House Building Plans Kerala Style

House Building Plans Kerala Style: A Comprehensive Guide

Kerala, a state renowned for its pristine backwaters, lush greenery, and architectural heritage, offers a unique blend of traditional and contemporary house designs. Kerala-style house building plans are highly sought after for their aesthetic appeal, functionality, and cultural significance. This guide will delve into the essential aspects of these plans and provide valuable insights for those planning to build their dream homes.

Architectural Features

Traditional Kerala-style houses are characterized by their unique architectural elements:

Sloping Roofs: Steeply pitched roofs covered with red clay tiles are prominent features that protect homes from heavy rainfall.
Eaves: Wide eaves overhang the walls, providing shade and preventing rainwater from entering the house.
Gable Ends: Decorated gable ends add a touch of elegance to the facades, often featuring intricate wood carvings.
Courtyard: Central courtyards provide natural light and ventilation, creating a welcoming and comfortable indoor environment.

Materials

Natural materials play a crucial role in Kerala-style house designs:

Timber: Teakwood is the preferred choice for structural members and decorative elements, known for its durability and resistance to termites.
Clay Tiles: Red clay tiles are used for roofing, adding a traditional touch and providing excellent insulation.
Stone: Natural stone is often used for flooring, walls, and exterior cladding, lending a rustic and authentic feel.
Terracotta: Terracotta tiles are used for flooring and decorative elements, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

Layout

Kerala-style houses typically follow a traditional layout:

Ground Floor: The ground floor usually consists of a living room, dining room, kitchen, and guest bedroom.
Upper Floor: The upper floor houses the bedrooms and balconies, providing panoramic views of the surroundings.
Courtyards: Courtyards are often incorporated into the layout to bring natural light and ventilation into the house.

Vaastu Principles

Vaastu, the ancient Indian architectural science, influences the design of Kerala-style houses:

Orientation: Houses are built facing east or northeast, believed to bring prosperity and good fortune.
Room Placement: Rooms are placed according to their designated directions based on Vaastu principles, ensuring balance and harmony.
Pooja Room: A dedicated prayer room or pooja room is an essential part of the house, usually located in the northeast corner.

Sustainable Features

Modern Kerala-style house designs incorporate sustainable elements:

Solar Panels: Solar panels are installed to harness energy from sunlight, reducing electricity consumption.
Rainwater Harvesting: Systems are designed to collect and store rainwater for various household purposes.
Energy-Efficient Appliances: Energy-saving appliances and lighting fixtures are used to minimize energy consumption.

Conclusion

House building plans Kerala style offer a harmonious blend of tradition, functionality, and sustainability. Their unique architectural features, natural materials, traditional layouts, Vaastu principles, and modern sustainable elements create homes that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable and energy-efficient. Understanding these essential aspects will empower homeowners to make informed decisions when designing their dream homes.