INTRODUCTION OF THE SUBJECT

Resort is a place of luxury, comfort and relaxation with peace of mind. One feels relaxed and
peaceful in natures lap. Living with nature is the concept of resort. ‗Living and healing with
the help of nature‘ is the concept of ‗Ayurvedic health resort.

‘ Health caring since ages has been a predominant part of man‘s life. Ayurveda directs that
‗Prevention is better than cure.‘ For prevention physical fitness- diet, yoga, food according to
the season is required. In Ayurvedic health resort one can get rejuvenated, treated by
ayurvedic therapies, ayurvedic food, yoga. etc.

Ayurvedic health resort is a resort having all the basic requirements of a resort plus health
facilities like health therapies, gymnasium and fitness centre, yoga and meditation centre. It
has sports and recreational facilities like tennis, squash, cards room, carom room, swimming
pool. A health resort also provides special health packages. Workshop and trainings are also
conducted over here. Health can‘t be bought. If one wants to remain healthy, drugs can‘t do
this. Drugs are for diseased ones. Conventional medicines are aimed to eliminate the diseases
from the body, not to maintain the health of a healthy fellow. On other hand Ayurveda has
open opinions about health, where Ayurveda says that health should be maintained; on other
hand Ayurveda promotes the preventive aspect also.

So Ayurvedic Health Resort is also for those who are suffering with diseases due to mistakes
made by them in their food habits and lifestyles. The concept is to design a health resort that
imparts the feeling of ‗wellness‘ rather than ‗illness‘ by integrating cultural values with
therapeutic environment. The benefit of designing a ayurvedic health resort to reflect age-old
traditions and values include the acceptance of he ayurveda, improvement in the quality of
health and increased participation in ‗Preventive Care.‘ This is not a medical facility, there
are no signs of illness. This should be a place- an escape from the frenzied hospital
atmosphere, a home of silent reflection to regain a sense of peace. The challenge is to develop
an environment for healing in the 21st century- an era focusing on a preventive, proactive and
holistic approach, a solution that incorporates service integration, cost effectiveness,
efficiency and increased ease of use.

NEED OF THE PROJECT

The world of today is a busy world. There is no time for physical, mental relaxation, exercise.
Today‘s life is mechanical life. The people today are drifted away from nature. The modern
era of science and technology has geared up almost all towards a fast life beset with tension
and stress. To reduce this tension and stress people find a need to resort to health resorts.
Today, the problems we are facing are less physical and more psychological. Cases in
medicinal world are changing very quickly. Anti-biotic drugs are no more life saving drugs.
Man is dying more due to heart failures, diabetes and neuropathies. We have better ways of
sanitation, we are more civilized yet we are more ill. We have found all the ways to be happy
in the name of comfort but we have lost the real zest of life in this run of time. So it is the
time to go back to the nature and find the solution in a natural way. ‗Go back to the roots‘ is
the today‘s mantra. People are fed up with the over use of chemical and drugs and on their
bodies for cure. So they are turning towards natural therapies like ayurveda. This has
generated a need for Ayurvedic health resorts.‘ All the developments in scientific areas have
made our lives easy and luxurious. Today we can enjoy those conditions which were away
from dreams of our ancestors. But in this race we have left our joy, feelings and happiness
somewhere, centuries back. We are living a very painful life today. We all need solutions for
a healthy lifestyle. This is an era of transition. Things are changing very fast. IT revolution
has changed the way to think a lot. People want to explore the newer horizons. Intellects of
health industry are busy in developing newer and newer things.Today, most ignored concept
of ancient sciences, health and lifestyle are in hot list. Modern society accepted the concept of
Ayurvedic Health Resorts, that will help to gain a good lifestyle and complete health.

OBJECTIVES

 To incorporate adequate units that are required to increase overall tourism in the state
as it can be one of the maximum revenue gaining mean.
 To promote ayurveda, which is associated with the culture of the country so that it
raises awareness domestically and globally.
 To provide pleasing surroundings and health facilities.
 To inculcte fitness and health awareness amongst guests though various tretments and
activitis related to ayurveda.
 To create a harmony involving open spaces, enclosed spaces, forms.

AIMS

 Designing a building that is climatically responsive.

 Working on routes of entries and exists of guests, service vehicles, goods vehicles and
heathcare equipment in normal and emergency situations.
 Service area required for catering to the guests.
 Providing workable spaces for treatments and required equipments.
 To understand the requirements of spaces involved in the ayurvedic tretment and
resort.
 Understanding nuances of design with respect to site planning.
 Finding best solutions in terms of site and context responsive architecture.
 To have its own identity

CHALLENGES OF THE PROJECT

 The architecture challenge lies in designing and combining new use patterns, the inter
and intra accesibility of various uses and functions in a resort and a healthcare centre
by simultaneously balancing them.
 To understand the working of the hospitality industry and institutional industry
simultaneously and achieving a strong link with each other.
 Understsanding different services to be employed in a resort amd healthcare centre.
  To incorporate various functions in a harmonious way.
 To understand the process of ayurverda treatment, Yoga and meditation.
 Understanding the working of an ayurvedic health centre that require specific spaces
and light and other facilitites.
 To create a climatically responsive building using locally available materials such that
it meets the international standards.
 To achieve the concept of living with nature.
 To build along the backwaters of Kerala and contours.

SCOPE

1.ENTRANCE

 Entrance lobby
 Lounge
 Reception
 Admission block
 Toilets

2.ADMINISTRATION

 Director’s cabin
 Conference rom
 General office
 Manager’s room
 Toilets
 Store
 Maintenance

3.SHOP AND STALLS

 Displaying books related to ayurveda

 Local arts and craft

4.HEALTH CARE AND CONSULTATION

 Help Desk
 Waiting area
 Pharmacy
 Staff room
 Consultation rooms
 Doctor’s rooms
 Rooms for specialized treatments
 Toilets
5.ACCOMODATIONS

 Luxury suite rooms

 Cottages

6.RESTAURANT/DINING AREA

 Lounge area
 Indoor seating
 Outdoor seating
 Kitchen
 Restrooms

7.RECREATION BLOCK

 Massage Parlors
 Hot water baths
 Swimming pool
 Meditiation centre
 Yoga rooms

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AYURVEDIC AND A GENERAL

RESORT?

 While there may not be a formal boundary, there are significant differences. The spa
experience as part of a resort vacation generally means you go to a great resort and
enjoy a variety of treatments at the spa as part of the vacation experience, which
might include golf, dining out, lounging by the pool, exploring local sites. On the
other hand, you go to an ayurvedic resort to achieve a particular objective, which can
be anything from weight loss to improving fitness, recalibrating your lifestyle or
adapting a healthier routine, including addressing medical conditions.

 Among wellness resorts, also referred to as destination spas, wellness retreats and
fitness retreats, there is a big variance, with some offering a sort of "boot camp"
routine where you are expected to fall inline if you want to achieve the benefits.
Others provide more opportunities for you to customize your program. Some combine
the objectives of a wellness resort with the relaxation of a typical resort.
 TARGET GROUPS

TOURISTS SEEKING LOCALS

TREATMENT

FOREIGN TRAVELLERS HEALTHCARE STAFF

People coming from overseas The doctors, nursers,

to seek treatment and learn assistants, trainers who give
about Ayurveda and yoga and treatments and training to the
learn about the culture of the patients
place

DOMESTIC TRAVELLERS RESORT STAFF

People coming from nearby They provide service to the

areas to seek treatment and customers and make their stay
spend some peaceful time at pleasant.
the resort.

TOURISTS SOCIAL EVENT GUEST

People coming for leisure and Brings the community life to a

fun activities and to production facility, playing his
experience the place. role of organizing events,
exhibitions and ceremonies
TYPES OF USERS

1. GUEST FOR RESORT STAYS

2. RESORT HOUSE STAFF
3. HEALTHCARE WORKING STAFF
4. MAINTENANCE STAFF
5. DOCTORS AND EXPERTS IN EALTHCARE CENTRES
6. TRAINERS FOR GYM, YOGA ETC.
7. SITE MANAGEMENT STAFF
8. SECURITY WORKERS
 METHODOLOGY

SELECTION OF TOPIC CASE STUDIES-

LIVE/INTERNET STUDIES

COLLECTION OF DATA REQUIREMENT

FORMULATION

PRIMARY LIITERTURE/ FINAL LITERATURE/ DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

LIBRARY STUDIES
LIBRARY STUDIES

SELECTION OF SITE DESIGN GUIDELINES

+CRITERIA

SITE STUDY CONCEPT AND ZONING

HISTORY OF AYURVEDA

The earliest classical Sanskrit works on Ayurveda describe medicine as being divided into eight
components. This characterization of the physicians' art, the medicine that has eight components"
aṣṭāṅgāyāṃ , is first found in the Sanskrit epic the Mahābhārata, 4th century BCE. The components
are:

 Kāyacikitsā: general medicine, medicine of the body

 Kaumāra-bhṛtya: the treatment of children, paediatrics
 Śalyatantra: surgical techniques and the extraction of foreign objects
 Śālākyatantra: treatment of ailments affecting ears, eyes, nose, mouth,–– etc. ("ENT")
 Bhūtavidyā: pacification of possessing spirits, and the people whose minds are affected by such
possession
 Agadatantra: toxicology
 Rasāyanatantra: rejuvenation and tonics for increasing lifespan, intellect and strength
 Vājīkaraṇatantra: aphrodisiacs and treatments for increasing the volume and viability of semen
and sexual pleasure
The word "ayurveda" is Sanskrit: आयुर्वेद, Āyurveda, meaning knowledge of life and longevity.[
 The central theoretical ideas of Ayurveda developed in the mid-first millennium BCE, and
show parallels with Sāṅkhya and Vaiśeṣikaphilosophies, as well as
[28][29]
with Buddhism and Jainism. Balance is emphasized, and suppressing natural urges is
considered unhealthy and claimed to lead to illness. For example, to suppress sneezing is said
to potentially give rise to shoulder pain.]However, people are also cautioned to stay within the
limits of reasonable balance and measure when following nature's urges.[19] For example,
emphasis is placed on moderation of food intake and sleep,
 Ayurveda names seven basic tissues (dhatu), which are plasma (rasa), blood (rakta), muscles
(māmsa), fat (meda), bone (asthi), marrow (majja), and semen (shukra). Like the medicine of
classical antiquity, Ayurveda has historically divided bodily substances into five classical
elements, (Sanskrit) panchamahabhuta, viz. earth, water, fire, air and ether.[32] There are also
twenty gunas (qualities or characteristics) which are considered to be inherent in all matter.
These are organized in ten pairs: heavy/light, cold/hot, unctuous/dry, dull/sharp, stable/mobile,
soft/hard, non-slimy/slimy, smooth/coarse, minute/gross, and viscous/liquid.[33]
 Ama (a Sanskrit word meaning "uncooked" or "undigested" ) is used to refer to the concept of
anything that exists in a state of incomplete transformation. With regards to oral hygiene, it is
claimed to be a toxic byproduct generated by improper or incomplete digestion. The concept
has no equivalent in standard medicine.
 Ayurveda also names three elemental bodily humors, the doshas (called Vata, Pitta and
Kapha), and states that a balance of the doshas results in health, while imbalance results in
disease. One Ayurvedic view is that the doshas are balanced when they are equal to each other,
while another view is that each human possesses a unique combination of the doshas which
define this person's temperament and characteristics. In either case, it says that each person
should modulate their behavior or environment to increase or decrease the doshas and maintain
their natural state.
 In medieval taxonomies of the Sanskrit knowledge systems, Ayurveda is assigned a place as a
subsidiary Veda (upaveda). Some medicinal plant names from the Atharvaveda and other
Vedas can be found in subsequent Ayurveda literature. The earliest recorded theoretical
statements about the canonical models of disease in Ayurveda occur in the earliest Buddhist
Canon.
PANCHAKARMA : PENTA BIO DETOXIFICATION PROCEDURES

Working of body system is just like that of a machine. Routine servicing is a must for the
proper functioning of machine. With out timely servicing the working efficiency of the
machine will decrease and after a time we have to throw it in garbage. Same happens when
timely cleansing of body is not done. Because of all this Ayurveda advocates seasonal regime
of body cleansing procedures.
As different Doshas lose their balance in different seasons and also person very in their body
type so purification procedures also very with person, season and disease. Detoxification
Procedures are told in Ayurveda in name Panchakarma. Panchakarma literally means five
(Pancha) procedures (Karma). These are:
• Vamana (Therapeutic vomiting)
• Virechana (Therapeutic purgation)
• Niruha Vasti (Cleansing enemas)
• Anuvasana Vasti (Oleation enemas)
• Nasya (to give medicines through nasal route)

Some authorities tell Anuvasana Vasti and Niruha Vasti under same heading Vasti and Rakta
mokshana (blood letting) as the fifth procedure of the Panchakarma While doing any
procedure there are some pre operative and some post operative managements that should be
followed. So the whole procedure can be divided in:

• Pre Panchakarma Procedures

• Main Panchakarma procedures.
• Post Panchakarma procedures.

PRE PANCHAKARMA PROCEDURES

These are two in number, known as Snehana (unctation therapy) and the second one Swedana
(sudation therapy). These are done simultaneously to loosen the Doshas and to bring them
back to the big channels from smaller ones. For this purpose, first a big amount of fat is given
to patient/ healthy person, as a result extra Doshas in the form of fat soluble by products, will
be dissolved and will be eliminated by the nearest route. After these procedures now a person
is ready to get serviced.

MAIN PANCHAKARMA PROCEDURES

These can be said real Panchakarma procedures these are five in number, as we have told
earlier. Because along with the unction and sudation these procedures also make body supple
and smooth, to bear the hard jerks of main Panchakarma procedures. A brief knowledge of all
these is as follows:
•VAMAN: This process is meant for the purification of upper 1/3 rd of the body, the place
for Kapha. It is believed after unction and sudation and waste materials come and collect in
the stomach. Now emetics are given and all the waste products will be eliminated. This
procedure is best for hyper acidify, diabetes, skin diseases, psoriasis.

•VIRECHAN: It works on middle one third of body and purifies the body by removing
excessive Pitta from it. Process is same as done in the case of Vaman karma, just route
differs. Strong or mild purgatives are given and Pitta Dosha is excreted from the body.
Results are just like miracles in – Rheumatoid, Arthritis, Hemiplegia, Skin Problems and
Other Pitta Related Diseases.

•NIRUHA VASTI (cleansing enemas): Here medicines are given through anal canal with the
help of a bladder (known as Vasti in Sanskrit, so the name). As the large intestine is the main
place of Vata Dosha. So it is the treatment of choice for maximum neurological disorders,
caused by aggravated Vata. In this type of Vasti herbal decoctions constitute the major part of
the medicine.

•ANUVASANA VASTI (oleation enemas): This is also known as Vasti, as route is same, the
anal canal. In this type herbal oils are used, these are given in lower quantities in the anal
canal, so due to a lower pressure on anal canal, it has a tendency to be retained in side. And it
does its work by taking own time. It gives best results in Chronic Constipation and Other
Neurological/Vataj Disorders, where disease is caused by the increased Ruksh/Dryness factor
of this Dosha.

•NASYA: Herbal powders or Juices or Oils are administered by nasal route in this type of
treatment. It gives exclusive results in migraine – chronic headache, works for hairs and
memory of booster.

POST PANCHAKARMA PROCEDURES

After the fast jets of Panchakarma procedures our body becomes weak due to the exertion to
the whole system. Now, to provide energy and balanced Doshas to body, special diet is
followed strictly to boost the digestive fire. By this diet restriction body can digest and
assimilate all the food articles. Now the drug or food, whatever is given to the body, will
work maximum and give 100% results. If this diet regime is not followed strictly it may
cause severe weakness in body!!

SOME OTHER DETOXIFYING PROCEDURES:

•KatiVasti:
In this process specially prepared warm medicated oils is kept over the lower back with
herbal paste boundary.

•Meru Vasti:
Oil treated with special herbs is kept on whole the back bone.

•Janu Vasti:
Here medicated oil is kept over knee joint with herbal paste boundary.
 •Hrudya Vasti:
This is an effective treatment for asthma, other respiratory problems, heart diseases and
muscular chest pain etc.
•Nabhee Vasti:
Medicated oil is kept over umbilicus with boundary of herbal paste. It treats the ailments
related to the digestive system.

•SiroVasti-
Warm herbal medicated oil is retained within a closely fitted cap around the head, thus
allowing the scalp to soak in the therapeutic oil.

•Greeva Vasti:
Greeva Vasti has its therapeutic value in all types of joint problems of neck. In this procedure
medicated oil is kept on back of neck with boundary of herbal paste.

•Navarakizhi:
A massage to the body with small linen bags filled with cooked Navara rice (cooked in cow's
milk and mixed with an herbal decoction) after a liberal application of medicated oil over the
whole body.

•Pizhichil:
A beautiful combination of Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (sudation).

•Sarvang Dhara:
Warm herbal liquid poured all over the body in a rhythmic way using special vessels very
effective for hemiplegia, paralysis, rheumatic complaints, edema etc.

•Shirodhara:
Luke warm herbal oil is poured in a continuous stream onto the forehead. Sirodhara
rejuvenates and revitalizes the body and mind.

•Akshi Tarpana:Medicated
Ghee is retained in a reservoir made over the eyes with black gram powder. This therapy will
have a cooling effect on irritated and stressed eyes. This relieves eyestrain, improves eyesight
and other eye related problems.

•Karnapoornam:
In this process medicated extracts or oils are poured into the ears. This process helps to clean
the ears and cures all the ailments.

•Gandoosha:
This therapy involves the retention of medicated oil or decoction in the mouth. The benefits
of this therapy will bring a glow to the face, improve lines and wrinkles, tone the skin and
assist with any kind of mouth, voice or teeth disorders while cleansing the ear, nose and
throat pathways.

•Utsadana:
This therapy includes application of Dosha specific massage oil to the entire body and a
thorough massage of herbal powders made into a paste.
•Sirolepa:
Head is considered to be the best amongst all the organs, so applying medicines to this region
is of great importance.
TYPES OF TREATMENTS
The treatment of disease can broadly be classified as
• Shodhana therapy(Purification Treatment)
• Shamana therapy(Palliative Treatment)
• Pathya Vyavastha (Prescription of Diet and Activity)
• Nidana Parivarjanam (Avoidance of Disease causing and Aggravating factors)
•Satvavajaya (Psychotherapy)
• Rasayana therapy(Use of Immunomodulators and Rejuvenation Medicines.

TREATMENTS FOR-
•Arthritis
•Low back ache
•Body Purification
• Rejuvenation
• Old Age Care • Stress Management
•Depression
•Obesity
•Spine and Joint Care
•Lifestyle Diseases Management
•Women‘s Care Programme
•Beauty Care Programme

HEALTH EFFECTS

Ayurveda is related to finding the root of the disease and after that means to totally eradicate
it. This investigation of restorative treatment is completely mindful of the body framework
and it doesn’t smother the disturbing component which causes the disease. It goes for
searching the origin of the disease and after that cures it. The cure is changeless. Be that as it
may, in allopathic treatment the disease isn’t cured for all time and it gives just instant help to
the patients by destroying the disease-causing organism.

 Ayurveda has a lot of proven results to help keep your skin soft and glowing without
spending money. Consuming vegetables like cucumber, lettuce, and radish are easy to
digest because of its purifying properties and high-water content. Foods contain
healthy fats and Omega-3’s, which have active components responsible for
maintaining healthy skin and lowering inflammation in certain skin conditions.

 Ayurveda helps in reducing body weight by following a natural and healthy diet.
There are many treatments in Ayurveda, which helps to lose excess body fat like,
Treatments aimed at correction using Ayurveda and Siddha formulation along with
correct diet and external treatments which detoxify the body and internal organs
resulting in successful weight loss and toning of the body.

 Excessive physical stress and emotional stress reduces the immunity of our body and
turns it into the host of diseases.One can reduce stress and anxiety through
Meditation, Yoga and other herbal treatments. Ayurvedic treatments like Shirodhara,

Source:
https://www.practo.com/healthfeed/health-
benefits-of-ayurvedic-treatment-32560/post
 Abhyangam & Swedanam, Kayashudhi, Shiroabhyangam, and Padabhyangam
followed by Rasayan and Vajikarana treatments help to reduce depression and
anxiety.

 Ayurvedic medicine advances internal cleansing for enhanced health. “Panchakarma”

is the way toward disposing of food and poisons that meddle with proficient
bodywork. Purifications, oils, and massage therapy help get the body working
appropriately by moving poisons from the tissues to the digestion tracts to expel them
from the body.

 Inflammation can be caused by insufficient sleep, less than stellar eating routine, and
inadequate digestion. The Ayurvedic technique for recuperating diminishes
inflammation to manage the heart framework and digestive tract by wiping out waste.
Expending a mix of herbal treatments, a practice that delicately supports digestion,
and cancer prevention agents can help bring down inflammation and increment
vitality.

YOGA
Yoga is derived from the word ―Yuj‖. It means to add, to sum up and to connect. Yoga is a
way to connect and to add the internal and external energies. When things get connected flow
of energy is enhanced and gets regularized. Energy is best in a flowing mode. Not in a
stagnant mode. Stagnancy brings incapability in expressiveness, makes things complicated
and puzzled and leads to sedative stages. Yoga is designed to concentrate but this
concentration is not full of selfishness. Yoga asks to concentrate on the cosmic energies. This
helps one to bind with the cosmic energies easily. Once, one is in touch with the outer-cosmic
energies influx of energies starts by themselves. Energy tends to flow from higher to lower
potentials. Cosmic energies are richer and these start to flow inside and a person starts to
enjoy this flow and enriches with the higher energy levels with the time.

HISTORY OF YOGA
The Vedic Samhitas contain references to ascetics, while ascetic practices (tapas) are
referenced in the Brāhmaṇas (900 B.C.E. and 500 B.C.E.), early commentaries on the Vedas.
Techniques for experiencing higher states of consciousness in meditation initially had only a
slight philosophical underpinning, and were unconnected with Samkhya doctrines. These
techniques were developed by the shramanic traditions and in the Upanshadic tradition.

EIGHTLIMBS OF YOGA
•Yam
•Niyam
•Asanas (postural exercises)
•Pranayam (breathing exercises)
•Pratyahara(strengthening senses)
•Dharna (concentration-1st level)
•Dhyan (2nd level of concentration)
•Smadhi (final goal)
•Yam- Niyam: beginning with Yoga

HEALTH EFFECTS
Postural yoga has been studied and may be recommended to promote relaxation, reduce stress
and improve some medical conditions such as premenstrual syndrome. This form of yoga is
considered to be a low-impact activity that can provide the same benefits as "any well-
designed exercise program, increasing general health and stamina, reducing stress, and
improving those conditions brought about by sedentary lifestyles". It is particularly promoted
as a physical therapy routine, and as a regimen to strengthen and balance all parts of the
body.
The practice of asanas may improve psychological health during cancer treatment, although
more evidence is needed to confirm this possible benefit. Other research indicated that
postural yoga could be useful in addition to other treatments in schizophrenia, and may have
positive effects on mental health, although the quality of research to define these effects is
low.

ARCHITECTURE OF KERALA
Kerala is currently a federal state of India that geographically covers a straight strip in
Southwestern tip of India, spanning south to east on approximately 63 meter high elevation
above mean sea level.
The location is culturally addressed as Malabar –a fertile strip of land between Arabian sea
and Western Ghats mountains to the North and Travancore to the South. The highest
highland reach approximately 800 meter high above the mean sea level. Laid in-between
coastal area and mountain ranges, Kerala had been dominated by a midland areas where
crops and paddy farming cultivation has been established. Kerala experiences annual heavy
rainfall in summer up to 1000 mm, and temperature 300 -340 C during peak summer.

ORIGIN
The characteristic regional expression of Kerala architecture results from the geographical,
climatic and historic factors. Geographically Kerala is a narrow strip of land lying in between
western seaboard of peninsular India and confined between the towering Western Ghats on
its east and the vast Arabian sea on its west. Favoured by plentiful rains due to Monsoon and
bright sunshines, this land is lush green with vegetation and rich in animal life. In the uneven
terrain of this region human habitation is distributed thickly in the fertile low-lands and
sparsely towards the hostile highlands. Heavy rains have brought in presence of large water
bodies in form of lakes, rivers, backwaters and lagoons. The climatic factors thus made its
significant contributions in developing the architecture style, to counter wettest climatic
conditions coupled with heavy humidity and harsh tropical summers.
History also played its own contributions to the Kerala architecture. The towering Western
Ghats on its east, has successfully prevented influences of neighboring Tamil countries into
present day Kerala in later times. While Western Ghats isolated Kerala to a greater extent
from Indian empires, the exposure of Arabian sea on its east brought in close contacts
between the ancient people of Kerala with major maritime civilizations like Chinese,
Egyptians, Romans, Arabs etc. The Kerala’s rich spice cultivations brought it center of global
maritime trade until modern periods, helping several international powers to actively engage
with Kerala as a trading partners. This helped in bring in influences of these civilisations into
Kerala architecture.
CHARACTERSTICS

The vernacular architecture of Kerala reflects a combination of Indic and Southeast Asian
characters. The Indic characters are reflected in the domination of permanent characters of
the earthen material construction and the main practice of Vedic dwelling culture as reflected
in observiance toward vaastu treatise in house design. Kerala particularly used laterite
walling material which is abundantly available along the western coast of India (from Gujarat
to Kanyakumari). The Southeast Asian characters could be examined according to several
indicators as listed below:

1) Vegetative reeds, coconut, jackfruit, and rosewood and timber construction tradition,
2) Sloping roof to encounter heavy rain during monsoon,
3) Slanting wall screen and various depth of protruding eaves to prevent glare sun lights, and
4) Transparency and openness, as the best relief in hot and humid climate,
5) Single-hall and open-layout building typology with minimum furniture, particularly the
halls type without apparent window opening,
6) The transitional space between interior and exterior marked by wall screen, protruding
trellis wall and sun-shading, and
7) Significant spatial arrangement for female and kitchen in the East and North side which is
unlikely found in the mainstream Indian architecture.

The constructions were mainly built from wooden components possible to be disassembled.
The following is more specific detailed evidence that hint to the notion of combinations of
Indic and Austronesian-Austro Asiatic characters in the architecture of Kerala.

Saddle-hipped roof, outward slanting gable and gable finials

The most signature part of Kerala’s buildings is the overwhelming scale, pyramidal and
slopping roof. Particularly in South Kerala, roofs are mostly furnished with wooden gable
end

The roof structure demonstrate sophisticated

vertical series of horizontal wall plates systems
on which arrays of rafters rest. It has common
principle in giving importance to annular beams system (arudham).

Source:

file:///C:/Users/user1/Dow
The set was made of arrays of pierced rafters (kazhukol) through which lateral poles run to
bind the whole arrays into one set of dynamic space-truss. A small span hall design may
require single annular wall-plate (uttaram) to support rafters, but wider span hall requires a
supporting bracket in trapezoidal trusses bracketed by serial lateral poles on which rafters are
arranged. As a whole, it yields 3-dimensional roof space-truss that recollect the archetype of
bamboo constructions and its binding treatments using coconut ropes. In other words, the
wooden structure and roof construction of Kerala’s roof looks like a structural advancement
of primordial bamboo craftsmanship into sophisticated mass-produced wooden construction.

Granary-based Design
The most common typology of the residential structure found in Kerala is a single living -
multifunctional hall made of the combination of wooden-laterite or pure wooden
construction, standing on an elevated ground (adisthana). The practice of agriculturist culture
and paddy farming estates by the bulk of the society made paddy-storage a main structural
concept of Kerala’s living space.

The structural-spatial arrangement is centered toward the main function of grain storage (ara)
which appears as raised structure, standing on 4-5 feet above platform)15. The raised
structure left semi basement storage underneath or nilavara. Inside the ara pattayam, or grain
box for storing rice and grains, are placed. The space under the roof was also traditionally
functioned as storage too (pattaram). The ara appears to be the most auspicious space in the
house (Figure 5). It would be flanked by multi-purpose space – kalavara. From this basic
structure bigger scale buildings could be obtained, starting from fixing more massive earthen
material and tile roofing, expanding the hall into bigger types, an additional annex and the
formation of courtyard

Plan Beam works of an Ekasala with Ara Schematic section of ekasala

Source:

file:///C:/Users/user1/Downloads/6.3IndahWidastutirevised.pdf
 Typo-Morphological Map of Traditional-Vernacular Spaces in Kerala

MATERIALS
The natural building materials available for construction in Kerala are stones, timber, clay
and palm leaves. Granite is a strong and durable building stone; however its availability is
restricted mostly to the highlands and only marginally to other zones. Owing to this, the skill
in quarrying, dressing and sculpturing of stone is scarce in Kerala. Laterite on the other hand
is the most abundant stone found as outcrops in most zones. Soft laterite available at shallow
depth can be easily cut, dressed and used as building blocks. It is a rare local stone which gets
stronger and durable with exposure at atmospheric air. Laterite blocks may be bonded in
mortars of shell lime, which have been the classic binding material used in traditional
buildings. Lime mortar can be improved in strength and performance by admixtures of
vegetable juices. Such enriched mortars were used for plastering or for serving as the base for
mural painting and low relief work. Timber is the prime structural material abundantly
available in many varieties in Kerala – from bamboo to teak. Perhaps the skilful choice of

Source:

file:///C:/Users/user1/Downloads/6.3IndahWidastutirevised.pdf
timber, accurate joinery, artful assembly and delicate carving of wood work for columns,
walls and roofs frames are the unique characteristics of Kerala architecture. Clay was used in
many forms – for walling, in filling the timber floors and making bricks and tiles
after pugging and tempering with admixtures. Palm leaves were used effectively for thatching
the roofs and for making partition walls.

From the limitations of the materials, a mixed mode of construction was evolved in Kerala
architecture. The stone work was restricted to the plinth even in important buildings such as
temples. Laterite was used for walls. The roof structure in timber was covered with palm leaf
thatching for most buildings and rarely with tiles for palaces or temples. The exterior of the
laterite walls were either left as such or plastered with lime mortar to serve as the base for
mural painting. The sculpturing of the stone was mainly moulding in horizontal bands in the
plinth portion (adhistans) whereas the carving of timber covered all elements _ pillars, beams,
ceiling, rafters and the supporting brackets. The Kerala murals are paintings with vegetable
dyes on wet walls in subdued shades of brown. The indigenous adoption of the available raw
materials and their transformation as enduring media for architectural expression thus became
the dominant feature of the Kerala style.
ABOUT THE SITE

 The site is located in Aiyroor village, in Varkal Mandal, which is about 52 kms from the state
capital, Trivandrum and about 10 kms from the natonal highway.
  ACCESIBLITY-
The site is well connected to air, road, water, rail due to its close proximity to the National
Highway. The nearest international terminal is 90 minutes drive while the nearest railway
station connecting all major railway station in India is 52 kms.

 Three entries-
-Varkala Station
-NH Paripally
-Kalamballam

 Locally available material is Varkala stone-Laterite block masonary

 Around the site- Coconut plantation, Palm trees and grass patches. Only three houses are
present around the site and are abundant.

 TYPE OF FOUNDATION- Pad foundation to light 1-2 storey structures and then Pile
foundation for all other forms of structure.

 Incases where settlement is undesirable, e.g. extensions to existing structures, piling may be
necessary

WHY THE SITE?

 Locatged 52 kms way from the state capital.

 Free from unwanted noise pollution
 Serene greenery around
 On site karimeen krishi
 1 ½ km water frontage which can be used to conduct water sports.
LITERATURE STUDY- THE LEELA, KOVALAM

INTRODUCTION

Built on a cliff-top,is cradled between wide sweeping beaches and has panoramic view of a the
famous Kovalam coastline. It is spread over 35 acres of lush green land.. This s star deluxe hotel
,with an array of superlative restaurants and lounges,also specializes in traditional ayurvedic
treatments.
PLACE :Kovalam,Thiruvananthapuram

Building owner :Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.

Year of consrtuction :first phase completed in 1974 Architect : Ar.Charles Correa,Charles Correa
Associates,Mumbai.

Managing Trust : The leela palaces,hotels and resorts

LOCATION Country State District City Region

:India :Kerala :Thiruvananthapuram :Thiruvananthapuram :Kovalam

APPROACH & LINKAGES By air Nearest Airport By rail Nearest railway station By road NH-47
Trivandrum Bypass road Nearest Bus Station From Trivandrum city centre

: International Airport 15 km

: Trivandrum Central 16 Km

:KSRTC Thampanoor 16Km :13km

AREA :Thirty five acres including hotel ,convention centre and the additional cot-tages .

SITE APPROACH: Oblique entrance from NH byepass road lending an angular orientation of the
frontal portion of the hotel.
  ACCESSIBITLITY:

1.Ten metre wide single entry and exit for guests at the eastern side.

2.Two 7.5 metre service entry roads one at south east side and at north side.

 SITE SLOPE:. Sloping of the site is along south-west direction. The same has been utilized
for the amphitheatre.

 VISUAL ImPACT Upon neighboring sites.

1.Very strong since it's a high rise building on a vast area of site.

2. Good view for the guest rooms on looking the backwaters.

 ON \EIGHBOURI\G SITES,

1.Shading is not affected since each floor is inwardly placed as it rises up.

2. There is no effect as the setback are very much vast.

 GROWTH OF FORM

The plot shape is irregular not approximately a rectangle The building takes an angled shape to
maximize frontal appeal towards the highway.

 PATTERN OF CIRCULATION

Mostly a branched linear pattern is followed with dual cores supporting vertical transportation.
AYURVEDIC HEALTHCARE CENTRE

This block is placed right near the entrance of the site for easy access of the visitors from outside
_Quite for from the accommodation zone.

There is a gym & yoga & meditation hall which has an excellent view over the eve's beach

This ayurveciic centre has a health club, including the beauty salon as well as massage , spa & sauna
facilities etc. This blocked is placed right at the entrance of the site for e access.

Each massage room was equipped with a massage table, in uol showers with garden view-as a
healing space.
INFERE NCES

 Accommodates 300 guests , centers for massages and yoga.

 The facilities are deployed in the manner which would create a critical mass for each activity and at a time open
up several strategic points on the site so as to increase future growth options.
 The master plan there fore does not concentrate all the facilities in one area , but generate a large number of
potential growth points, thus allowing a more flexible response to future demands .
 The guest rooms come in 3 configurations : beach view, garden view and club suites
 Overlooking the beach there are 100 guests rooms. Here the facilities are such that every room gets its own private
sundeck.
  Construction is in traditional vernacular of kerala-: plaster walls with red tiled roofs

 Other pavilion consists of little bamboo chhatris with coir matins on the floor and local kerala handicrafts.

AYURVEDAGRAM HERITAGE WELLNESS CENTRE, BANGALORE, KARNATAKA

LOCATION-

It is located in Bangalore, India – 560067, 7 km from Brindavan - Sri Satya SaiBaba Ashram.

ABOUT THIS CENTRE

 It is rated as the leading Ayurvedic treatment centre providing traditional therapies in a

matchless therapeutic ambience.

 The centre steals you away into a whole new world of ethnic charm. Ayurvedic Health Resort
has been transplanted from Kerala into 7 acres of herbal garden at Bangalore, India's Garden
City.

 AyurvedaGram Ayurvedic Health resort is an Ayurvedic village with resident Ayurvedic

physicians, Therapists, Health Centre, Dispensary, Yoga & Meditation Centre, heritage
cottages, Veg Restaurant and an ever-attentive service staff. .

 The serene 7 acres of sprawling lush green with more than 200 species of rare medicinal
herbs creates a tranquil refreshing atmosphere where the guest won't feel that he is in a
Hospital!

 The entire campus has been designed to provide a healing atmosphere and ethnic ambience by
physically transplanting various heritage houses and structures from Kerala, which recapture
the rich architectural splendor and natural surrounds of that region.

TREATMENTS:

The treatments offered by this clinic are; Arthritis, Low back ache, Obesity, Diabetes, Depression,
Infertility & Impotency, Virechana (purgation), Vamana (emesis), Snehavasthi (medicated oil enema),
Kashayavasti (medicated decoction enema), Panchakarma detoxification, Rejuvenation, Stress
management, Weight reduction, Yoga & meditation, Spine & joint care, Life style disease
management, Beauty care. Treatments for specific aliments such as Arthritis, Obesity, Spondylitis,
Cholesterol, Sinusitis, Peptic Ulcer etc using common ayurvedic therapies such as Panchakarma,
Rejuvenation, Stress Management and several other Kerala therapies. Abhyanga, Pizhichil,
Njavarakizhi, Elakizhi, Udwarthanam, Podikkizhi, Kaadi Dhara, Sirodhara, Ksheeradhara,
Kadeevasthy, Urovasthy, Greevavasthy, Herbal Steam Bath, Sirovasthy, Thakradhara,
Nethratharpana, Gandusha, Kabalam, Vamara, Virechana, Snehavasthy, Kashavavasthy, Nasya, Head
& Face Massage, Sneha Panam, Upanaham, Pichu, Lepam, Ksheeradhoomam.
ACCOMMODATION:

The most distinctive feature of AyurvedaGram is its Antique residential Cottages that were
transplanted from Kerala. The transplantation of these antique Nalukettus, Kovilakams (Palaces),
Mannas and Illams - Kerala's traditional live inns (made of teak and rosewood) has been done so
perfectly that it forms a unique experience with all traditional furnishings & the modern facilities.

AYURVEDAGRAM