NALUKETTU HOUSE PLAN

Kerala’s traditional houses look very close to similar structures as one sees in China, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia etc. This is primarily due to the climate and influence of Buddhism to a greater extent in the architectural thesis.

Nalukettu Houses

However, the most celebrated Traditional house concept is NALUKETTU. In simple terms, Nalukettu means FOUR CORNERED structure (Nalu- Four, Kettu- Structure). It means, it should have 4 corner blocks enclosing a central courtyard (Nadumuttom). And basically, Nalukettu is nothing by four halls Shala or Chaturshala, but always referred to as Nalukettu.

Notably, Kerala houses do have gabled ridged roofing made of clay tiles supported by wooden truss work and brackets. The roofing is primarily brought down to maximum to protect the walls from rain and sun. This makes most of Kerala traditional structures look low rises as the real height is often covered by lower roofing.

Nalukettu Houses

However, the most celebrated Traditional house concept is NALUKETTU. In simple terms, Nalukettu means FOUR CORNERED structure (Nalu- Four, Kettu- Structure). It means, it should have 4 corner blocks enclosing a central courtyard (Nadumuttom). And basically, Nalukettu is nothing by four halls Shala or Chaturshala, but always referred to as Nalukettu.