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.
Gurgaon’s architecture reflects the rapid transformation of a once-sleepy suburb into one of India’s most dynamic urban centers. Characterized by its striking skyline of glass-clad towers, corporate parks, and luxury residences, the city embodies a blend of modernism and global urban aspirations. Contemporary architecture in Gurgaon emphasizes verticality, smart technology, and sustainable design, with green-certified […]
Architecture in Goa is an ever-evolving dialogue between tropical modernism and cultural heritage. Known for its scenic coastline, Portuguese influences, and laid-back charm, Goa carries an architectural identity that seamlessly merges history with contemporary living. In recent years, architects in Goa have been redefining the state’s built environment by blending vernacular wisdom with innovative, sustainable […]
Nestled in the vibrant urban setting of Balaji Nagar, Sangli, The Red Abode with a terracotta facade redefines contemporary living with its seamless integration of modern design and nature. Designed for an IT professional seeking tranquility and inspiration, this project exemplifies how architecture can foster harmony between the built environment and the natural world. A […]
This bungalow in Udaipur, Rajasthan, designed for the Gandhi family, exemplifies a refined blend of modern contemporary architecture with subtle regional sensitivity. The zoning and design is grounded in clean lines, bold geometric volumes, and a sophisticated interplay of materials. The façade combines natural travertine, matte black cladding, and warm wood for contrast and harmony. […]
Nestled in the serene surroundings of Swarnabhoomi, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Ivory Courtyard is more than just a residence—it is an architectural statement that harmoniously blends Indian traditional values with modern contemporary living. With its pristine ivory colour exterior symbolising purity and sophistication, this home stands as a beacon of elegance and comfort for the two families […]
“Even within the smallest green lies all the purity and freshness of Eden.” This idea became the seed for Eden Moss, a home nestled in an ecological environment and imagined as a breath of freshness, evoking the scent of mud after rain, and seamlessly intertwined with nature while still embracing comfort and contextual charm. Nestled […]
Nestled in what was once a coconut orchard, Sanctum serves as a sanctuary for a retired couple. Their daughter & a feline companion join them to offer a tranquil environment for everyday goings-on. The site is a 60’ x 90’ portion of land with six coconut trees. Two teak wood & silver oak trees, each […]
Tucked into the calm, tree-lined lanes of Nagarbhavi in Bangalore, Avani Residence rises as a poetic response to the chaos of the city, a vertical sanctuary where light dances, materials breathe, and space unfolds in gentle rhythms. Designed by Archemist Architects for a family of four, the residence is a nuanced interplay between constraint and […]
Adorn, a home filled with earthen design and the laughter of a family of four, nestles in the peaceful neighborhood of Selvapuram, Coimbatore. “On one side, it shares boundaries with cozy family homes; meanwhile, the other side opens to expansive fields dotted with tall trees.” The fresh air scented with greenery sets a calming atmosphere […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]