Nalukettu Architecture Of Kerala

Kerala is witnessing an interesting trend in home architecture: the return of the traditional ‘Nalukettu’.
Homeowners cite a variety of reasons for this rising trend, ranging from superior ventilation to nostalgia.
This is especially noticeable in the preferences of returning NRIs who relocate back to Kerala, not just for their love of the land but also because Kerala offers spacious and comfortable housing at affordable prices.

A Traditional Nadamuttam in Kerala

The history of the Nalukettu style of architecture is an interesting one. Even the veteran novelist M.T Vasudevan Nair has written a novel entitled 'Nalukettu which is considered to be a classic piece in malayalam literature. Nalukettu model houses have been even showcased on big screen. For instance, you can see a glimpse of it in the Mangalassery Mana, the home of the protagonist Neelakandan played by Mohanlal in the movie ‘Aramthampuran’.

Nalukettu architecture is basically a rectangular shaped structure wherein four halls are joined together with an inner courtyard called 'Nadumuttam' which faces the open sky. The four halls on the sides are named Vadakkini (Northern block), Kizhakkini (Eastern block), Thekkini (Southern block) and Padinjatti (Western block). Nalukettu also consists of a basement storage room called “Nilavara”. Many believe that this form of architecture have been inspired from the“Pagodas” of South Asia and Aryan Culture. The union of four blocks is vital in Nalukettu. The open courtyard to which these four blocks faces is also very important when its considered in terms of dimensional ratios and size. The building materials like  red bricks, mud and woods used in Nalukettu were also locally available.


Nalukettu was a typical feature of the Tharavadu houses in Kerala and most of the joint families lived under one roof in such homes. This architecture concept was purely based on Thatchu Shasthra, the Science of Carpentry and Traditional Vasthu. Just like Nalukettu, you can also find Ettukettu (a house with two nadumuttams) and Pathinarukettu (a house with four nadumuttams) in Kerala. All these houses had a simple layout and sheltered numerous people.

Nalukettu architecture was evolved in the era of feudal lords, Nairs and Namboothiris who were known for their aristocracy and caste dominance. When years passed, these traditional houses were dismantled due to several reasons. The socio-cultural changes was a major cause behind it. With the emergence of nuclear family system, people said bye to the Nalukettu system. The heavy maintenance costs of wood also made many to stay away from it. Lack of skilled carpenters specialized in this genre of architecture was also another reason. As a result, most of the Nalukettu homes were converted to museums, ayurvedic health care centres and home stays. Now,only few ancient Nalukettu homes exist in Kerala.

The 'Nalukettu' concept has come into vogue once again. Nowadays many people wish to own a Nalukettu home with a ‘nadumuttam’.You can easily identify the popularity of Nalukettu homes by looking at the projects of renowned builders in Kerala. Nestinfratech’s ‘The World villas project is a perfect example for it. This township comprises of architectural styles that includes contemporary as well as traditional Nalukettu Villas and luxurious apartments, ranging from 29 lakhs. The World sprawls over an area of 25 acres in the ever bracing surroundings of Alwaye.

Nalukettu Villas From Nest Infratech

Nalukettu architecture gives excellent ventilation for your homes and you will absolutely enjoy the natural sunbath experience inside your home. Such homes are just perfect for Kerala's weather and you also won't feel much heat inside your home even when it's boiling outside. You will just love that feeling when tiny rain drops fall inside the Nadumuttam in your home. For non resident Indians who crave for a touch of tradition, Nalukettu homes are a perfect choice. 

Tips For First Time Flat Buyers

Buying a flat is a daunting task, especially for first-time homebuyers. Everyday you are bombarded by numerous ads about apartment projects which makes it difficult for you.Your dream home means a lot to you and you just can’t make a decision in a hurry. It’s good to keep these tips in mind when you are all set to buy your first flat.

Tip 1: First of all you need to fix a budget and look out for options that support it.

Tip 2 : Prepare a realistic wish list of your expectations from your first flat. It’s very important to get a living space worth the money you invest. Do some research and put together your list.

Tip 3: Do enough background research about your prospective builders. If they have an experience of more than 3 years and a sound history of developing apartment projects, then you can bravely go for them. Look at two, three projects which they have already done to get an idea of the overall finish. Also check out if the value of the flat has increased over time or if the maintenance is been done in a proper way. Word of mouth is also equally important for making a decision.

Tip 4: Proximity is another factor to be considered when you buy a flat. How far is it from your office, gym, school or other frequently visited places? It is also a major factor that contributes to the resale value of the flat.

Tip 5 : Look out for the free and paid amenities that the developers provide. For instance, a successful project should have amenities like inbuilt swimming pool, gymnasium, clubhouse, camera surveillance, covered car parking, etc.

Tip 6 : Living in a township always benefits you. Your neighbourhood is just as important as your home. Bad neighbours can affect you a lot so make a decision wisely. For example, ‘The World Villas, in Alwaye near Cochin is a very good  choice, if you wish to experience the joy of community living. If you buy a home there, then you get added benefits like accessibility to the city as well as world class amenities.

Tip 7: Before you sign the builder contract, read it thoroughly and clarify the points that you don't understand. Make sure to put everything in the contract as anything verbal will not be considered valid and legally binding. You can even compare the builder’s financing options to the other options in the market. Have a clear idea about the interest rates before you make a decision.

Tip 8 : Find out if the builder has obtained all relevant approvals like building permits from the local body. Check if they have paid the land taxes; otherwise, you might end up in trouble in the future. If you are buying a ready-to-occupy flat, make sure to get all the receipts for electricity and water deposits.

Tip 9 : You can also get a copy of the plan and specification sheet from the builder. Before you close the deal, pay the balance amount and take the key. Check once again that you have received all that the builder is obliged to deliver. Finally, close the deal and sign off.

There is no need to rush; take your time and do enough research. Don’t let anyone pressurize you into buying a home that you’re not completely sure about. Though there are many options to choose from, a little attention and patience will assure you of your dream home.

Give Your Home A Trendy 2014 Makeover!

A lowdown on the latest home décor trends this year.

Another year has arrived and for a fresh start,why don't you think of updating your home with the latest trends? It’s a good step to take if you wish to begin the year on a new note.

Let’s start with the walls. Why not play with bright, ravishing colour palettes? For 2014, there are a few trending color options for you, among which Radiant Orchid seems to be a great pick. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, describes this color thus: “An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

There is also a great demand for the navy blue, peacock blue and cobalt shades. Instead of white and beige walls, you can go for a black backdrop to add more drama and glamour to the metallic accessories you have at your home. Mint lime is also a cool colour for the season.

When it comes to designing rooms, focus on one room at a time. The kitchen is the heart of your home so why not give it a makeover this year? Make it a space to eat, entertain and relax. The latest trend in kitchen design is elaborate custom cabinetry painted in rich gemstone colours. Some unusual lighting fixtures can add some glamour to your kitchen. Oaks, walnut and cherry cabinets are outdated and are now mostly used for furniture.

When it comes to furniture like sofa and bed, you can go for the ones with storage spaces inside them. If you have some vintage furniture at your home, make sure to add more detail to it. It’s a piece of furniture that always stands out in a home and never go out of style. Floral designs for room décor are very popular this year as they give your rooms a fresh, blooming effect. Try to find your own style and make a statement; for example, mixing up metals, wood and fabrics, is a great idea.

A thoughtfully designed bathroom can be a great place to relax after a tiring day. Why not create a spa-like environment in your bathroom this year? For this you can get some futuristic bath fixtures like waterfall showers or the ultra-modern touch faucets. You can keep some colourful bath towels and other accessories to bring in a fresh, rejuvenating effect. If you plan to change the flooring, mosaic tiles can be a good option. Mosaic tiles can really give your bathroom a posh look.

So why wait, kickstart this New Year by giving your home a brand new look!

Designing Your First Home

There is no place like home and you will be on cloud nine when you own a dream home. The next plan you have in your mind will be simply moving onto your dream abode. However, it is not the only thing that you have to do. Before moving on, you should decorate your home and make it a perfect place to live in. Your home should tell a story about you, so it’s better to personalize and make it a truly admirable place. Your design should replicate your taste and way of living and by splashing your creativity everywhere, you can make your home unique.

You can sit with your family and scan through magazines for getting some inspirational ideas. If you come across something interesting, keep it safe for future reference. Just like that, gather examples of things that you would like to see in your home. Even when you hire the service of an interior designer you can sit with him to discuss your needs.

You can start from your living room and bedroom, as these two are the places where you spend most of your time. You can select a color scheme for your rooms. Decide what colors you want in each room and start right from there. Always keep in mind, light colors will make your room appear larger, whereas dark colors reduce its apparent size. However it doesn't mean that it will prevent you from using bold colors that you love just because of the fact that your room is small.  You can try painting just one wall in that color and the rest of the area with a neutral color that complements it. Create a unique blend of colours in your living room by using different tones for mats, curtains and furnishings. It's good to stick to neutrals when it comes to permanent fixtures as brighter colours are more difficult to change if you wish to do so in the future.  

Pick something unique: buy some colorful pillows or scented candles to create a youthful, engaging mood. It’s good to keep shaped vintage mirrors on your walls as they will enhance the beauty of your rooms. You can even hang some artwork to your walls for added aesthetic appeal. Family portraits will also add a homely feel to your interiors. Another great idea for that homely touch is to create a "story wall" exclusively for your living room with a variety of close up and wide angle shots depicting various life events.

When you arrange the furniture in a room, make sure that it doesn't look overcrowded. Your top priority should be proportion, scale and balance within each room. When you design your home, always consider doing things that will add value to your home, so that it in case if you want to sell it in future it will add more resale value for your home. All these simple decorating ideas will help you to make your new house feel just like the home you always wanted and you will start loving life again. 

An Apartment or an Independent Home: What’s Your Preference?

Home is where the heart is, goes the saying. 

But what does the heart want? If you have always dreamt of owning the perfect home, or if you’re purchasing a residential property as an investment, one of the first decisions you will be faced with is choosing between an apartment and an independent house. Azmal Zaheer Khan, a leading architect of Kothari Associates says, "As far as an independent house is concerned,it can be rebuilt to suit changing tastes and requirements, at any point of time," It can also be expanded horizontally if space permits, or vertically, by adding more floors- certainly a big reason why many buyers favor houses.

Independent houses give the impression of privacy and freedom, and offer the advantage of space for gardening or keeping pets. But the adage that good fences make good neighbors is getting re-written with more and more buyers preferring to buy or rent apartments. The real estate boom and rocketing construction costs are making it near impossible for an average individual to build a new house. But in addition to this, modern apartments come with a host of facilities and privileges, like round-the-clock security, that add value to your investment. You have water and electricity 24x7, and you will be able to enjoy all ultra modern amenities under one single roof .  

6 Tips To Make Your Home Less Attractive To Burglars

With a busy schedule between balancing life and work, most of us pay less attention to home security. But experts say it's a big mistake. Because burglars and thieves are always on the prowl and they love strict schedules. They wait and watch as people go in and out our their houses. And when the moment is right, they break in. Given the fact that burglars are generally smart, the quicker they get in and out with your stuff, the less likely it is that they will be caught. Most burglaries are crimes of opportunity and there is no guarantee that you won't be a victim. So it's always good to take caution to minimize the damage or avoid the situation altogether. Here are some tips to make your home less attractive to burglars. 

Think like a thief: Find the nooks and corners of your house, lawn and backyard that get dark at night. Make sure you provide proper lighting to leave no option for lurking thieves.

Trim shrubs: If you have lot of shrubs in your garden or surroundings, try to trim them down so that no one can hide in them and watch you go in and out.

Get a home security system: If you have a home security system that monitors your house day and night, any smart burglar will think twice before trying to break in. Burglar Alarms are very effective and worth every penny.

Light Up: Light up your interiors and exteriors. Don't leave room for dark corners where burglars can hide in. Shine light on your landscaped gardens and pathways. Motion detecting flood lights can be expensive but they keep burglars out from prowling around.

Lock your doors and windows: Deny access to burglars at any cost by locking your doors and windows at night and check the same before leaving home.

Don't establish a routine: If you keep a pattern in when you come and go out of your house, chances are that burglars are keeping track of your routine. Avoid this by breaking schedule. Somedays come home early, other days come late or go shopping. If you go away on weekends, make sure you tell the neigbhours not to let your newspapers, packages and letters accumulate. Keep the burglars guessing. 

At NestInfratech, your happiness is our primary concern. That's why we have round the clock security for all our apartment/villa projects. When you choose your address with us, we are indebted to provide you the best we can. Your security is our priority. 

The Biggest Architectural Failures of All Time.

Architecture is one field which never ceases to amaze us, be it the the Palm Islands, the Petronas Tower, the Tajmahal, The capital Gate or the Pyramids of Egypt. Although there are countless buildings that acts as tropies upon the showcase of humanity, there are certain structures that doesn't quite make the cut. Here's a list of five structure that remains a stain upon the near perfect architectural legacy of humanity.

5. The Tacoma Narrows Bridge (1940)

  When a suspension bridge is nicknamed 'galloping gertie' you just know that it is one bridge that you should'nt be on. The first version of the tacoma narrows bridge was constructed in 1940 connecting Tacoma and The Kitsap Penninsula. Apparently the bridge wasnt build considering the wind factor in the area and effort to rectify the 'fluttering failure' proved to be ineffective and it finally met its tragic end on november the same year. This epic failure resuled in boosted reseach in the fields of aerodynamic elasicity of long span bridges which has been adopted since.

4. The St Francis Dam

  Built between 1924 and 1926 it was a promising storage reservoir located in the san francisquito canyon. This was a catastopic failure that ended many lives and careers. The dam collapsed on March 28 1928 around 12 midnight killing almost 600 people. The St Francis Dam had to be in our top 5 considering its short life span of two years.

3. The Hyatt Regency Walkway

 This was one of the deadliest structural collapses till the world trade centre attack on 2011. The walkway collapsed because of an overload of onlookers for a dancing contest going on the lower floor. Since the 4th floor walkway was directly on top of the 2nd floor walkway the collapse of the former inevitably destroyed the latter which fell down onto the people gathered below killing 114 people and injuring more than 200.

2. Leaning Tower of Suurhusen

The leaning tower of suurhasen was a late medival steeple located in suurhusen Germany. This structure held the record for the most tilted building until it was taken away from it by the capital gate building in the U.A.E. This steeple was apparently built on marshy grounds which rotted away its oakwood foundations causing the building to tilt at an angle of over 5 degrees.

1. Leaning Tower of Pisa

   

Even the leaning tower of suurhusen has a greater angle of tilt, the leaning tower of pisa is the most famous architectural blunder in the modern age. Attracting attention for all the wrong reasons, this here stucture has vistitors from all around the globe. The leaning tower of pisa is stable at the moment and is expected to stand for another 200 to 300 years thanks to some clever engineering tweeks in the form of counter weights and some strong cables holding the structure in its less than comfortable position.