Kerala house design: Features, materials and interiors

With features like sprawling courtyards, intricate woodwork, and sloping roofs, traditional Kerala houses are built to ensure both comfort and sustainability.

Traditional Kerala houses, known for their distinct architectural styles like Nalukettu and Ettukettu, are a harmonious blend of beauty, functionality, and sustainability. Rooted in Kerala’s unique climate and cultural traditions, these homes reflect an architectural legacy that balances form and function. With sloping tiled roofs, inner courtyards, and intricate wooden carvings, Kerala’s traditional houses offer more than just aesthetic appeal—they provide natural cooling, ventilation, and a serene living experience. This article explores the enduring relevance of these timeless designs and how they continue to inspire modern architecture.

 

 

Kerala house design: Different types of traditional houses in Kerala

know about: Traditional indian houses

 

Kerala house design: Features

Kerala house design is known for its unique architectural style that showcases a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary elements. Here are some key elements that define the essence of Kerala house design:

Sloping roof

One of the most distinctive features of a Kerala house is its sloping roof, also known as the “Nadumuttam” roof. The roof is typically made of clay tiles or thatched palm leaves and has a steep slope that allows rainwater to easily drain off during the monsoon season.

Wooden architecture

Wood plays a prominent role in Kerala house design, adding warmth and charm to the overall aesthetics. Intricate wooden carvings, known as “Aranmula Kannadi,” can be found on doors, windows, and pillars, showcasing the rich craftsmanship of the region.

Verandas and courtyards

Kerala houses often feature spacious verandas and courtyards that serve as gathering spaces for family and friends. These open areas provide ample natural light and ventilation while creating a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors.

Ventilation and cross ventilation

Kerala’s tropical climate calls for effective ventilation systems in house design. Traditional Kerala houses are designed to allow cross ventilation, with windows strategically placed to capture the cool breeze and maintain a comfortable indoor environment.

Poomukham

Poomukham is the entrance area of a Kerala house, usually adorned with intricate woodwork and decorative elements. It serves as a welcoming space and is often decorated with floral arrangements, traditional lamps, and religious symbols.

Open floor plans

Kerala houses typically feature open floor plans that promote a sense of spaciousness and allow for better airflow. The layout is designed to facilitate a smooth flow between rooms, emphasising a sense of togetherness and communal living.

Natural materials

Kerala house design embraces the use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and clay, creating a strong connection to the local environment. These materials not only lend a rustic charm but also contribute to the sustainability and eco-friendliness of the design.

Aesthetic colours

Traditional Kerala houses often feature a colour palette inspired by nature, including earthy tones such as terracotta, ochre, and deep greens. These colours blend harmoniously with the surroundings, creating a visual harmony between the house and its natural environment.

 

Outdoor staircase

In contrast to modern architectural trends, the staircase in traditional Kerala houses is typically located outside the main structure, often visible from the street. These staircases are commonly crafted from wood or stone, featuring intricate carvings that add to their aesthetic appeal.

Open-air bathroom

An important characteristic of traditional Kerala homes is the open-air bathroom, also known as a ‘Marappura.’ This separate structure is detached from the main house and exposed to the sky, allowing ample natural light and ventilation while still maintaining privacy for the occupants.

 

Pooja room (Pooja Kottaram)

A Pooja room, or sacred space, is a vital feature in Kerala homes, reflecting the region’s deep-rooted religious and spiritual values. Typically situated in a serene corner of the house, the Pooja room is adorned with idols and religious artifacts. Its design often includes traditional elements such as intricate woodwork, brass lamps, and sacred symbols, creating a peaceful and sacred atmosphere.

 

Raised Platforms (Thazhikakkudam)

Kerala’s traditional homes often incorporate raised platforms, known as Thazhikakkudam, particularly in flood-prone areas. These platforms elevate the home above ground level, providing protection from water damage during the monsoon season. In addition to their practical benefits, these platforms enhance the aesthetic appeal of the house, with steps leading up to the main entrance.

 

Types of traditional Kerala home designs

Traditional Kerala architecture features a range of house styles, each reflecting the social standing, profession, and way of life of its residents. The most prevalent types include:

Nalukettu

The Nalukettu is a classic Kerala home, typically built for large, joint families. Its design revolves around a central open courtyard called the Nadumuttam, which plays a crucial role in maintaining airflow and natural light throughout the house. This not only keeps the interiors cool during the hot summer months but also fosters a sense of openness. Following the principles of Vastu Shastra, the Nadumuttam is believed to bring balance and positivity to the home.

In addition to the central courtyard, the Nalukettu features sloping roofs designed to withstand Kerala’s heavy rainfall. The front of the house often includes a Poomukham, a veranda that serves as a reception area and enhances the home’s welcoming atmosphere. Together, these elements create a functional and harmonious living space that reflects both tradition and practicality.

 

Ettukettu and Pathinarukettu

As families grew in size or wealth, they often expanded the traditional Nalukettu into larger structures like the Ettukettu or Pathinarukettu. These homes are distinguished by having two or four central courtyards, respectively, providing expansive open spaces that cater to the needs of large families.

The multiple courtyards in both Ettukettu and Pathinarukettu homes enhance air circulation and create a sense of openness. They also offer more space for communal activities. Additionally, these homes feature multiple verandas, which serve as outdoor living areas, blending the indoors with nature. The architectural design is often more intricate, with elaborate woodwork and carvings, adding to the aesthetic appeal and grandeur of these expanded homes.

 

Tharavadu

The Tharavadu is a traditional ancestral home, typically associated with joint families, and is often situated on expansive plots of land, symbolizing prestige and heritage. The design of the Tharavadu typically features rooms arranged around a central courtyard, with the number of courtyards varying based on the size and wealth of the family.

A key feature of many Tharavadus, especially in rural areas, is the presence of a granary or barn for storing grain, reflecting the agricultural lifestyle of the family. These homes are also known for their intricate woodwork, with beautifully carved doors and windows that signify the family’s status and craftsmanship. Additionally, it is common for the Tharavadu to have a small temple or shrine space within the home, underscoring the family’s spiritual practices and cultural values.

 

See also: Normal house front design, exterior elevation design ideas

Kerala house design: Different types of traditional houses in Kerala

Also read: South Indian house design: A look at the interior décor of traditional homes in south India

Traditional Kerala house design: Materials used in construction

The traditional houses in Kerala are usually designed with clay, timber wood, palm leaves, and locally-sourced stone and wood, and are in harmony with nature. Laterite is the local building block that Keralites use for construction. Timber has also been an important construction material in Kerala. Usually, teak wood, mahogany, sandalwood, and the wood from the jackfruit tree is used for house constructions. Skilled craftsmen showcase their talent through accurate joinery and assembly, and ornate carving on wooden columns, walls and roofs, which are unique to Kerala architecture. Wood is also used for the gables and the roof that are thatched with coconut palm leaves or tiles, and supported by wooden columns and rafters. Traditional homes are known for large verandas. Clay is extensively used for walls, filling the timber floors, and making bricks and tiles.

 

Kerala house design: Different types of traditional houses in Kerala

 

Kerala-style house design: Distinct, sloping roofs

The most noticeable feature of the traditional houses in Kerala are the red and brown sloping roofs. As Kerala receives heavy monsoon, homes are designed with sloped roofs covered in terracotta tiles that help in water drainage and keep the interiors cool during humid weather. Gabled windows at the top of a nalukettu ensure cross-ventilation and allow entry of light into the attic.

 

Kerala house design: Different types of traditional houses in Kerala

Source: Pinterest

 

Traditional houses in Kerala

(Source: Pinterest)

 

Kerala house design: Entrance

A padippura is a peculiar feature on top of a nalukettu gate that comprises an elaborate, temple-like gopuram. This arched entrance begins with the fencing of the house and has an impressively designed door with a tiled roof.

 

Kerala house design: Different types of traditional houses in Kerala

Source: Pinterest

 

Traditional Kerala house design: Courtyards 

Courtyards are an integral feature of every Kerala house with most family functions taking place in this part of the house. The courtyard is called the nadumuttom and is the prime centre of a Kerala house. It is usually square and is located in the exact centre of the house. As per Vaastu Shastra, it is a column-free space. The tiled roof slopes of the nadumuttom protect the veranda and inner spaces from heat and rain. In the nalukettu design, all the rooms are open into a common courtyard that aids natural ventilation adequate lighting for the house.

Traditional houses in Kerala had two verandahs – internal and external verandah. The external verandah helped to reduce direct exposure to sunlight. The internal verandah allows light to enter the house via a courtyard. Also, it was used for drying rice and as recreational and open space for children to play. A tulsi plant was placed in the centre of the courtyard of Kerala style house and was worshipped.

 

Traditional houses in Kerala

(Source: Pinterest)

Know more about registration department Kerala and online property services

 

Kerala-style house design: Pillars

The roof frame in traditional Kerala houses is structurally supported on the pillars on walls erected on a plinth raised from the ground for protection against dampness and insects in the Kerala monsoon. The pillars in the house instead of walls, were a common factor in Kerala’s old house interior design. The pillars were placed on the sitting area on the front porch of traditional Kerala houses. These traditional columns added aesthetic appeal too, as they often had delicate carving.

 

Kerala house design: Different types of traditional houses in Kerala

Source: Pinterest

 

Traditional Kerala home design: Charupadi (veranda seating)

Traditional houses in Kerala have charupadi, a built-in wooden seat in an extended porch or balcony, called the poomukhom, facing the entrance. This veranda allows one to relax and enjoy the views around the home, the breeze, and the rain. Traditionally, these were made for the family and visitors to sit and socialise.

 

Kerala house design: Different types of traditional houses in Kerala

Source: Pinterest

 

Traditional houses in Kerala

(Source: Pinterest)

 

Kerala house design: Ambal kulam (pond)

Designs of traditional houses in Kerala ensured that homeowners never were away from nature. As per Vastu, water bodies balance the energies of the house. According to Kerala architecture, every traditional house has a pond situated at the end of the chuttu veranda, an open passage. Traditionally, this pond was built with rubble and was used for bathing. The pond also helped the family to unwind and relax in the evening. Today, these ponds add to the beauty of the house with lotus and lilies.

 

Kerala house design: Different types of traditional houses in Kerala

 

See also: All about the different types of houses in India

 

Traditional Kerala house design: Interiors

Traditional houses in Kerala are known for their sturdy wooden furniture and intricate wooden carvings. Even today, traditional handicrafts of Kerala like wooden seating with fewer cushions, oversized chairs, four-poster beds, and recliners made of wood in the dark polish, are popular all over the world. Homes may also have teak or rosewood swings – oonjal – in the veranda or the centre of the living room. The walls are decorated with ethnic art and antiques made from teak, sandalwood and mahogany. Decorative brass items like nettur petti (traditional jewellery box), earthen pots, and dark-toned metal items adorn traditional houses.

In traditional Kerala houses, metal objects were largely seen in home decor. Bell metal crafts products are known for their centuries-old craftsmanship and heritage. This metal is a mix of tin and copper. Decor items, religious artefacts and sculptures are made even today with this age-old crafting technique. Traditional metalwork of Kerala like hanging bells, brass lamps (nilavilakku), and idols of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, Nandi bull, and elephant also decorate the interiors. Ornamental brass locks called manichitrathazhu adorn the double-door entrance. Kerala’s mural art made with natural pigments is a significant feature in Kerala homes and portrays stories from Indian mythology. Even traditional coir crafts of Kerala were a part of home décor – doormats, floor mats, wall panelling, mattresses, baskets, etc., were all made of coir.

 

Traditional houses in Kerala

 

Traditional houses in Kerala

 

Traditional houses in Kerala

 

Traditional houses in Kerala

 

Traditional houses in Kerala

(Source: Pinterest)

 

Kerala house design: Different types of traditional houses in Kerala

Source: Pinterest

 

Kerala house design: Different types of traditional houses in Kerala

Source: Pinterest

 

Kerala house design: Different types of traditional houses in Kerala

Source: Pinterest

 

Kerala-style house design: Furniture

In the traditional homes of Kerala, wooden furniture was widely used. Kerala is well known for its elaborately designed wooden furniture, which showcases its rich cultural heritage. The uniqueness of Kerala’s wooden furniture lies in its intricate craftsmanship. Kerala woods, such as teakwood and rosewood, are known for their strength, durability, comfort and aesthetics. The wood carving process was handmade and carried out with the use of traditional carpenters’ tools. The durable furniture made in Kerala is usually passed on to the next generations. Skilfully crafted doors, with symbols of deities, Rocking chairs, diwan, carved cabinet sofas and floor rested wooden temples, are even now in demand, in modern homes.

 

Kerala house design: Different types of traditional houses in Kerala

Source: Pinterest

 

Kerala house design: Different types of traditional houses in Kerala

Source: Pinterest

 

Kerala house design: Different types of traditional houses in Kerala

Source: Pinterest

 

Traditional Kerala home design: Layout

Modern houses in Kerala have incorporated many features of the traditional Kerala homes, especially open architecture and spacious floor plans, and nalukettu style of architecture like the sloping roof, a small veranda supported by tall pillars, and a mini courtyard in the middle. Besides homes, the traditional house design has also inspired hotels, restaurants and spas. The contemporary house designs modify certain features as per the modern lifestyle. Traditional elements such as wooden furniture, pillars and courtyards are part of modern houses in an evolved structural design.

Traditional houses in Kerala

(Source: Pinterest)

Check out the living room of this Kerala style contemporary house design.

Traditional houses in Kerala

(Source: Pinterest)

Check this four-bedroom Kerala style contemporary house design. The two-storey structure includes family and guest living areas, two bedrooms, kitchen and work areas in the ground floor. In the upper floor, there is a living area, two bedrooms and balcony.

Kerala house design: Different types of traditional houses in Kerala

See also : know all about Sanketham building permit in Kerala

 

Kerala home design: Sustainable practices 

Traditional Kerala houses are known for their eco-friendly design, reflecting a deep understanding of the local climate and environment. The use of natural materials like laterite, timber, clay, and coconut leaves for construction reduces the ecological footprint and ensures longevity. These homes are built with sloped, tiled roofs to efficiently handle the region’s heavy rainfall, while large windows and courtyards promote natural ventilation, reducing the need for artificial cooling. Rainwater harvesting, open-to-sky bathrooms, and minimal use of energy further contribute to sustainable living, making these homes an excellent model of eco-conscious architecture.

 

Traditional Kerala house design: Advantages 

There are many advantages of traditional Kerala architecture. Natural and local materials are used that improve durability and encourage a higher level of detail and craftsmanship. These are also more cost-effective. Local materials such as laterite stone, wood, clay, bamboo, and granite are some of the locally available materials that are easily accessible and sustainable. Traditional Kerala houses use granite slabs below the ground to avoid dampness. Thatch and clay tiles on the sloped roofs help keep the house dry. Traditional houses of Kerala are energy efficient and are built in harmony with their natural surroundings. For maximum natural light and air passage, courtyards, walls and internal partitions are designed to induce continuous air movement and cross-ventilation.

 

Traditional Kerala house design: Photos

Check these photos of beautiful traditional Kerala-style houses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Housing.com POV

Kerala house designs are a timeless embodiment of cultural heritage and architectural ingenuity. They seamlessly blend traditional elements like sloping roofs, wooden craftsmanship, and open courtyards with sustainable materials and thoughtful layouts that cater to Kerala’s tropical climate. The enduring charm of these homes lies in their ability to combine aesthetic beauty with practical functionality, making them relevant even in modern architecture. Whether through the Nalukettu’s iconic layout or the intricate details of its interiors, Kerala house designs continue to inspire and preserve a rich legacy of harmonious living.

 

FAQs

What are the other names of traditional houses of Kerala besides nalukettu?

The nalukettu houses are also referred to as tharavadu, kovilakam, kotare, meda or illam.

What was the flooring made of in traditional houses of Kerala?

Red-oxide flooring is known to have been part of many houses This flooring is also known as kaaviyidal. Clay tiles and wooden flooring were also common in traditional houses.

Which wood has been used in traditional houses of Kerala?

Teakwood and wood of jackfruit tree were used for the construction of the doors and windows.

What is Tulsi Thara in the traditional house of Kerala?

Tulsi Thara is a stone platform in front of traditional Kerala houses where the holy basil (tulsi) is planted.

What sets apart Kerala house design?

Kerala house design is celebrated for its unique fusion of tradition and innovation, showcasing distinctive features like sloping roofs, intricate woodwork, and cross-ventilation. Specifically tailored for Kerala's climate, these designs incorporate open courtyards, expansive windows, and verandas, promoting natural light and airflow for a healthier living space. Notably, Kerala house designs prioritize sustainability by using locally sourced materials and traditional construction methods, aligning with eco-friendly practices to reduce the environmental impact.

How does Kerala house design evolve for modern living?

While deeply rooted in tradition, Kerala house designs seamlessly adapt to contemporary needs. They strike a balance by incorporating modern amenities like modular kitchens, updated bathrooms, and technological integrations while preserving the core elements that define the style. Emphasizing functional layouts and communal spaces, these designs foster a sense of togetherness, catering to the evolving preferences of modern lifestyles.

What is the cultural significance of Kerala house design?

Kerala house design holds profound cultural significance, serving as an embodiment of the state's architectural heritage. The intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and craftsmanship reflect Kerala's rich cultural legacy, transcending beyond mere structures to become expressions of tradition, history, and artistry. By embracing and preserving Kerala house designs, communities uphold their cultural identity, showcasing a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity that speaks to Kerala's adaptability and the enduring value of its architectural heritage.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com

 

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