The Kerala Nalukettu House design is one of the traditional styles of architecture that has been around since centuries. This ancient style of home features a courtyard central to the design. The surrounding walls of the courtyard are generally high and decorated with woodcarvings or sometimes wall hangings. The four-sided structure of the house allows for ample ventilation and maximum sunlight. The house also has separate sections for the kitchen, bedrooms, living and bathing areas. A blend of modern and traditional architecture, the Kerala Nalukettu House design is a beautiful way to bring a classical feel to a modern home. Kerala Nalukettu House Design
Kerala Nalukettu House Design
The Kerala Traditional Tharavad House Design is a traditional style of house design originating from India. The main feature of this style is its huge size, with typically four-to-six rooms as well as a hall. The exterior of the house is also quite grand featuring elaborately decorated walls, carved walls and stone plinths. It also commonly features a courtyard at its center that provides great ventilation and plenty of light. This type of design is very common in Kerala and is a sight of grandeur. Kerala Traditional Tharavad House Design
Kerala Traditional Tharavad House Design
The Kerala Five-Room Traditional House Design is an iconic style of architecture in Kerala, often called the "Naalukettu". This unique style contains five separate rooms co-joined by a central courtyard. Generally, two of the rooms are used as a bedroom while the other three are used for other purposes. Externally, the building is decorated with symmetrical wood paneling, carvings, and an ornate entrance. Inside, the house contains several features such as special recesses for fireplaces and larger rooms for seating. Kerala Five-Room Traditional House Design
Kerala Five-Room Traditional House Design
The Spacious Kerala Traditional House Design is perfect for those looking to create a regal look in their home. This large house features voluminous spaces and open courtyards at its center, as well as a completely open veranda outside for guests. The entrance to the house is also grand, often featuring a large granite plinth and highly decorated walls. Inside, the mezzanine floor offers panoramic views of the entire house and can be used as an elevated sitting area, or even a study area. Spacious Kerala Traditional House Design
Spacious Kerala Traditional House Design
The Kerala Traditional Ettukettu House Design is another form of the traditional Naalukettu style. This style is usually larger and contains four wings enclosing a courtyard in the middle. Each wing is generally used for different purposes and the four wings are joined together by a grand courtyard. The courtyard is often decorated with plants and other objects, and built around trees to make it look more natural. There is also a separate area for a kitchen and bathroom, as well as other components such as an ornate entrance and carved walls. Kerala Traditional Ettukettu House Design
Kerala Traditional Ettukettu House Design
The Kerala Traditional Pattu Kalyana Mandapam House Design is one of the most elegant and luxurious home designs available in Kerala. The design comprises of several wings surrounding a courtyard with many key symbols around it. These symbols, including a Vrishabha, represent the five-element theory and are essential in keeping the good chi in the house. The rooftops are often built around trees and feature designs like a chariot or a swan. The walls are also elaborately carved and add a regal and exclusive feel to the house. Kerala Traditional Pattu Kalyana Mandapam House Design
Kerala Traditional Pattu Kalyana Mandapam House Design
The Kerala Traditional Nalukettu House with Courtyard Design is a charming and unique style of traditional Indian architecture. This style of house is generally large and square, featuring a central courtyard surrounded by four wings. Each wing typically serves a different purpose, while the courtyard serves as a meeting area or gathering space. The design of the house is also quite elaborate with carved walls, stone slabs, and decorative motifs. It is also common to find large carved window frames and intricate wooden doorways. Kerala Traditional Nalukettu House with Courtyard Design
Kerala Traditional Nalukettu House with Courtyard Design
The Kerala Traditional Naalukettu and Naluvazhi Designs are two traditional styles of Indian architecture. The Naalukettu style features four wings surrounding a central courtyard, while the Naluvazhi style features two wings surrounding a central courtyard. Both styles feature decorative walls, intricate carvings, and a grand entrance gate. These two styles have been used for centuries in Kerala and make up some of the most iconic and beloved home designs in India. Kerala Traditional Naalukettu and Naluvazhi Designs
Kerala Traditional Naalukettu and Naluvazhi Designs
The Kerala Traditional Ettukettu House with Courtyard Design is a larger version of the traditional Naalukettu style. It is comprised of four wings, surrounded by an open courtyard at its center. The roof of the house is usually pointed and has sculptures of elephants, gods, and other objects at its entrance. Each wing typically serves a different purpose such as a kitchen or bedroom, while the courtyard is used for gatherings and other social activities. This style of home is perfect for those looking to inject grandeur and timeless beauty into their homes. Kerala Traditional Ettukettu House with Courtyard Design
Kerala Traditional Ettukettu House with Courtyard Design
The Kerala Traditional Tharavadu Veedu House Design is the ultimate traditional style for those wanting to bring the old-world charm to their home. This style consists of four wings co-joined by a large courtyard. The entrance is highly decorated and a granite plinth usually surrounds it. Each wing typically has different functions such as a bedroom, living area, dining area, and kitchen. The exterior of the house is also intricately carved with sculptures of gods, animals, and other symbols. Kerala Traditional Tharavadu Veedu House Design
Kerala Traditional Tharavadu Veedu House Design
Architectural Significance of Kerala Traditional House Design
Kerala traditional house design features unique characteristics that have been passed down through generations. It is well-known for its recycled timber framework constructions, elevated on stilts, with tiled roofs and exterior walls, and lush greenery decorating the grounds. The central rafters of the traditional houses are usually made of Korinji or Karimkatti timber, while the walls, floors, ceilings and rafters are made with timber from various alternate trees depending on the style and area.
For generations, Kerala was a major trading port which influenced the style architecture and design of its buildings. The traditional houses, known locally as "Nalukettu" in the Malayalam language, feature courtyard designs with carved wooden balconies and open verandahs. This style also allows for natural ventilation during summer, and provides enough space for grand staircases in the interior and exterior.
Construction Techniques in Kerala Traditional House Design
Kerala's "Nalukettu" houses are usually constructed blending several striking techniques, such as large brick construction and mud-wall technique. This style involves connecting layers or strips of timber to traditional mud walls or brickwork. These timber framework assemblies are then fastened to reinforce the walls and roof of the building. Generally, slanting roofs are designed with wood and clay tiles to provide excellent insulation, ensuring the hot or cold air does not enter the house.
The courtyard in the center of the traditional house, which acts as the heart of the building, is designed as an open space. It serves the purpose of a common place that can be used to rest, or entertain guests, or simply have conversations. Usually, the Kerala traditional houses feature podiums that offer a splendid panoramic view of the surroundings.
Conclusion
The traditional house design in Kerala is one that people from all walks of life appreciate for its style and craftsmanship. These are true works of art, produced by generations of skilled artisans, producing a style of architecture that is both aesthetically pleasing and climate-friendly. Restoring them to their former glory and modernizing them is a fantastic way to preserve the historical significance of these houses while allowing them to excel in the modern-day home building industry.
