A Dwelling in the Agraharam

The house has a verandah at the entrance for social activities and a platform, slightly raised from the street, which runs the entire length of the row houses. It also acts as a transition from the street to the dwelling. A passage which starts at the street face, runs through the house ending at the backyard. There are some open spaces too, in the form of sunken courtyards or backyards which are highly functional. The concept of ara and pathayam, the storage spaces of Kerala houses are seen to be followed here. The storage areas keep the grains safe and dry during the wet monsoon season. This particular double storeyed unit has rooms on one side of the passage and also has a small open-to-sky courtyard attached to the living space. The court has provisions of taps for ablution and also outlets for water drainage which takes the rainwater outside. The opening in the roof provides light to the windowless rooms. As in the traditional Kerala houses, there is a well attached to the kitchen and water can be drawn through the opening on the wall. Another courtyard, larger in size is seen next to the kitchen and toilets which is functions as a washing and bathing space.