Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country,” is famous for its lush greenery, backwaters, and stunning architecture. The houses in Kerala are not just homes but a reflection of the state’s rich heritage, climate, and lifestyle. Whether traditional or modern, Kerala-style houses are admired for their beauty, functionality, and cultural significance.
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What’s Different About Kerala Houses?
Kerala houses are built with careful attention to the climate and natural surroundings. The high humidity and heavy monsoons influence the design, ensuring comfort and durability. Some unique features include:
Sloping Roofs: To allow rainwater to drain quickly.
Courtyards (Nadumuttam): Providing ventilation and natural cooling.
Wooden Elements: Traditional houses use high-quality wood for doors, windows, and pillars.
Eco-friendly Materials: Laterite stones, clay tiles, and bamboo are commonly used.
Why Choose a Kerala-Style House?
People prefer Kerala houses for their aesthetic charm, energy efficiency, and ability to stay cool even in warm weather. These homes blend tradition with modern comforts, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking for a peaceful and elegant living space.
Types of Houses in Kerala
1. Traditional Nalukettu House
A Nalukettu house follows the ancient Kerala architectural style with a square-shaped structure and a central open courtyard (Nadumuttam).
Built using wood, clay tiles, and laterite stone, these homes provide excellent ventilation and natural lighting.
2. Ettukettu and Pathinarukettu Houses
Ettukettu has two courtyards, while Pathinarukettu has four, making them more spacious.
These houses were once built for royal families and rich landlords, showcasing the grandeur of Kerala’s heritage.
3. Kerala Vernacular Architecture Homes
These houses are eco-friendly and built with locally sourced materials like bamboo, mud, and thatch.
They emphasize sustainability while maintaining a traditional touch.
4. Modern Kerala Villas
Modern villas retain Kerala’s signature sloping roofs but include large glass windows, open spaces, and modern interiors.
Perfect for those who want a mix of tradition and luxury.
5. Contemporary Kerala Homes
Contemporary houses focus on clean lines, minimalistic design, and modern materials like steel and concrete.
They incorporate Kerala-style elements but with a fresh, modern twist.
6. Traditional Wooden Houses
Built entirely with teakwood or rosewood, these homes are strong, durable, and visually stunning.
These houses often have intricate carvings and sloping roofs, giving them a timeless appeal.
7. Houseboats (Kettuvallam)
Unlike any other type of house, houseboats are luxurious floating homes used for both living and tourism.
They feature wooden interiors, thatched roofs, and beautiful water views, making them a unique lifestyle choice.
Conclusion
Kerala houses offer a unique blend of beauty, tradition, and practicality. Whether you admire the classic Nalukettu or prefer a modern villa, there’s a Kerala-style house for everyone. If you’re planning to build a home inspired by Kerala’s architecture, SmartScale House Design can help bring your vision to life.
Ready to design your dream Kerala home? Contact SmartScale House Design today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many types of houses are there in Kerala?
Kerala has a variety of house types influenced by its climate, culture, and traditions. The main types include:
Traditional Nalukettu Houses – Homes with a central courtyard.
Ettukettu and Pathinarukettu Houses – Larger traditional homes with multiple courtyards.
Kerala Vernacular Architecture Homes – Eco-friendly homes made with natural materials.
Modern Kerala Villas – A mix of traditional and contemporary design.
Contemporary Kerala Homes – Minimalist homes with modern aesthetics.
Traditional Wooden Houses – Houses built with high-quality timber.
Houseboats (Kettuvallam) – Floating homes on Kerala’s backwaters.
What are the traditional houses in Kerala?
Traditional Kerala houses include Nalukettu, Ettukettu, and Pathinarukettu homes. These houses feature sloping roofs, wooden elements, and an open courtyard (Nadumuttam) at the center for ventilation and natural cooling. They are built with laterite stone, clay tiles, and teakwood, reflecting Kerala’s rich architectural heritage.
What type of building is in Kerala?
Kerala has a mix of traditional, vernacular, and modern buildings. Traditional houses follow Vastu Shastra principles, while modern buildings incorporate contemporary materials like glass, steel, and concrete. The state also has temples, churches, mosques, and colonial-style buildings, adding to its diverse architectural landscape.
What type of architecture is in Kerala?
Kerala architecture is known for its sloping roofs, wooden carvings, courtyards, and eco-friendly materials. It blends Dravidian, colonial, and vernacular styles, focusing on climate-responsive designs that keep homes cool and airy.
What is the Pakka house?
A Pakka house is a permanent house built with strong materials like bricks, cement, concrete, and steel. Unlike Kaccha houses, which use mud and thatch, Pakka houses are more durable and resistant to weather conditions. In Kerala, modern villas and contemporary homes fall under the Pakka house category.
