Vernacular Architecture (Kerala)

The Incredible Kerala

(Vernacular Architecture)

Kerala Architecture is one of the most exciting examples of preservation of vernacular style.

Introduction: 
The evolution of domestic architecture of Kerala followed closely  the trends of development in temples architecture. The primitive models of circular , square or rectangular plain shapes with a ribbed roof evolved from functional  consideration.

(Traditional house)

The climate of Kerala greatly influenced the traditional architecture. The natural building materials available for construction in Kerala i.e. stone, timber, clay, and palm leaves have anchored and guided the acceptance or rejection of outside influences. Vernacular architecture is an architectural style that design  based on  local needs, availability of construction materials and reflecting local traditions .

(Design of house)

                                                              

Influence of climate: 

Kerala has a warm humid climate. The rainfall is very heavy from south west and north east monsoons. Kerala receives an average annual rainfall of 3107 mm. This compares to the all-India average is 1,197 mm. In summer, most of Kerala is prone to gale-force winds, storm surges, and torrential downpours accompanying dangerous cyclones coming from the Indian Ocean. 

Kerala's average maximum daily temperature is around 37 °C and the minimum temperature is 19.8 °C. To keep the rain and sun away form the walls the roofs of the building come down very low. They have verandah all round the building protecting the external walls from sun and rain. They also have an internal courtyard for better flow of air. 

Geography:
Kerala is situated between the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the east. It lies between northern latitude of 8°.17'.30" N and 12°. 47'.40" N and east longitudes 74°.27'47" E and 77°.37'.12" E.

Kerala roughly divides into three climatically distinct regions. These include the eastern highlands (rugged and cool mountainous terrain), the central midlands (rolling hills), and the western lowlands (coastal plains). The topography consists of a hot and wet coastal plain gradually rising in elevation to the high hills and mountains of the Western Ghats. 

Roofing system:

The ridged roof pitched at angles between 30 degree to 40 degree. The roof with intricately carved gables protruding from the roof with overhangs supported by wooden brackets. The roof is prefabricated that is different members are fixed on the ground and assembled at the top.

(Types of roofs)

No nails are used. The roof kept in position by interlocking with the hole in the rafters. Walls made of timber or earth and roof of coconut leaves or tiles are common in many parts of Kerala. Structurally the roof frame was supported on the pillars on walls erected on a plinth raised from the ground for protection against dampness and insects in the tropical climate. 

(Details of roof)

Building materials:

Timber remains the prime structural material abundantly available in Kerala, in many varieties – form bamboo to teak and rosewood. The skillful choice of timber, artful assembly and delicate carving of wood work for columns, walls and roofs frames are the unique characteristics of Kerala architecture, using accurate fit of joints. 

Clay was used in many forms – for walling, in filling the timber floors and making bricks and tiles after firing in kilns, tempered with admixtures. Palm leaves are still used effectively for thatching the roofs and for making partition walls and along with mud. The natural building materials available for construction in Kerala are stones, timber, clay and palm leaves.

The availability of granite – a strong and durable building stone is restricted mainly to the highlands and marginally to some hilly zones. Accordingly, the skill quarry, dressing and sculpturing of stone is scarce in Kerala. Laterite stone however, is abundantly found. Soft laterite available at shallow depth can be easily cut, dressed and used as building blocks. It is a local stone that gets stronger and durable with exposure to the atmosphere. 

Block of this stone may be bounded in mortars of shell lime, the classic binding material used in traditional buildings. Lime mortar can be improved in strength and performance by admixtures of vegetable juices . Such enriched mortars were utilized for  plastering and low relief work.

Examples:

Bamboo, leaves, mud and natural materials used.

Coconut palm leaves, timber and mud wall used as a building materials.

Conclusion:

1) Understanding about the vernacular architecture of a particular region would gives us an insight on how architecture can function in perfect harmony with nature.

2) The climate responsive architecture helps in maintaining indoor environmental quality and also provides us with some infallible methods and techniques of maintaining human comfort conditions.

3) These techniques when integrated with current technologies can help in providing maximum comfort to occupants with minimum use of energy.

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 Thank you 

Writer: Pankaj Sonwane.

Bibliography:

 1) Photos and figures from google photos.

 2) Information from books.