KERALA CLIMATE AND CULTURE

Vernacular Architecture Of
Kerala
 VASTU SHASTRA
The architecture of Kerala has been followed according to the indian vedic
architecture sciences and the part of the Dravidian architecture.Vernacular
architecture of Kerala is based on the principles of Vastu Shastra which gives a
layout for placement of various facilities within a house.
1. Orientation and planning | Architecture in
Kerala
Owing to the hot and humid climate of Kerala, the orientation of a building is a major
deciding factor.

The building should be facing the prevailing winds and not the sun to maintain
cross-ventilation at all times.
The East and west façade should be least exposed to the sun. It is advised to plant
dense trees for shading.
The juxtaposition of open and closed spaces in a way to allow a continuous flow of
air.
2. Natural Ventilation | Kerala Architecture
In a tropical climate, cross ventilation plays an important role in enabling comfortable indoor spaces. The
presence of high moisture content and high temperatures in summer can cause thermal discomfort. To
avoid such situations, the following design elements can be integrated:

Courtyard spaces to induce continuous air movement

Openings in opposite walls and internal partitions to allow cross-ventilation

Use of vertical louvers and large window shutters

Courtyard spaces are extensively used in houses of Kerala of all scales. It helps in achieving passive
cooling and reduces the dependence on HVAC systems.
3. Solar shading

The temperature can rise to 40 degrees Celsius in summers. Therefore it is important to

incorporate sun shading elements in the design.

● Verandas to avoid direct exposure of walls to the sun.

● Avoid windows on the west and east walls to prevent late afternoon and early morning
heat.
● Include tall trees in south and north directions for shading.
● Minimum glass surface should be exposed to direct sunlight.
● Use overhangs, louvers, canopies, etc. for sheltering.
● Shading devices for windows and doors to avoid solar heat gain.

Traditional buildings in Kerala have an internal as well as external verandah which acts
as buffer space to reduce direct exposure to sunlight whereas the internal verandah
allows light to enter the building via a courtyard.
4. Thermal insulation
Appropriate measures should be undertaken to maintain thermal comfort within the building
by using:

● Highly insulated walls to prevent conductive heat flow.

● Avoid using hard paved surfaces outside.
● Walls should be of light color to reflect the heat.
● Filler slabs, cavity walls, double roof, and composite walls insulate the house against
heat.

In vernacular architecture, it is achieved by the use of a highly insulated building envelope

made of thick laterite blocks. It is combined with a pitched timber roof with Mangalore clay
tiles which averts conductive heat from indoors.
7. Prevention from rain
It rains for most of the year in Kerala which requires effective solutions to endure the
extreme climatic conditions.

● Building should be placed at high plinth to strict water from entering inside.
● Sloping roof to avoid the accumulation of rainwater on the surfaces

Kerala architecture structures have a characteristic sloping roof to withstand heavy monsoon
and also protect walls from direct contact to rainwater.
Evolution of Houses

.
The basic form of a Kerala Courtyard house
or nalukettu has evolved from a single or
unit.
Initially in the core unit the centre will be
Pooja and the adjacent will be other as-
sociated spaces.
Later according to the need horizontal
extension in all directions.
As the form gradually evolved the Court-
yard emerge. the core unit was placed in
south zone of the plot.
Following it further it extend in West fur-
ther to the east and north.
 Types of Traditional houses in Kerala
A house in kerala is called Veedu.The veedu gives shelter to joint family.
The Ekasala , an L shaped rectangular hall house , belong to farmers or middle class
Non farmers.
Nalukettu House
The Nalukettu houses, is a courtyard house belong
to the land lords.
TYPES OF NALUKETTU BASED ON STRUCTURE

Nalukettus are primarily differentiated based on their

structure. Traditionally, Nalukettu has one courtyard
with 4 blocks/halls constructed around it in cardinal
direction.

Some Nalukettus have 2 courtyards, which are

known as Ettukettu (8 Blocked structure) as they
have altogether 8 blocks in cardinal directions.

Some super structures have 4 courtyards, which

then are known as Pathinarukettu (16 blocked
structure).
Poomukham
It is the prime portico after soon after steps into the
house,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.
Chuttu Vernadah

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.

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.
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.

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.
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