We are delighted to have the co-founders of EZHA Heritage to shed light on reviving the past traditional techniques and community collaboration with us today. EZHA Heritage is an acclaimed architectural design and heritage conservation consultancy based in Kerala, founded by three conservation architects and friends from SPA Delhi: Architect Ritu Thomas, Architect Swati Subramanian, and Architect Savita Rajan. Their work seamlessly integrates heritage, nature, and community, reflecting a profound commitment to heritage conservation, interpretation, and adaptive reuse.
One of their most notable projects is the restoration of the Karara Mandapam at the Kizhakkumbhagavathy Temple in Calicut, which won the UNESCO Asia Pacific Award. This project showcases their expertise in handling heritage structures with care and precision.
EA Heritage has also collaborated with the Archaeological Survey of India on significant projects, including the Gap Analysis of the Hampi World Heritage Site for UNESCO’s G20 Summit. Their work in this field has received wide acclaim, further establishing their reputation as leaders in heritage conservation.
The Kikar Mandapam is part of the Kizhakkumbhagavathy Temple located in a quaint village in Calicut. The temple holds significant cultural and religious importance, with its resident deity, Bhagavathy, believed to protect the cultural and sacred landscape, including surrounding hills, streams, and inhabitants.
The temple’s layout features a rectilinear structure with a Chuttambalam (outer structure) and a central Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) housing the deity. The Kikar Mandapam, or the worship hall, is located in front of the sanctum sanctorum.
Unlike other South Indian temples, the deity in this temple faces west instead of east, adding to its uniqueness. The term “Kikar” refers to the 16 pillars of the mandapam, symbolizing the 16 syllables of a mantra and the 16-petal lotus, reflecting the temple’s rich symbolic heritage.
When EA Heritage undertook the restoration in January 2023, they discovered severe deterioration. A long period of disuse led to termite infestation, water seepage, and structural damage in the mandapam. Workers hollowed out the timber pillars and put up temporary scaffolding to prevent collapse.
Detailed documentation of the mandapam was crucial. This included condition assessment, photographing deteriorated areas, and creating detailed plans and sections. Given the tight timeline of two and a half months to complete the project before the annual temple festival, meticulous planning was essential.
Their conservation philosophy is rooted in ancient Indian treatises like Vastu Shastra and Thachu Shastra, focusing on harmony with natural forces and the use of locally available materials. The project followed the principles of Jirodhar (preservation from decay) and Punarudhar (regeneration or restoration), combining preservation of the existing stone and laterite fabric with the restoration or replacement of deteriorated timber.
The restoration involved several meticulous steps:
The major challenges included working within a tight budget and timeline. The project was partially crowd-funded, emphasizing the community’s involvement and support. Despite these constraints, EA Heritage successfully completed the restoration in time for the temple festival.
The first critical step in our conservation project was to remove the incompatible materials and reveal the structure, exposing the underlying masonry. Our conservation philosophy focuses on employing local techniques and methods to restore the structure. By involving local artisans, we aim to revive the structure while preserving traditional craftsmanship.
We employed an innovative approach to treat and protect the wood. This involved consulting with a Vaidya, an expert in traditional medicine, to prepare an organic solution. This solution comprised around 32 medicinal herbs and five base oils, one of which is linseed oil. The preparation process was akin to making Ayurvedic medicines, highlighting the intensity and care involved.
Unlike modern wood polishes filled with chemicals that emit strong odors, our organic solution provided a pleasant aroma. This was not only appreciated by the workers but also by the visitors to the temple. The aromatic environment created a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
The mandapa’s flooring, where rituals are performed, was traditionally plastered in mud and coated with cow dung, bordered by granite stones. Our challenge was to level out the granite border and restore the mud flooring and cow dung coating. This meticulous process ensured the flooring was both authentic and functional.
Witnessing the culmination of our efforts on the festival day was truly rewarding. The mandapa was beautifully lit, and the performances on the restored platform brought the space to life. The success of this project underscored the importance of blending traditional practices with modern conservation techniques.
The success of this project was a collaborative effort. By incorporating local communities and utilizing sustainable materials, we were able to merge traditional construction methods and beliefs with contemporary conservation practices. The positive feedback and the sense of accomplishment we felt reaffirmed the value of our approach. Thank you for your support and appreciation.
This multi generational home is a testament to the ability of the design practice to blend aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. Keeping environmental sustainability and the welfare of the community at the forefront, Bhowal designed a home that was truly ahead of its time. His visionary approach and the Design Consortium’s expertise in providing a […]
In this modern luxury home, courtyards spill into living spaces, and the lines between inside and outside dissolve into a seamless whole. This 17,800 sq. ft. bungalow in Anand, by Hiren Patel Architects, blurs the boundaries between landscape, architecture, and interiors, creating a home where nature isn’t just the backdrop but an integral part of […]
Nestled in the foothills of the Shivalik range, the Himalayas is our latest project, Ekasham — a private residence refurbishment and redevelopment project, spread across an area of 2177 sqm. The monolithic home, through its volumes, composed of old and new structures, merges into a singular silhouette evoking the presence of a monolith from which […]
Ishaar is rooted in the belief that architecture should not just be seen, but deeply felt. Drawing from brutalist principles and natural tactility, the holiday villa is designed as a sensory retreat, where material, sound, light, and temperature shape the guest’s experience. Set amidst rural farmland, the villa dissolves into its landscape through a choreography […]
“Vishram Vaadi Nu Ghar” means a serene retreat amidst mango and chikoo farms, crafted to reflect the client’s vision in their mother tongue Gujarati. Vishram is a serene ground-touch structure offering breathtaking views of the Purna River and is a thoughtful example of countryside house design. Nestled amidst lush Amba and Chikoo Vaadi, the design […]
This single-story sustainable home in Ezhupunna blends traditional Kerala architecture with tropical, eco-friendly design. Inspired by the “kullakadavu” concept, a central pond encourages family interaction while enhancing the landscape. This Ezhupunna Home is Rooted in Eco-friendly Design | Judson Associates Architects & Interiors Despite being near lakes and beaches, adding a pond improves year-round moisture […]
In the heart of New Anjar, a small town tucked into the arid landscape of Kachchh, Gujarat, sits one of those modest houses designed with a quiet sense of clarity. Built for a Muslim family spanning three generations, the home isn’t trying to make a bold statement from its street-facing façade. Instead, it leans into […]
AME Studio was envisioned as a versatile yet understated architectural expression, reflecting our love for modest and unassuming architecture. AME Studio was envisioned as a versatile yet understated architectural expression, reflecting our love for modest and unassuming studio architecture. The design of AME Studio went beyond fulfilling a set of functional requirements; it was about […]
The house showcases a modern three-story residence exemplifying contemporary architectural design through its clean lines, geometric volumes, and a balanced interplay of materials. The facade skillfully combines textured tile cladding, smooth plaster, and contrasting color blocks in neutral shades of gray, black, and earthy rust, adding visual depth and dynamism. Expansive glass panels framed in […]
House of Silhouettes is located in Navratan, Udaipur. The plot is a corner one facing north and west 60’x40′ with a built-up area of 6500 sq.ft., designed in contemporary modern architecture as an independent house at three levels, including terrace. House of Silhouettes Reflects Contemporary Modern Architecture | Shaunak Singh and Associates This contemporary residence […]