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
Brick houses have been a cornerstone of architecture for centuries, celebrated for their durability, aesthetic versatility, and timeless appeal. In modern design, architects continue to explore innovative ways to incorporate brick into residential spaces, blending traditional materials with contemporary needs. While the design of each brick house is unique, there are several ways to incorporate […]
Nestled in the serene embrace of a quiet residential colony, Charcoal Charm stands as a testament to modern architecture home innovation, seamlessly blending with its surroundings. Designed for a prominent businessman’s family, this 4BHK residence not only caters to the family’s need for privacy and comfort but also provides a rejuvenating retreat from the bustling […]
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. […]
The initial impression of this contemporary residence design is one of striking visual interplay, where bold architectural gestures redefine conventional aesthetics. A diagonally laid brick veil, its textured surface meticulously arranged to capture the shifting light throughout the day, becomes a dynamic façade element, casting ever-changing shadows that animate the exterior. Editor’s Note: “The yellow […]
Namana is an east-facing home situated on a compact 60’x50’ plot beside a serene vineyard. Designed for a family of three, the single-story residence emphasizes spatial fluidity, natural illumination, and a tactile material palette that evokes warmth and simplicity. Editor’s Note: “Namana, a quiet dialogue between light, material, and space, is a home that listens […]
“We want a modern oasis to retire to with our little boys on the weekends” was a brief given to us by our clients who are busy medical professionals with a very hectic life in the city. Inspired by the essence of prairie-style homes, the couple wished to cherish and recreate their favourite moments from […]
AADHYA is a thoughtfully designed three-bedroom home for a family of three, blending introverted and extroverted spaces in harmony. This modern tropical house design goes beyond mere functionality to become a sanctuary where design elements tell personal stories. With reclaimed terracotta roofing, exposed cement, and brick walls, the residence fosters a tactile connection to its […]
Nestled between the bustling residential and industrial edges of Bengaluru, Ihita stands as a bold architectural statement, embodying a harmonious blend of traditional Indian house design and modernity. The home challenges conventional urban residential design by prioritizing openness, natural light, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Through the strategic use of large […]
Architecture is a field that is wider than the construction of a single building; it represents culture, history, and human aspirations. From the ancient wonderlands of Bhutan to contemporary ones like Morphogenesis, architecture narrates tales of innovation, perseverance, and change. Whether you are a practicing architect, a student, or an enthusiast in quest of inspiration, […]
This rustic farmhouse for a family aims at re-defining tradition to blend in modern thought. Make it contemporary but traditional, was a brief given to the Architect by the client to redesign and build a century-old farmhouse sprawling across 3500 square feet on a 3-acre site in Morbe, Panvel. Editor’s Note: The redesigning of this […]