Several factors influenced Kerala’s architecture over the years, leading to its evolution into a blend of tradition and modernity. Some of these factors include the location of Kerala between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, the humid and hot weather, the abundance of water bodies, and the uneven terrain across the state.
Further, Kerala’s role in the global spice trade and exposure to maritime civilizations brought foreign architectural influences into the state’s vernacular architecture. This blog discusses how the elements from the traditional architecture of Kerala help shape the functionality and aesthetics of contemporary homes.
Also read: Top 10 Architectural Marvels in India: Traditional to Modern
Kerala Vernacular Architecture: Key Features
The unique style of vernacular architecture of Kerala is heavily rooted in harmonious designs and Vastu Shastra principles. Some of its notable features are:
- Sloping roofs and decorative gables, designed for monsoon rains and preventing water stagnation.
- Central Courtyards or Nadumuttam for natural light, adequate ventilation, and communal living.
- Kerala vernacular architecture made use of locally sourced timber for artistry and functionality
- Use of locally available clay and laterite stone to make the design suitable for tropical climate
- The blending of diverse cultures through the integration of elements from churches, traditional Hindu temples, and mosques
- Buildings have functional designs for social organization, daily activities, and climate
Types of Traditional Houses in Kerala

The house architecture in Kerala exhibits diversity based on the cultural and geographic variations across the state. The following are some types of houses in Kerala:
Traditional Architecture in Kerala: Ancestral Homes
- Nalukettu
Nālukettus that embody functionality and symmetry are usually designed for joint families and have a single courtyard. The term Nālukettu translates as four blocks, which are Vadakkini (the Northern wing), Thekkini (the Southern wing), Kizhakkini (the Eastern wing), and Padinjattini (the Western wing).
These houses built following Vastu Sastra represent architectural brilliance with their thick walls, sloping tiled roofs, and verandas, designed for protection from hot summers and heavy rains. In addition to Nadumuttom, these houses have spaces such as Padippura, Poomukham, Chuttu Verandah, Pooja Space, and Kulam..
- Ettukettu
These houses are a larger version of Nalukettu with two courtyards. The architecture of these houses should have drawn inspiration from the architecture of ancient Chinese homes.
Often, aristocratic families live in these houses. While the two courtyards improved ventilation, provided more light, and increased the space for communal activities, elaborate detailing and intricate woodwork ornated these houses.
- Pathinarukettu
Pathinarukettu, with its mammoth sixteen blocks is the most magnificent form of traditional architecture in Kerala. These houses, with four central courtyards, facilitated grandiose ceremonies and social gatherings of large families.
Elaborate gabled roofs, expansive outdoor spaces, and detailed carvings are some architectural attractions in these rare traditional houses of Kerala.
Urban and Rural Houses in Kerala
Space, connection with nature, and ventilation are the distinctive features of rural house architecture in Kerala. On the other hand, the architecture of urban houses focuses on functionality and compactness.
Some conventional elements are retained even in the evolution from the traditional architecture in Kerala to modern styles. These include:
- Open-concept designs
- Energy-efficient layouts
- Multi-functional spaces
Architecture of Kerala: The Influence of Religion and Culture

- Temple Architecture of Kerala
Kerala has over 2000 temples constructed following Thantra-Samuchayam or Shilparatnam philosophies. Thantra-Samuchayam focuses on preventing the accumulation of negative energy and facilitating the free flow of positive energy within the temple. Whereas, Shilparatnam philosophy, with its unique use of timber and stones, brings a sense of character and life to the building.
- The Impact of the Colonial Period on the Architecture of Kerala
Colonial bungalows in Kerala feature high ceilings, verandahs, and large windows. It was under Portuguese rule that independent office complexes were first constructed in the state. The following elements of Portuguese architecture can be noticed in public constructions in Kerala:
- Projecting Balconies
- Gothic Arches:
- Cast-Iron Window Grills
The Public Works Department (PWD), established in the middle of the 19th century, and the styles followed by engineers like Archer Bastow and W.C. Barton brought a remarkable shift in the public architecture in Kerala. For instance, iconic buildings in Trivandrum like the Napier Museum, Secretariat, and Kanakakunnu Palace exhibit features of neoclassical architecture such as large windows, verandahs, and cross-ventilation.
- Kerala Architecture: Islamic Influence
The first mosque in Kerala and India, built in Kodungallur, marked the beginning of the influence of Islamic style in the architecture of Kerala. The mosques that followed retained elements like columns and plinths by combining the traditional architecture in Kerala’s temples with Islamic architecture.
Contemporary Houses in Kerala: Where Tradition and Modernity Blends
Modern house designs exemplify the evolution of Kerala architecture from traditional to modern styles. These are a few ways in which modern house designs in Kerala follow conventional structures in the state.
- Sustainable Practices
Builders now construct eco-friendly houses in Kerala by incorporating energy-efficient technologies, recycled materials, and passive cooling strategies, which are part of traditional homes.
For example, in September 2023, the Kerala-based architect Vinu Daniel was included in the list of 100 emerging leaders by TIME magazine. He earned recognition for using mud and waste materials to build sustainable and cost-effective structures.
Read further: Mavelikara Native on Time Magazines List of Emerging Leaders.
- Adaptability to Climate
Traditional Kerala homes have climate-responsive features like large verandahs and windows and courtyards for proper air circulation. Modern house designs in Kerala adopt these layouts for passive cooling.
- Cultural Continuity
Many modern public buildings in Kerala incorporate traditional elements in Kerala architecture, such as in cultural centers and temples like Guruvayur temple.
Architecture of Kerala: Adapting to Climate Change
One of the worst floods in Kerala occurred in 2018. This natural disaster showed that the state had to take observational steps to be prepared for the catastrophic consequences of rising sea levels in the future.
As a result, several proposals have been made for constructing stilt houses and buildings in areas like Kuttanad that are below sea level. Plans have also been put forward by the government to prepare flood shelters on stilts to shelter people displaced by floods.
Challenges in Preserving Kerala’s Architectural Heritage
- Today, most of the families are nuclear, and this has transformed the significance and use of spaces in Nalukettus.
- The lack of modern conveniences like larger windows and attached bathrooms in traditional houses makes many contemporary families choose modern structures suitable to their standard of living.
- The preference of the younger generation for societal status and modern aesthetics over heritage.
- Traditional houses need labor-intensive and costly maintenance.
Even when the preference for modern layouts and materials grows, architects today recognize the need to combine contemporary designs with traditional elements. Such an integration not only honors the past but also creates innovative and sustainable designs.
Amidst all the challenges, several initiatives are being taken to preserve Kerala’s vernacular architecture. Some of these are:
- Muziris Heritage Project

A collaborative work of state and central governments with UNESCO to preserve more than 3000-year-old culture
- Culture Heritage Village
This project, to be implemented in Mannar, Chengannoor, and Aranmula, would showcase and preserve Kerala’s cultural heritage, including arts, crafts, architecture, and music
Closing Thoughts:
The evolution of the architecture of Kerala shows that the traditional designs have not lost their significance even in contemporary times. Architects today honor Kerala’s heritage by integrating timeless aesthetics into modern designs to meet the needs of the time. They also realize that the greenest buildings are the ones that exist and have already left an impact on Earth.
Thus, the evolution of Kerala architecture from traditional to modern styles offers valuable lessons on adaptability, sustainability, and cultural integrity to student architects worldwide.
Also read: Future of Architecture in India: What You Can Expect