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The southwestern coastal state of Kerala is known for its rich culture and unique architectural language. The state even today possesses an ever-refining design style that sets the benchmark for the rest of the country. Architecture in Kerala has been one of a kind for ages and continues to be so even today. This article dives deep into the prestigious architectural legacy of God’s own country.

A Glimpse into Kerala's Architectural Heritage

Based on the traditional Thatchu Shastra or the science of carpentry, the architecture in Kerala is distinctive in style. From ancient temples to modern-day homes, the architecture language continues to be unique and statement-making.

The state has several ancient traditional temples whose strategic construction has stood the test of time. Here is a list of a few of the wonders that make the architectural landscape of Kerala remarkable.

1. Padhmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram

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This famous Dravidian-style temple in Kerala is known for its rich architecture. It is planned in concentric squares with the temple housing Lord Padhmanabha (Vishnu) at the centre.

Adorned with intricate sculptures throughout the temple walls, its most striking feature is the gopuram. This 100-foot-tall gopuram consists of seven floors featuring a pair of windows that behold a remarkable spectacle twice every year. On the days of the equinox, the sun graces the gopuram exactly along the windows because of the temple’s precise orientation.

The temple’s exquisite sculptures, the grandiose of the gopuram, its perfect geological planning, etc. make it phenomenal. It has stood the test of time and continues to be a worth-visiting landmark of Kerala since the 18th century.

2. Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur

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One of the oldest temples in Kerala, located at the heart of Thrissur is the Vadakkumnathan temple. A marvelous structure in wood and stone, this temple is the perfect example of the traditional temple architecture of Kerala. Its high-pitched roof, stone carvings, and state-of-the-art craftsmanship make it a noteworthy landmark.

The temple is surrounded by a nine-acre patch of lush greens that is separated by a wall. The recent restoration of the centuries-old temple has given the temple a renewed recognition as one of the most pristine landmarks.

3. Paliam Palace, Kochi

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Paliam Palace used to be the residence of the prime ministers of the Cochin kingdom. This royal residence is known for its unique amalgamation of traditional Kerala style and Dutch style of architecture.

Featuring an efficient plan, thick walls, minimal carvings, etc. this three-storeyed structure now also serves as a museum. A few of its note-worthy features include the intricately carved wooden staircases, balustrades, and cooler interior environment.

4. Kanakakkunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram

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Situated in the heart of the city of Thiruvananthapuram is a striking palace that is a hot spot for locals today. Kanakakunnu Palace is a unique amalgamation of the traditional Kerala style and Gothic style of architecture.

Comprising a circular hall with an entrance portico, this red brick structure is complemented by meadows and shrubs. One of its striking features is the collection of crystal chandeliers and antique furniture.

5. Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple, Kochi

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One of the biggest temple complexes in the state, the Chottanikkara Bhagavathi temple in Kochi exemplifies the local architecture of Kerala. It comprises the typical elements of a south Indian temple like the gopuram, sanctum santorum, mandapas, ponds, flagpost, etc.

The main temple is made of the Srikovil Sreekovil featuring the statue of Goddess Rajarajeshwari. This is marked by intricately carved walls and pillars that depict Hindu scriptures. Likewise, the roof is also high-pitched and covered in Mangalore tiles resembling Kerala's traditional vernacular architecture style.

6. Madhur Temple, Kasaragod

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A mystical temple on the banks of the river Madhuvahini is known for its architecture and heritage. Originally believed to be a self-manifested Shiva temple, it also houses an idol of Lord Ganesh.

The three-tiered form of the temple is constructed in the ‘Gaja Prista’ style to mimic the back of an elephant. This unique feature makes the temple attractive to the connoisseurs of architecture. Additionally, the intricately carved wooden beams and pillars alongside copper-plated roofs add to the temple’s charm.

7. Kerala Kalamandalam

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Kerala Kalamandalam is a significant landmark of the state. This centre for cultural development is also known for its beautiful architecture. The most striking part of the centre has to be the Natyagriha or the traditional dance hall.

Set in an ethnic atmosphere, the simple yet gracious structure is the only one built outside a temple complex. The use of local stone with carvings on granite and wood marks the architectural language of the place.

Several other marvels define the architecture of Kerala. Primarily, all of them follow an underlying scheme of climate-responsiveness and cultural appropriation. The use of local materials like stone, wood, mud, etc. for construction with high-pitched sloping roofs is common in all of them.

These heritage temples, palaces and cultural centres have stood the test of time and continue to retain the rich status of Kerala’s architecture. The houses too, have been following a similar scheme traditionally. However, the fabric of the state has seen quite a revolution in the past centuries. Let’s take a close look at the evolution of residences in Kerala.

The Evolution of Architecture in Kerala to Modern Homes

1.Traditional Kerala-style Nalakettu Homes

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The vernacular style of architecture in Kerala is comprised of the Nalkettu houses. Here, generally, four blocks are connected with an open courtyard in the middle. The grids of the houses are geometrically squarish and symmetrical. The walls of these homes are adorned with rich local art and ornate interiors.

These homes also feature large verandahs and intricately carved entrance doors. Each wing or block has a differently designated function. These parts of the home are called the Vadakkini (northern), Padinjattini (western), Kizhakkini (eastern), and Thekkini (southern) blocks.

Larger families built larger Nalakettu homes having eight wings and two courtyards, called the Ettukettu. A few larger homes also feature sixteen blocks and have four courtyards called the Pathinaaru kettu. The typical sloping roofs, wells and use of stone remained the common feature of all these homes.

2. Gulf Homes

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In the later part of the 20th century, there was a surge in the migration of Malyalis to Gulf countries. This led to people with high-paying jobs building their retirement homes or second homes in the state. Since these people experienced modern technologies and construction in the Gulf nations, they built a different modern typology of homes in Kerala.

These modern homes that were inspired by the revolutions in the Gulf were called ‘Gulf Homes’. The Gulf homes lacked definitive features however they often incorporated flat roofs, lack of local materials, and generally modern aesthetics.

Some of these homes were of a palatial scale with large volumes. These supposedly luxurious villas lacked awareness of the local climate and culture.

3. The Laurie Baker Influence

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At the turn of the century, architecture in Kerala saw a refreshing turn with the Baker-style buildings. British-born architect Sir Laurie Baker began practising using vernacular methods to create buildings that served modern functions.

He attempted to create cost-effective buildings that were in complete alignment with the natural climatic conditions. The use of exposed bricks, sloping roofs, arches, natural ventilation, etc. gave birth to renewed green building typology.

These homes co-existed with the Gulf homes by the end of the century yet stood the test of time and proved to be better for habitability and environment. It also retained the traditional pattern of architecture thereby continuing the indigenous characteristics.

4. Modern-day Fusion Homes

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The modern architecture of Kerala is heavily inspired by its rich vernacular homes. It is a balanced blend of traditional principles with modern materials. Architects today are consciously working towards combatting the changing conditions with indigenous solutions.

The use of ancient techniques for keeping the indoor environment cooler, and the use of high-pitched sloping roofs for heavy rainfall remains prevalent. Few homes also feature sleek slabs but tend to have indoor courtyards with skylights for ambient indoor environments.

Numerous great architectural practices in the state have developed a distinct style that pays homage to conventional and vernacular practices. Modern homes in Kerala sit perfectly well in the surroundings and are articulated keeping in mind the changing lifestyle of people.

Architecture in Kerala speaks its distinctive language that is polished and vivid. The architecture here has evolved with the awareness of the culture and climate. It has been respectful of the past and has taken ahead the foundation of a greener approach for buildings.

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Text provided by Namita Dhawan-

Namita Dhawan is an architect and a writer. She is extremely enthusiastic about architecture, design, history, research, and writing. She believes architecture is about power, it can provoke thoughts, and emotions, and control the actions of the users subtly.