Discover how Karai weekend home near Chennai blends modern design with Tamil Nadus traditional Nalukettu architecture using mud and reclaimed wood for an eco-friendly, sustainable living space.

As the weekend draws near, four friends head out from Chennai to the coastal village of Kuvathur, located 80 km away. Nestled in this serene setting, a secluded farmhouse awaits them and their families.

The modern mud house is tucked away, surrounded by lush greenery, offering a peaceful escape. The sounds of birdsong and the scent of the ocean fill the air, creating a stark contrast to the bustling city life.

When asked why they chose this unconventional weekend retreat, the friends happily explain that they would always prefer it over a city resort.

One of the friends, Shaji Ravi, has a deep passion for aesthetic design. His home, “Mathilummoottil” created by RAIN Studio of Design in 2018, is a prime example of his taste, blending rustic textures with wood, brass, and lime plaster. Impressed by the outcome, Ravi immediately contacted the architectural firm for another ambitious project.

In June 2021, he and his friends—IT professionals from Chennai—began planning a sustainable weekend getaway in Kuvathur, bringing their dream of a tranquil, eco-friendly retreat to life.

The principal architects of RAIN Studio of Design, Vamsi Krishna M, Sriram Adhitya, and Balashanmugam, were thrilled at the opportunity to implement their sustainable design ideas on this expansive project. Excited by the prospect of creating an eco-friendly retreat, they eagerly embraced the challenge of blending modernity with traditional elements.

After graduating from the School of Architecture & Planning, Anna University, Chennai, the trio—Vamsi Krishna M, Sriram Adhitya, and Balashanmugam—embarked on numerous housing projects, each reflecting their distinct design philosophies. Their works feature unique elements like wood and travertine marble structures, and the creative use of geometric patterns.

However, sustainability was not the initial focus for the Karai weekend home, as Ravi explains. "Coming from an IT background and leading a busy urban life, all we wanted was a traditional, peaceful weekend home that connects with nature. Sustainability wasnt part of the plan initially," he says.

But when Vamsi and his team visited the 21,600 sq ft property, they immediately recognized its natural beauty. Inspired by the landscape, they were determined to ensure that the final design would reflect the harmony between nature and architecture. This marked the beginning of a year-long journey to create a sustainable retreat in the heart of Kuvathur.

A Modern Take on Traditional Nalukettu Architecture

Vamsis virtual tour of the site offers a glimpse into how natural materials are perfect for architectural design. As he aptly puts it, the home "speaks the language of nature," and he is absolutely right.

The four friends—Shaji Ravi, Sanjeev Britto, Prabhakar Munuswamy, and Madhavan GG—were clear about their vision from the start. “They wanted a simple structure that could accommodate all four families,” Vamsi explains.

Inspired by traditional South Indian homes, the friends envisioned a modern take on the nalukettu style, a characteristic form of Kerala architecture. This design is defined by its rectangular shape, four sections surrounding an open courtyard, and a sloped roof, all of which would form the foundation of their dream getaway.

“The plan was very straightforward.” 

As with any design project, the essence of the site played a crucial role in shaping the final structure. Vamsi emphasizes that this was no exception.

"Frequent site visits and informal discussions with the client were key to our creative process," he explains. "During our initial visits, we observed the regions climate—harsh and humid for much of the year. This made it clear that breathable materials were the best choice for construction. We needed materials that would not only withstand the climate but also age gracefully over time."

South Indian Motifs Infused in the Nalukettu House Design

Throughout the construction of the nalukettu house, the architects successfully merged their design ideas with the client desire for traditional architectural styles. Vamsi explains, “We explored cultural references that connected both with the regions heritage and the aspirations of the present.”

This fusion is evident in several elements of the home, such as the iconic kuthuvelaku (an ornamental brass lamp made of a series of diyas), the intricate ikat patterns, and the classic vizhaku madam (a traditional wall mount). These timeless South Indian motifs and designs are thoughtfully integrated throughout the house, adding both cultural richness and modern relevance.

Sustainable Design with Reclaimed Materials

At first glance, the modern nalukettu houses spatial design immediately catches the eye. But a closer look reveals that its beauty is largely attributed to structures crafted from reclaimed materials. This approach is the pride of the project, though it also presented significant challenges, as Vamsi notes.

“We adopted upcycling as our core ideology, but the process involved extensive research. There were many iterations, and we worked hard to use the reclaimed materials to their fullest potential,” he explains. One notable example is the use of Mangalore tiles, which make up 75 percent of the homes structure.

Additionally, Vamsi shares how they found numerous recycled windows and doors, salvaged from old traditional houses along the highway, which were incorporated into the design. “By repurposing these elements, we significantly reduced material waste and the carbon footprint associated with producing new materials,” he adds.

As we move through the house, a blend of modernity and tradition is evident. “The final design offers a fresh perspective on the cultural legacy embedded in our architectural endeavors,” Vamsi concludes.

Transforming Barren Land into a Thriving Eco-Friendly Retreat

As the friends eagerly anticipate weekends at their idyllic retreat, the team of architects takes immense pride in their creation.

“This was all barren land,” Vamsi recalls. When the project first began, the site presented a stark, empty canvas. However, the architects were determined to transform it. They brought in fertile soil from a nearby village and spread it across the property, before planting a mix of tropical and native trees, covering nearly 60 percent of the land.

Today, the area has blossomed into a vibrant, thriving ecosystem.

Vamsi shares, “The excavated soil was repurposed for plastering and in making the Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (CSEB), further promoting sustainability.”

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the mini forest serves practical purposes, acting as a natural buffer for the four-bedroom layout, which includes attached baths and kitchenettes.

Designing a Tranquil Retreat

As Vamsi explains, “We wanted the house to be hidden within a dense, lush green landscape, so we placed it in the southwest corner of the property and landscaped the entire north side.” The design cleverly arranges the rooms and living spaces, such as the dining and kitchen, around a linear brick-laid court. The lounge, positioned strategically, serves as a stage, offering views of the sea and horizon, while the mutram (the courtyard) doubles as a multifunctional resting space.

This thoughtful positioning ensures that 70 percent of the house is open to sunlight and sea breeze, blending the home seamlessly with nature. In addition to these spatial features, the property incorporates sustainable measures like rainwater harvesting. “The sloping roof collects the majority of the rainwater, storing it in a 30,000-litre tank,” Vamsi explains.

A deep respect for natures resources is evident throughout the property. Each corner provides a peaceful space to breathe, relax, and embrace stillness. As evening falls, the friends can be found unwinding and enjoying the serene silence. Among them, Shaji Ravi has a favorite spot—a swing located near the courtyard, shaded by a tree, with a cool breeze flowing through. “Its the most alive space of Karai,” he says.

Edited by Gayathri