Design of a Kerala Nalukettu

Nalukettu is typically a rectangular structure where four halls are joined together with a central court yard open to the sky. The four halls on the sides are named Vadakkini (northern block), Padinjattini (western block), Kizhakkini (eastern block) and Thekkini (southern block).

The outer verandahs along the four sides of the Nalukettu are enclosed differently. While both the western and eastern verandahs are left open, the northern and southern verandahs are enclosed or semi-enclosed.

Designated Functions

The designated functions of the four halls are as follows- Kizhakkini is for prayer and pooja, Thekkini for keeping wealth and for human dwelling, Padinjattini for storage (crops and grains in the olden days) and Vadakkini for Kitchen.

Nadumuttom

The courtyard created at the centre by these four halls is auspicious and is called Nadumuttom or Ankanam. As the Ankanam is usually sunk it is also called Kuzhi(pit)-Ankanam. The protruding roofs of the four halls formed shady verandas and protected the rooms from direct sunlight, keeping them cool even on the hottest of days. The inner verandah around the Ankanam is open.

Advantages of the Nalukettu Design

In the Nalukettu design, all the rooms are open to a common court yard which helps the family to interact more often. The open courtyard provides natural ventilation as well as adequate lighting for the household, offering a healthier environment. Abundant sunlight falling inside the house through the open central courtyard acts as a natural disinfectant and limits the presence of bacteria and fungus inside the house. The inside open verandah with open court yard provides ample space for children for their activities.

Ettukettu and Pathinarukettu

For larger homes and wealthier families, there are more elaborate forms of the Nalukettu, called the Ettukettu (eight halled with two central courtyards) or Pathinarukettu (sixteen halled with four central courtyards).

Thachushasthram, or the Techniques of Carpentry and Traditional Vaastu, is the governing science in the architectural form of Nalukettu. This branch of knowledge was well developed in the traditional architecture of Kerala and has its own branch of literature under the titles- Tantrasamuchaya, Vastuvidya, Manushyalaya-Chandrika, and Silparatna.


Modern Nalukettu Design

‎'Nalukettu' is our Traditional house design concept and suited to our climatic and topographic conditions. In modern Nalukettu designs, architects try to incorporate aspects of modern living into the traditional design structure.


For example, in ancient times, Keralal homes did not have the modern plumbing and sanitation systems that we now have. Hence the need for an adjacent well or pond. Upon the advent of water pumping systems and efficient waste disposal methods, these elements have ceased to be essential factors of a house.


Likewise, other aspects of Nalukettu design have to be analyzed so as to ascertain their relevance in today's setup; as well as provision for including modern appliances have to be introduced in the design.

More links on Nalukettu-