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The nallukettu goes places
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`Contemporary interpretation of vernacular architecture' turns the traditional nallukettu into a modern lifestyle home
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THE ONLY directive that the well-heeled Zakariah family had for him was this: Build us a house that is ethnic, in short a nallukettu. Architect Jose Mathew Karimundackal gave them something better. Realising that from arts to architecture the mantra that sells today is fusion he designed a house that would blend the traditional with the modern. The result: a smooth, efficient synthesis without any jarring protuberances.
"It is not a typical traditional style. It is a contemporary interpretation of vernacular architecture," says Mr. Mathew who recently won an award for this residence by the Journal of Indian Institute of Architects. Further the building has been selected as India's entry for the Art Asia award to be held in Bangladesh this month.
The Zakariahs are ecstatic. Says Rakhee Zakariah, for whom Mr. Mathew's credibility was never in doubt. "He had reconstructed our first house in 1997. We knew we could depend on him." The edifice in question is Aayiramthykal, situated on Baker Hill in Kottayam. A four-bedroom house with attached baths, a living room, family room and kitchen it covers an area of 3977sq.ft. It's peaked tiled roof, a predominant visual feature is "a reincarnation of my own residence built about 14 years ago," says Mr. Mathew.
Even as he has tried to retain certain characteristic features of a central courtyard, deep roof overhangs and verandahs and design elements like mukappu, kuthupalaka, machu and charupady, Mathew has a proclivity to experiment. Not content to blindly follow laid down ideas he brings versatility to his designs. Evidently, with modern materials and technology available for the asking the sky is the limit for a competent architect. However, there are some things that don't change. Kerala is blessed with an abundant supply of timber and this is used profusely in the structure. The ceiling has an interesting wooden structural framework, over which are terracotta ceiling tiles and above these are the roofing tiles. Woodwork, mostly teak and anjili is used inside too, lending solidity to the interiors. The bridge, which runs over the central quadrangle is also made of country wood, shone to perfection.
Says Jose K. Mathew, "I had not given an entry for an award earlier even though I have been practicing pretty much the same quality of architecture all through. That is because I did not have much faith in the integrity of such awards. However, when last year a colleague won an award purely on his own merit I was tempted to send my entry." And there's more to cheer about. The Kottayam sub centre of I.I.A. of which Mr. Mathew is chairman won the best sub centre in the country award at Bangalore recently.
SUNANDA KHANNA
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Thiruvananthapuram
Visakhapatnam
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