VERNACU

LAR
ARCHITE
CTURE OF
KERALA
BY POOJA KA
3RD SEMSTER
1NS21AT021
 WHAT IS KERALA
VERNACULAR?
Vernacular architecture is a style of • Kerala is the twenty-fifth largest state in India, in the area
architecture that is designed and built for surrounded by Karnataka on the northeast, Tamil Nadu
the needs of people, with locally available on the east, and the Arabian Sea on the west.
materials, reflecting upon the culture of
the place. • Geographically, Kerala is a narrow strip of land lying in
Vernacular architecture is specific to a between the seacoast of peninsular India and confined
region and climate. between the towering Western Ghats on its east and the
vast Arabian ocean on its west.
Thus, vernacular architecture is cost-
effective, climate-responsive, modest, • The exposure of the Arabian ocean on its east brought in
sustainable, and a reflection of the close connections between the ancient people of Kerala
culture of the place.  with major maritime societies like Egyptians, Romans,
Arabs, and so on.
•  It is in striking contrast with the Dravidian Architecture
followed in other parts of South India and is strongly
influenced by Indian Vedic architectural science (Vastu
Shastra).
STYLES WITHIN NALUKETTU
VERNACULAR: Nālukettu is the home of generations of joint family kinfolk
or Tharavadu, where many generations of a matrilineal
NALUKETTU & family lived.
ETTUKETTU The traditional architecture of Kerala is a rectangular
structure where four blocks are joined with a central, open
to the sky courtyard. 

ETTUKETTU
Ettukettu, which is eight halls with two central yards) or
Pathinarukettu, which is sixteen halls with four central
yards.
Every structure faces the sun, and in some well-
conditioned designed nalukettu, there’s excellent
ventilation as well.
 ORIENTATION AD
PLANNING
Kerala experiences a hot and
humid climate and hence the
orientation of the building
becomes one of the crucial
aspects of planning
The building should face the
direction of the prevailing winds
rather than the sun.
This helps in maintaining cross
ventilation in a humid climate.
Houses preferably face East
direction according to the
direction of prevailing winds. 
 • This 6,000-square-feet villa is located in a
THE RIVERFRONT small town close to Palghat in Kerala, on a
VILA IN KERALA large plot along the banks of a river.
• The client is a popular Malayalam movie
director—a household name in Kerala. 
• The design style was ‘tharavad,' which is a
typical ancestral home of Kerala.
• Characterised by an indoor courtyard and the
heavy use of wood, terracotta, greenery and
bricks.

OUTDOOR AREAS:
-A terrace with a ‘C' shaped wooden bench around a central tree
is for informal gatherings and can comfortably seat a dozen
people.
-The ‘L' shaped verandah overlooking the riverfront has teak and
cane furniture.
 • wide-open spaces accentuated with plenty of natural light
and ocean breeze seeping in through all directions.
A DREAMY BEACH • The architecture with wooden rafters and a sloping,
HOUSE Mangalore-tiled roof is very local
• The 6,000-square-feet house is located on the beach and is
enhanced with stunning views of the sunrise and
mesmerising sunset.
• Traditional carved wooden benches called charupady
allow one to sit back and enjoy the sea views or the rain in
the monsoon.
• the large windows the home is swamped with bright
daylight and sea breeze to tackle the humid Kerala weather. 
• The deep overhangs over the windows and verandahs
create shade and reduce the heat gain in the house. The
high pitch roof is another green element that keeps the house
cool .
HOLIDAY HOME • The home is a combination of art, furniture and, the
use of locally available materials like clay, terracotta
and reclaimed wood up the eco-friendly quotient of the
residence.
• Courtyards and double height ceilings dominate the
3,200-square-foot bungalow.
• An ornate Kerala teak door is the main feature of the
entrance accentuated by a trunk-less elephant, floor
standing mirror
• The house is made using laterite stones and bricks
local to context and mud, and the design is contextual to
heavy monsoons and harsh sun.
• The double height ceilings and courtyards ease the
cross-ventilation, so several openings, doors, and
windows were added with clay roofing which also help
regulate the microclimate.
• Terracotta roof tiles have been used for the roofing as
it reduces heat retention.
KOTTAYAM • Rooted in an architectural philosophy
known as critical regionalism, the
design language of this home is
composed of a vernacular vocabulary. 
• The windows, the staircase and
furniture, in particular, exude a local
flavour, constructed exclusively of
native materials. 
• well-appointed rainwater harvesting
system, composting plant and solar
panels for the home's hot water
requirements, the home is heavily
rooted in nature.
THANK YOU