Beyond the nalukettu
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The larger mansions of Kerala in the past had a central courtyard and followed the `nalukettu' pattern of construction. Today, some are going for modern versions of these.
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WHERE TRADITION MEETS MODERNITY: The inner courtyard of a modern ettukettu in Kochi - Photo: H. Vibhu
THE NALUKETTU pattern of construction was the hallmark of the grand mansions of yore in Kerala. This tradition, which was dominant when Keralites lived in large joint families, had been virtually been swept away by modern trends. With the break up of the joint family system new construction patterns emerged.
And the present generation was almost entirely cut off from the experience of what it was like living in a house with a central courtyard and surrounding verandas.
Modern version
Despite nalukettus being no longer in vogue, some people are opting for the traditional architectural pattern and even going for ettukettus - maybe their modern concrete versions.
The traditional nalukettu consisted of four blocks - the Vadakkini (northern block), Padinjattini (western block), Kizhakkini (eastern block) and Thekkini (southern block). The central courtyard of Nadumuttom formed the core of nalukettu. When there are two central courtyards and surrounding verandas for each, it is known as ettukettu. Given our dry humid climate such a construction pattern facilitated the free entry of wind and good ventilation. The central courtyard acted as a hot-air escape to aid natural ventilation. The nalukettu type of houses also permitted the growing of plants and greenery to soothe eyes.
Changing scene
The picture has changed altogether today. Nuclear families are in plenty and working women are numerous. The time required to maintain large houses is hard to come by for middle-class families.
However, this has not dampened the spirits of enthusiastic people such as V. Gopakumar, the customer head of a private firm. Explains Mr. Gopakumar: "When the children grow up, they too need personal space. They occupy a bedroom each. Hence, a three to four bedroom house is the right selection even for a nuclear family."
Some builders have come up with offerings constructed in the traditional style. For instance, Kent constructions has built Kent Nalukettu heritage village at Vennela. This project has attracted a good number of those from the middle class. These 1,800 to 3,000 sq.ft. villas, including a central courtyard, are packed with luxury. However, some have a different view of traditional styles. Sathikumari, a city resident, opines: "Opting for a traditional house is a mere luxury or an investment. Only the affluent can afford space large enough for building a big mansion given the present high cost real estate market."
A fusion
S. Gopakumar, architect, Kumar Group, says: "People generally do the decorative part - carvings - and call it traditional architecture. We concentrate on the preserving the soul of Kerala and incorporating the elements of traditional Kerala architecture."
Located on Indira Road, Palarivattom is Gopi Menon's 12,000 sq.ft. modern four-bedroom ettukettu mansion. Living in the U.S. for the last 34 years has not changed his perception of tradition.
"This house is not of the traditional nalukettu type, although it has open courtyards inside the structure. It also has cathedral ceilings, which is more like that of a colonial structure. The idea was to build a utilitarian house which has plenty of open space inside, plenty of light and air circulation inside which is needed for the type of sultry heat we experience in Kerala," says Mr. Menon.
A separate area for kitchen and dining away from the main structure has been conceived so that the bustle and smell associated with cooking does not pervade the living rooms.
Expensive affair
Wooden craft and ceilings being expensive, not all can afford it. Wooden pillars are available in the market. They are also either taken from the demolished traditional buildings or built anew. Traditionally, courtyards were deep. The scene has changed and today the height between the floor and the courtyard is minimal. Most of the nalukettu's and ettukettu's are single-storied buildings except for the rare two-storied buildings.
Want of space
"People nowadays ask for courtyards. A traditional courtyard consumes lots of space. Space, a major consideration these days, the courtyard is placed in a corner of the house or a small space is provided only for the sunlight to enter the house," says Ajith Menon, an architect based at Fort Kochi.
Mosquitoes, as always, being a problem in the city, courtyards are at times provided with netted roofs allowing light to reach the courtyard and the adjoining rooms.
The taste of each person and their requirements vary. A blend of modernity and tradition is considered the apt choice. Architects are juggling styles to achieve this.
Resmi Shaji-Jaimon
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