Typical Kerala wooden architecture differs from neighboring Dravidian and local styles and can be seen across this state and part of Tulu region. It offers a myriad of innovative and impressive design styles rich in amazing carvings. Thanks to the highly talented local craftsmen and their expertise and vast experience.
Their creative and mind-boggling styles bear testimony to their depth of knowledge in carpentry and knowledge of vastu -thatchu sastras handed down to them from their forefathers. Though basic principles of architecture are linked to Hindu scriptures, the multi-religious social environment of Kerala has given rise to added grandeur to this genre of wooden architecture with particular reference to ceiling.
Invariably across India the architecture of countless houses, public buildings and places of worship like temples is based on the climatic conditions of the respective regions with tall roof ceilings, ventilation at vantage points, numerous tall windows and in the case of old houses or bungalows wide roofed veranda all around the structure to cut down, glare, radiation and heat in the hot seasons. Many subcultures are surrounded by greenery trees, etc., to keep interiors cool.
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| Kerala, traditional sloping roof(veranda) in.pinterest.com |
The characteristic features of Kerala architecture is it uses less masonry work and more wood work because of the availability of quality wood in the forest areas here and many structures include sloping tiled roofing system to drain out water. SW monsoon brings in lots of rain so the buildings have extended roof over the edges to prevent dampness on the wall.
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| Madras ceiling with wooden rafters simplicity.in |
The benefits of Madras terrace ceiling include amazing traditional looks, drastic reduction in heat and radiation from the tall ceiling (11 or 12 ft high} during hot season, durability, easy restoration, effective water proofing, and low embodied energy though it is labor-intensive.
Madras terrace is a time-tested, perfected age-old roofing system and many colonial buildings have this style of ceiling. Unfortunately, it is among those being forgotten, not because it is defective or inefficient, but only because times are changing and most importantly the thin ceiling tiles are not easily available. The are fixed in the ceiling above the wooden rafters with ground lime mortar fortified with jaggery and kadukai (Terminalia Chebula) which is highly resistant to water, fire-proof and reduces acidity.; the latter has to be soaked in water for sometime.
The purpose of Kerala roof and celling is very much similar to Madras terrace but does not include tiled ceiling and lime mortar. Entirely made of quality wood intertwined with wooden beams, cross beams and longitudinal quality rafters supported by wooden pillars, the cladded inner ceiling imparts a unique look and does not allow the heat to percolate downward. It is labor-intensive and needs periodic maintenance to avoid termite attack.
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| wooden rafters and beams en.wikipedia.org |
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| Kerala state, India, justkerala.in |
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| wood carving on the ceiling Padmanabhapuram Palace wikipedia |
Above image: Note the thooku-vilakku (hanging lamp) and the detailed wood carving on the ceiling of Padmanabhapuram Palace.......
In the case of Kazhukol (rafters) there are many rafters usually supported by a longitudinal beam and longitudinal stiffener called valabandam that clamp kazhukol. In the case of a large wide hall the pair of kazhukol needs a strong longitudinal beam to impart additional strength. The original linear longitudinal beam is erected and is elaborated into an arch-like truss.
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| pierced rafters (kazhukol) 2.bp.blogspot.com |
https://in.search.yahoo.com/search?fr=mcafee&type=E210IN826G0&p=kerala+style+heritage+ceiling
https://www.heritageartscochin.com/Kerala-style-wooden-ceiling
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