A Contemporary Rendition of Traditional Architecture

Project: Chirath Residence, Palax, Kerala; Architects: Wallmakers, Kerala

In today’s world, it is a prevalent trend to add the prefix of sustainability to most things. However, there seems to be very little that is done to represent the concept.

We, as a community, have devoted ourselves to the cause of using mud and waste as the chief components to make structures which are alluring and utilitarian. As a firm practicing sustainable architecture exclusively for a decade, we know about the aspirations of a ‘modern’ client, where his house is a symbol of his status and prominence in society instead of being a statement for the future.

When the architects first met the client, he mentioned about his disapproval towards the traditional Kerala style home system. The traditional houses in Kerala are typically sloped roof structures with heavy overhangs. Although the roof prevented rain and the cooling was phenomenal, he was deterred by the atmosphere of darkness which stayed prevalent or was associated with the ambience inside the house. The second altercation was that many of the architectural systems that were in place promoted gender inequality in the olden days since women were restricted to the courtyard. Thus, during the early days of the project, the client had made a point that the house should be a symbol of a new light, or a new outlook to our age-old systems and beliefs.

SPECIAL FEATURES

• The pond in the living area aids in evapotranspiration and helps in passive cooling.

• Rainwater harvesting tank as an extension to the pond serves as a collection pit for the flow of stormwater from the sloping roofs. With a capacity of 35cu m, this stored water is recycled for all domestic purposes.