.
9. Pillars in traditional houses of Kerala
The rooftop in traditional Kerala houses is primarily upheld on the pillars for support on walls erected on a plinth raised from the ground for security against dampness and bugs in the Kerala rainstorm. The pillars of support in the house, rather than walls, were a typical factor in Kerala’s old house interior plan. The pillars of support were put on the sitting region in the entryway courtyard of traditional Kerala houses. These traditional segments added stylish allure and frequently had fragile cutting.
10. Charupadi (Veranda Seating) in Traditional Houses of Kerala
Traditional houses in Kerala have Charupadi (an inclined step), an underlying wooden seat in a drawn-out yard or gallery called the Poomukham, facing the entry. This veranda permits one to unwind and partake in the perspectives around the home, the breeze, and the rain. Traditionally, these were made for the family and guests to sit and mingle.
11. Aambal Kulam (Lily Pond) in Traditional Houses of Kerala
Plans of traditional houses in Kerala guaranteed that property holders never were away from nature. According to Vastu, water bodies balance the energies of the house. As per Kerala engineering, each conventional house has a lake arranged toward the finish of the Chuttu Verandah (Outer Verandah), an open section. Traditionally, this lake was worked with rubble and was utilised for washing and bathing. The lake likewise assisted the family with loosening up and relaxing at night. Today, these lakes add to the house’s excellence with lotus and lilies.
Types of Houses in Kerala
Traditional houses in Kerala are known for their solid wooden furnishings and incredible wooden carvings. Indeed, even today, traditionally crafted works of Kerala, like wooden seating with fewer cushions, large chairs, four-banner beds, and chairs made of wood in obscurity finish, are well known globally. Homes may likewise have teak or rosewood swings – Oonjal – in the veranda or the focal point of the lounge room.
The walls are fully decorated with ethnic craftsmanship and collectables produced using teak, sandalwood and mahogany. Enhancing metal things like Nettur Petti (traditional gems box), earthen pots, and dim-conditioned metal things decorate traditional houses.
In traditional Kerala houses, metal items were, to a great extent, found in home decor. Bell metal artworks items are known for their extremely old craftsmanship and legacy. This metal is a blend of tin and copper. This deep-rooted crafting strategy has made stylistic themes, religious artefacts, and figures even today. Traditional metalwork of Kerala, like hanging bells, metal lights (Nilavilakku), and symbols of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, Nandi bull, and elephant enrich the interiors. Decorative metal locks called Manichitrathazhu to embellish the twofold entryway entrance. Kerala’s painting workmanship made with natural shades is a critical element in Kerala homes and depicts stories from Indian folklore.
Modern Houses Inspired by Traditional Houses in Kerala
Modern houses in Kerala have consolidated many elements of the traditional Kerala homes, particularly open design and roomy floor plans, and nalukettu style of engineering like the slanting rooftop, a little veranda upheld by tall support points, and a scaled-down yard in the centre.
Other than homes, the traditional house plans have likewise enlivened lodgings, eateries and spas.
Modern house plans change specific elements according to the cutting-edge way of life. Traditional components, for example, wooden furnishings, pillars of support and patios, are important for modern houses with a developed foundational layout.
Advantages of Traditional Houses in Kerala
The Traditional Houses in Kerala mostly use locally sourced building materials.
Natural and local materials are utilised that further develop solidness and support a more elevated level of detail and craftsmanship.
- These houses are cost-effective.
- Local materials such as wood, clay, and bamboo are easily accessible.
- Traditional houses in Kerala utilise granite slabs to avoid the ground’s dampness.
- Sloped roofs are made with clay tiles which keep the house dry.
- Traditional houses of Kerala are energy proficient and are constructed with their normal environmental elements.
- For natural sunlight and air passage, yards, walls and interior partitions are intended to use constant air development and cross-ventilation.
The progressions in the architectural scene during the last twenty years have been fast. The youthful age doesn’t appear to be keen on protecting old structures. The specialists and engineers have gained from western course books too. They probably won’t have any respect for the customs of the country. The utilisation of specialists has likewise been less during the last few decades. Therefore, a design typology similar to the conventional engineering of Kerala that suits the climate, environment, and individuals ought to be developed to escape this current crisis.
Mixing ethnic or conventional styles with modern design is the cornerstone of a Kerala traditional house. If you wish to design your house in Kerala style, you must consult the design and decor experts at NoBroker. They will understand your requirements and guide you to the house of your dreams! If you are interested, please leave a comment below this article; our executive will be in touch with you soon.
FAQs
1. What flooring is used in traditional houses in Kerala?
Red-oxide flooring is known to have been essential for some houses. This deck is otherwise called kaaviyidal. Clay tiles and wooden ground surfaces were additionally normal in traditional houses.
2. What kind of wood is used in traditional houses in Kerala?
Teakwood and wood from jackfruit trees were used to build the doors and windows of the traditional houses of Kerala.
3. Apart from nalukettu, what are some other names of the traditional houses of Kerala?
Tharavadu, Kovilakam, Kottaram, Meda or Illam are some other names of the traditional houses of Kerala.
4. What is the meaning of Tulsi Thara in the traditional houses of Kerala?
Tulsi Thara is a stone platform in front of the courtyard of the traditional Kerala houses where the holy basil (tulsi) is planted.
5. How much does it cost to construct a 3-bedroom traditional Kerala in 2022?
The average cost of constructing a 3-bedroom traditional Kerala house is between Rs. 33 lakhs to Rs. 35 lakhs. The cost includes everything from raw materials to labour but does not include the cost of acquiring the land.
