This elegant house in Kappur village in Palakkad, Kerala exudes the timeless beauty of traditional architecture that focuses on sustainability. The house, a traditional 'naalukettu', has been designed with the central courtyard as the highlight. Nadumuttam or central courtyard is a unique feature that never fails to trigger nostalgia and sweet memories in Malayalis. While the 'nadumuttam' is a spot of joy and warmth for some people, some others see it as a reminder of the grim past they had survived. However, the design philosophy of the 'naalukettu' perfectly suits Kerala’s tropical weather. Moreover, it is a unique and flexible design that could be adopted in both small and big structures even in the modern age.
The beautiful house is located at a serene village near the home town of legendary writer MT Vasudevan Nair who wrote the iconic novel ‘Naalukettu’ and the village of Mahakavi (great poet) Edasseri Govindan Nair who immortalised the story of a mother’s love in his poem ‘Poothappaattu’. The idyllic setting with coconut orchards that sway in the cool breeze, the spacious plot filled with trees and the long mud path that leads to the house is sure to charm your heart.
The family wanted a traditional 'naalukettu' as the memories of their old house that turned into a concrete kiln during summers was still fresh in their minds. Besides, they have always been impressed by the exciting stories of the iconic 'naalukettu' that they had heard from their ancestors. The architect and her team have tried to design an abode where humans and nature coexist in harmony. This scintillating traditional home exuding tranquillity has been built using sustainable and eco-friendly materials, without any over-the-top design gimmicks or decor.
In the olden days, many methods were used to reduce the heat inside the houses in tropical regions, including the 'nadumuttam' to push out the hot air. Veranda and roof -overhangs were added to protect the walls in the south-west side from getting heated. Besides, wind catchers and sloped roofs were used to trap the wind inside. We could build exceptional structures when the technical brilliance of the modern age is combined with the impeccable architectural knowledge of ancient times.
The structure has been designed to allow the family to enjoy the mesmerizing greenery around it. The veranda in the front is parallel to the 'nadumuttam' or the central courtyard. You could grab a fabulous view of the sit-out even from the kitchen inside. Interestingly, the open courtyard is also the feature that ensures privacy in the interiors. Meanwhile, a cosy spot has been arranged in the veranda for the family members to gather and enjoy the scintillating beauty of the garden outside.
The inner courtyard is visible as soon as you enter the house. There are lots of sitting spaces and resting spots close to the windows, near the central courtyard, to enjoy a relaxing afternoon nap.
There is a study area for the kids, a spot reserved for a hanging cot or an easy chair, a spacious formal living area, pooja space, dining area and kitchen in the house. The four bedrooms boast all the modern amenities. There is a living area with an adjacent balcony and two bedrooms on the upper floor. Meanwhile, the central courtyard and the surrounding veranda act as major features that join both floors.
Laterite stones and rocks have been mostly used for the construction of this house. The steel truss roof is paved with clay tiles for that quintessential traditional look. Meanwhile, the layer of ceiling tiles beneath the roof helps in reducing the heat inside the house. The sturdy wooden pillars from the old house have been reused here.
Those who design a building are responsible for the environmental impact that it causes on the earth. Moreover, it is their duty to offer eco-friendly and sustainable models that could stand the test of time. This year’s unbearable summer heat is proof enough for the alarming effect of global warming, highlighting the importance of sustainable models.
Plastering is polished in many places while the earthy tones of the laterite stones have been retained at some spots. So, there aren’t too many areas in this house where you could see painted walls. The natural sunshine that comes in through the central courtyard and the lavishly placed wooden windows are the most luxurious features in this house. These play pivotal roles in illuminating the interiors with golden sunshine as well as filling the areas with cool breeze.
The laterite arches surrounding the central courtyard and the rustic features look straight out of the ‘Poothappaattu’ and the indigenous folklore. The serene traditional spaces in this house exude the timeless charm that lure us into bygone times. Just as MT Vasudevan Nair has said, “such memories are like the eternal golden medallions that never wither away and can retrieve the people who have lost their roots”.
Project Facts
Location – Kappur, Palakkad
Area – 3400 SFT
Owner – Lisha and Sajan
Architects- Guruprasad Rane and Manasi
Bhoomija Creations, Palakkad
Mob - 9895353291
