How does modern home architecture differ from traditional one? (2024)

by JSW One Homes

The Nalukettu house is a conventional type of architecture found in Kerala, characterized by a rectangular shape composed of four sections joined by an open courtyard. It has been a customary living arrangement for the people of Kerala for many years and is renowned for its traditional art and architecture. The house follows a symmetrical grid plan, with each wing surrounding a central courtyard, and every wing serves a specific purpose. The house's main entrance is typically facing east and is beautifully decorated with intricate carvings, murals, or paintings. The interiors of the house are also adorned with ornate designs, and each room is painted in diverse colors and patterns, symbolizing balance and serenity within the home.

Nalukettu home design and style

The term 'Nalukettu' is derived from two Malayalam words - 'Nalu,' meaning four, and 'kettu,' meaning built-up sides. These homes are spacious and typically built on a single level in the center of a complex. They are constructed in accordance with Thachu Sasthra and Vastu Shastra principles and are also known by different names depending on the caste, such as tharavadu, kovilakam, kottaram, meda, or illam.

How does modern home architecture differ from traditional one? (1)

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The four main building blocks of a Nalukettu home are the northern block or Vadakkini, the western block or Padinjattini, the eastern block or Kizhakkini, and the southern block or Thekkini. Wealthy families or those with large joint families may choose to construct larger homes, such as Ettukettu or Pathinaaru kettu, which have eight and sixteen blocks, respectively. The Ettukettu has two central courtyards, while the Pathinarukettu has four central courtyards, and they were constructed primarily by the influential Nairs and Namboodiris during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The central open courtyard is a distinctive feature of Nalukettu homes. These homes have a range of amenities like a kitchen, granaries, veranda, bedrooms, dining hall, pooja room, utilities, cow shed, and a well.

Components of a Kerala Nalukettu Home

A Nalukettu home comprises various components such as:

Padippura: This serves as the entrance to the compound and is usually distinguished by a stairway and a tiled roof. The top nalukettu gate is a notable feature of the building, consisting of an intricate gopuram that resembles a temple.

Poomukham: A space with tiled roofs and supporting pillars.

Verandah Chuttu: A hallway that surrounds the home.

Nadumuttom: The central open-air courtyard is situated in the middle of the structure. The most fascinating aspect of this area is the presence of a tulsi plant in the center.

Pooja Room: The prayer room is located in the northeast corner of the home, with idols facing either east or west.

Kulam: A small lotus pond located at the end of the Chuttu Verandah. It is believed that having this body of water nearby enhances the energy flow inside the house.

Construction Materials for a Nalukettu House

Nalukettu houses are typically constructed using locally available materials such as teak or wood from wild jackfruit trees, red bricks, and mud. The walls are built with laterite stones held together by a combination of mud and cow dung, which provides insulation and helps maintain a cool interior.

The roof is constructed with clay tiles supported by wooden beams and columns, and the flooring is typically made of compacted earth or a blend of cow dung and sand. Wood is a commonly used material for carvings and furnishings within the interiors. These materials are sustainable, cost-effective, and consistent with the traditional building practices of the region.

All Nalukettu houses have gabled windows on the top, which ensure cross-ventilation and allow sufficient light into the attic. Extended rafters provide adequate protection from Kerala's notoriously heavy rainfall.

To summarise, Nalukettu Houses in Kerala represent a noteworthy instance of sustainable architecture which merges conventional and contemporary designs. These houses are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also practical and long-lasting, which makes them an ideal option for those who prioritise sustainability and cultural legacy.

How does modern home architecture differ from traditional one? (2024)

FAQs

How does modern home architecture differ from traditional one? ›

Traditional homes have larger vestiges. Instead of multiple huge bones, the areas are divided into several small, single-purpose apartments. Modern house designs are renowned for their open-bottom design, emphasising the expansive area while using fewer walls to enclose the house's outer shells.

How is modern architecture different from traditional architecture? ›

Compared to traditional architecture, modern structures effectively utilize building materials that are relatively affordable and faster to produce. Contemporary designs promote the smart utilization of space, are more functional, and exude a casual and relaxed ambiance than traditional settings.

What is the difference between a modern home and a traditional home? ›

Modern homes take full advantage of this, featuring large windows and skylights for an abundance of natural light. This makes their relatively modest interior space feel open and airy. By comparison, traditional homes usually have smaller, symmetrically-placed windows of a similar shape and size.

How is traditional different from modern structure? ›

Traditional buildings are more costly to build than modern homes, thus making them the most durable buildings. Modern architecture has a simple structure that makes its construction easy so that it can be finished in time.

How is traditional design different from modern design? ›

The distinction between traditional and modern design lies not only in their aesthetic appeal but also in their approach to functionality, flexibility, and the lifestyle they cater to. While traditional design offers a sense of history and opulence, modern design is all about practicality and streamlined living.

What is the difference between the old architecture and the modern one? ›

The biggest difference is that traditional-style architecture has a larger space. They are big in size than modern homes. They have more space as compared to modern styles. however, modern styles are designed to utilize a large space by building small multipurpose rooms.

How is traditional style different from modern style? ›

Traditional styles can be considered more similar to maximalist styles, as traditional design focuses on rich, dark colors, floral patterns, and lots of details around the home. Modern styles focus on appealing to minimalism by emphasizing muted light colors, open spaces, and fewer details.

What is the difference between modern and transitional homes? ›

Transitional interiors are a bit more warm, layered, and softer than a true contemporary interior,” Okin explains. “Where a contemporary space might use cooler toned metals and palettes, transitional might be a warmer greige palette, unlacquered brass, and nubby neutrals.”

What is the difference between old and new homes? ›

What are typical differences between old and new homes? In general, newer homes will be constructed with more modern technology and materials, and up-to-date building and safety codes. Older homes might need improvements to meet current standards.

What is the difference between modern and traditional building materials? ›

Here are the main differences: 1️⃣ Materials: Traditional construction mainly relies on natural materials such as wood, stone, and clay. In contrast, modern construction incorporates a wide range of advanced materials, including steel, concrete, glass, and composites.

How is the modern design process different from traditional design methods? ›

Traditional methods depend heavily on paper documentation that can easily get misplaced or damaged. Coordinating different stakeholders is also problematic without a shared data system. Traditional design lacks the sophistication and technological capabilities of modern techniques like BIM.

What is in between modern and traditional? ›

Contemporary design is a good median between traditional and modern design.

What is the difference between traditional and modern management style? ›

Decision-Making: Traditional management is characterized by top-down decision-making, with managers making decisions and directing employees to carry out tasks. In contrast, modern management emphasizes decentralized decision-making, with employees being given greater autonomy to make decisions that affect their work.

How is modern architecture different from traditional? ›

As far as building materials go, traditional architecture uses locally sourced materials that involve a lot of natural elements. Modern architecture, because of its roots in the industrial revolution, uses more industrial materials that may be imported from different places.

What is the difference between modern and classic house design? ›

Traditional homes have larger vestiges. Instead of multiple huge bones, the areas are divided into several small, single-purpose apartments. Modern house designs are renowned for their open-bottom design, emphasising the expansive area while using fewer walls to enclose the house's outer shells.

How is traditional look different from modern look? ›

Traditional design emphasizes detail, ornamentation, and historical richness. Modern design values simplicity, clean lines, and uncluttered aesthetics. Both styles reflect cultural heritage, societal influences, and technological advancements. Technology plays a pivotal role in shaping modern design aesthetics.

What are the main differences of modern and post modern architecture? ›

Focus: Modernist architecture focuses on implementing modern elements into the design, whereas postmodernist architects focus on adding a sense of uniqueness to the design.

How modern design process is different from traditional design methods? ›

Traditional methods depend heavily on paper documentation that can easily get misplaced or damaged. Coordinating different stakeholders is also problematic without a shared data system. Traditional design lacks the sophistication and technological capabilities of modern techniques like BIM.

What is the difference between traditional and modern building materials? ›

technology. Traditional homes are built with materials that have been used for centuries, such as brick, stone, and wood. These homes are usually more expensive to build, but they last longer and are more resistant to the weather. Modern homes are made with materials such as metal, plastic, and glass.

What is the difference between old buildings and new buildings? ›

While earlier buildings depended on thick external stone walls and columns for strength and support, the modern buildings depend on steel reinforced RCC inner columns for strength and come with slimmer and more aesthetic walls.

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