Thekkedathu Illom- Residence in Aranmula

A typical nalukettu of South Kerala, symmetrical with courtyard in the centre, is about 450 years old according to the residents. The rooms on both sides of the courtyard have few openings. There are no windows in the entire house. The walls and roof are entirely made of timber. There are loft spaces within the roof with gable openings at the ends. Though the opening over the courtyard is very small (0.6M x 1.2M) letting in minimum light, during the day, this space around the courtyard is the most used. The courtyard, 1.2M x 2M in area and 0.6M deep, is paved with stones and has a drain outlet which takes the rainwater outside the house. The poomukham or the entrance verandah with sides open is the social space which also becomes the space for relaxation. The well is located on the north-western part of the house, easily accessible from the kitchen. The plinth is more than 1 meter in height which ensures protection of the wooden members and the inside spaces from humidity. There is an upa-pitha, or second plinth for the poomukham, which created a social hierarchy in levels. The most remarkable feature found here is jalagam, an intervention made for better protection from rain. A special joinery of rafters makes their ends curved upwards and lets the rain water driven away. This ensures the protection of poomukham from getting wet during heavy downpour.