Kerala has made its contributions to the science of architecture with many pre-historic megaliths, tombs, caves, temples, houses, palaces etc. The Thantrasamuchaya, Vastuvidya, Manushyalaya Chandrika, Silpraratna are treatises on the subject. The characteristic regional expression of Kerala architecture results from the geographical and climatic factors. The climatic factors made its significant contributions in developing the architecture style, to counter wettest climatic conditions coupled with heavy humidity and harsh tropical summers. The Kerala's rich spice cultivations and maritime trade also helped to bring in international influence of civilizations into Kerala architecture. The natural materials available locally such as stones, timber, clay and palm leaves are used for construction of buildings. The primitive models were huts made of bamboo and leaves in circular, square or rectangular shape. Structurally the roof frame was supported on the pillars on walls erected on a plinth raised from the ground for protection. Windows were evolved at the two ends to provide ventilation to ensure air circulation and thermal control for the roof. The rectangular plan is usually divided into activity rooms with access from a passage.
The evolution of architecture followed closely the trend of development in temple architecture. The traditional architecture of Kerala house is a quadrangular courtyard type building known as “Nalukettu” constructed in accordance with the principles of Tahachusasthram. Striking similarities can be seen in this style with the temple architecture. The Nalukettu was so called because it consisted of four blocks known as Vadakkini (northern block), Padinjattini (western block), Kizhakkini (eastern block) and Thekkini (southern block). An entrance structure called Padippura may also be there for receiving visitors. It may contain two or three rooms for guests or visitors who are not entertained in the main block. The central courtyard is an outdoor living space. The above four blocks enclosing the courtyard resembles the ‘Nalambalam’ of a temple. These blocks are for different activities such as storage of grains, sleeping, studying, cooking, dining etc. Depending on the size of the plot and the affluence of the owner, larger houses known as ettukettu (8 blocks) and pathinaarukettu (16 blocks) are also there.

Different parts of a nalukettu are given below:

Padippura (entrance) and Poomukham

Padippura is a roofed gateway leading to the main part of the house. It traditionally has a clay-tiled pitched roof. The modern, contemporary versions of this now include wooden entry gates. Poomukham is the first interior space of the house – a verandah with two or three rooms for guests or visitors. Both these are the components of ‘Kizhakkini’.

Along the chuttu veranda and the poomukham are parapet-style, traditional carved benches. These are called charupady. They allow one to sit back and enjoy the views around the home, the breeze and the rain. Traditionally, these were made for the family and visitors to socialise in.

Chuttu verandah (passage way)

In Kerala architecture, the poomukham is appended with an open passage otherwise known as chuttu verandah, which leads to other blocks of nalukettu. This space was traditionally marked by lights that were suspended from the roof, hung at equal distance from each other.

Charupady (verandah seating)

Ambal kulam (pond)

According to Kerala’s indigenous architecture style, it is imperative for every home to have its own pond. Traditionally, this pond is built with rubble on the sides. Some plant lotus plants in the pond.

Nadumuttom (central courtyard)

Considered the prime centre of the home, the central courtyard is an open area exposed to sky situated in the exact middle of the house, dividing the house into four sides. A tulsi plant or a small tree is normally placed in centre of the courtyard, and is worshipped. The logic behind the planting of shrub in the courtyard is to get the air purified.

Well

Well is very important for the house as the only source of drinking water, water for agriculture and water for bath, cleaning etc. Well is built in the North Eastern corner of the house.