Manikkal Mana is a Restoration project located at Calicut in Kerala. The project was introduced to us in the year 2018. By then the building was completely vacant and severely dilapidated and the structure of the building had been greatly weakened.
Manikkal Mana : A Restoration Project featuring Traditional Kerala Architecture Details | Durga Sarath Architects
Visit : Durga Sarath Architects
The Mana was built more than a century ago and it features the typical Kerala traditional details such as the sloping roof, long veranda, thick vegetation and a natural pond. Examination of the site and structure revealed that the construction techniques and the spatial arrangement of spaces were designed very interestingly. The natural building materials available for construction then were stone, timber, laterite and clay.
The already existing natural pond also locally termed as ‘kulam’ serves as an integral part of the site. This gives rise to a welcoming and a generous entrance to the property. As laterite was most abundantly found in Kerala, it was used as building blocks and as this had the property of getting stronger and durable with exposure at atmospheric air.
The stonework was restricted to the plinth and the walls of the Mana were built by using laterite and plastered with lime mortars. Timber being abundantly available in many varieties in Kerala, ceilings, joineries, room partitions and furniture’s were skillfully used in the Mana.
The Mana originally had six bedrooms and a small courtyard which is on the ground floor and one comparatively larger room on the first floor. The rooms were designed very small and there were no separate toilets provided in the bedrooms instead open latrines made of granite were noticed in the corner of the rooms. The building being witnessed a few structural renovations over the period of time, respecting the heritage value of the building and restoring the same without losing the zest of it was quite a challenge.
Firstly, to make the most of the space it was proposed to change the configuration from six rooms to four comfortably spaced out bedrooms and attached washrooms to address the modern demands.
The wooden pillar that acted as the main support for the ceiling in the entrance foyer when investigated had been severely damaged by termites. Therefore, concrete was introduced to the pillar to stabilize the strength. Natural materials such as athangudi tiles were used for the flooring as it also helped the interiors feel cool in temperature and the timber ceilings were untouched. The roof tiles were completely dismantled, and placed the same way after cleaning.
A large part of the site area was developed according to the requirements and the interiors have been renovated while keeping in mind the functionality and aesthetics of spaces. The building in regard to its context fulfils its function while respecting its heritage value.
FACT FILE
Designed by : Durga Sarath Architects
Project Type : Restoration
Project Name : Manikkal Mana Restoration
Location : Feroke, Calicut, Kerala
Year Built : 2021
Built up : 4000 sq.ft
Principal Architect : Ar. Sarath S Kumar & Ar. Durga Cholapurath
Photography Courtesy : Turtle Arts Photography
Basic Insights of your firm and the project :
Q. Please share with us challenges faced by you during the process of design ideation till execution of the project. We are sure there might be many and you would have overcome it successfully.
A. We invested enough time to document the building since it was more than a100 year old mana. During the documentation process we found many challenges in structure and the material used in the building were all damaged. One of the main challenges was that there was a single wooden pillar near the courtyard which was totally damaged by termites and was replaced by a concrete pillar. This was the main pillar which held almost 60% of the weight of the center portion.
Firm’s Instagram Link : Durga Sarath Architects
Email Id (For any inquiry) : dsarchitects2@gmail.com
Conceived as a dialogue between architecture and landscape in Alibag, CASAVIVA transforms the house into a sequence of spaces where nature becomes an integral part of everyday life. This Home In Alibag Is Conceived As A Dialogue Between Architecture & Landscape | SHROFFLEoN Design Brief Designed for a family seeking a calm and timeless residence, […]
Some homes begin with a drawing, and The Saffron Verandah began with an orchard. In the mango-growing landscapes of Shoolagiri, a quiet hamlet in northern Tamil Nadu, the land has settled into its own rhythm over generations. Rows of mature mango trees stretch across nearly three-quarters of an acre, their broad canopies tempering the southern […]
The house is conceived as a metaphor for the valley it inhabits. The design borrows the language of a bustling street skyline, stretching the home along a corner site so it frames the valley and its lake. Three linear bays, offset vertically and linked by corridors, open the plan to filtered western light and cross […]
The site is located in Ahilyanagar town of Maharashtra, with a design brief of 7,000 sq feet, while the house had to be designed for the hot and dry climate, which responds carefully to extreme temperatures, intense sunlight, and low humidity. The design focuses on reducing heat gain, improving natural ventilation, and creating comfortable indoor spaces with […]
“Pravah” — A House That Breathes is envisioned as the main concept of this home revolves around a fluid, light-filled home where architecture becomes a continuous experience of movement, air, and connection. Located in Pal Gamtal, Surat, the project is a residential redevelopment on a 1,850 sq.ft. plot within a dense urban fabric. The site, […]
Editor’s Note: There’s a quiet clarity in homes that are shaped by real, everyday needs. Alcove feels like a thoughtful response to just that, balancing openness with comfort in a setting rooted in tradition. Moving away from a dense, older home, this residence embraces light, air, and simplicity while still holding on to its Kerala […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
Architecture font choices go beyond style—they shape how your work is perceived. From portfolios to presentations, the right architecture font instantly communicates clarity, precision, and personality. As architects, we design not just with space but with every detail, including typography. Selecting a strong architecture font shows your commitment to visual storytelling and design consistency. In […]
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 […]
Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]