Our Constructional Key Features

Arjun and Associates- is the first and only group of engineers and architects specialized in designing and construction of all types of buildings esp. NAALUKETTU” based on primitive vaastu science incorporated with modern architecture. Every man has a dream to own a house in which after a days hard work , he could spend some happy hours with his family members. The common man aspires for long life with good health and without any worries. Vaastushasthram is the science of architecture that gives the guidelines for construction of a building in terms of numerical measurements which is imperfect blend with nature and surroundings that accords a balance with all natural forces. Thus resulting in peaceful, healthy and prosperous living.

The important features of a building are
1. To be in harmony with nature and locality surrounding it, giving maximum utility according to ots purpose. 2. To be functional and adaptable as a home and fulfilling all master spiritual needs of the owner giving peace, prosperity and long life. The only architectural science which looks into these aspects is “Vaastushasthram”. Arjun and Associates have adapted to the primitive style of traditional architecture, incorporating the course of action put forward by “Vaastushasthram”using cost effective modern technology.

Arjun and Associates is the first group to re-introduce ‘Vaastu Sastra’ in design and construction of any building.

Padipura:

‘Padipura’ is the Crown of traditional Kerala Architecture. It is the main entrance of a residential building. In olden times as the land was huge, a suitable portion of land as per ‘Vaastu sastra’ was selected for the Mana (main house). The entrance to this main house is called ‘Padipura’ or ‘Kottiyambalam’.

Gable:

Gable, the ‘forehead’ on a sloped roof of a ‘Naalukettu’, recreated on sloped roofs in a modern building. In ancient times the area above the wooden ceilings in a room of a single storey building was used as attic and gable was used to provide ventilation and air flow in this area. Now a days gable is used as an architectural element on a sloped roof of a ‘Vaastu’ based building.

Kuthirakal:

An exterior and interior view of wooden ‘Kuthirakal’ (Slats). These slats can also be made of concrete. The natural curve of our body is taken into consideration while designing and crafting these slats. Kuthirakal is a feature of palaces. These where placed along the perimeter of a balcony to give privacy to royal family members as well as a glimpse of outside activities. Kuthirakal when incorporated in modern construction gives majestic look to the building.

Charupadi:

A view of wooden ‘Charupadi’ (Trellis). These seats can also be made of concrete. The information on natural curve of our body is pertinent for sitting comfort while designing and carving these seats. Charupadi is a feature seen in old palaces in Kerala. These where mostly placed along the perimeter of a verandah, anganam or balcony on higher floors for sitting and relaxing purposes. These when incorporated in modern constructions brings in the traditional comfort and luxury.

Verandah:

Verandah running parallel to the front and either side of the building, propped up on ornamental pillars gives an ideal space to lounge. Verandah is one of the main features of a ‘Naalukettu’. These run parallel to the front of the building or the ‘anganam’ (Courtyard) in the building. When incorporated in modern buildings gives lots of living place, bringing in air circulation and ventilation.

Sopanam:

An traditional type main entrance step both side curved granite or masonry ornamental work.

Anganam:

The ‘Anganam’ (Courtyard) supported at the corners by ornate pillars and arches bring in the natural light. The ‘Anganam’ is also one of the main features of traditional Kerala house and is usually located at the center of the building/house for the purpose of ventilation. ‘Anganam’ can be integrated in a building as per ‘Vaastu Sastra’, if there is scarcity of light and improper air flow.

Roof Styles:

Single or multiple sloped roofs or a combination of sloped and flat roof depending on the number of floors of a building enhances the overall appearance of the building. Roof is the head of a building and has to be compatible with the main building, both in design and appearance. The roof of a traditional building is usually sloped tiled roof. The main purpose of this type of roof was to assist easy flow of rain water and cool air circulation.

Pillar:

Views of different ‘Stambha’ (Pillar) at different positions or points in a building. Pillars are most commonly seen in Verandah and Anganam in traditional buildings. In modern construction, pillars act as both structural support and aesthetic element of a building. Twin pillars or single pillars in portico or in living area add a touch of elegance to room.

Ornamental Works:

Ornamental work on arches, pillars or compound walls augment the appearance of any structural or architectural feature on which it is done. Intricate ornamental works are main features seen on the wooden walls, pillars, ceilings, beams, etc. of royal buildings. In modern construction a simple border on a wall or elaborate cornice works on arches and/or pillars supplements the appearance of the building component.

Wooden Ceiling:

Wooden ceiling affixed underneath a concrete slab brings in the richness of wood work in the house/room. The ceilings in earlier days were usually made up of wood. These were fine curved depending on the financial status of the owner of the house. Now a days in modern buildings wooden ceiling is used as an architectural feature.

Wooden Flooring:

Parquet (Wooden) flooring affixed on top of a concrete slab or floor using teak wood strips gives the opulence of wood work in the house/room. The floors on higher storey in the traditional buildings were usually made up of wood due to the availability of timber. These were laid in different patterns depending on the economic standing of the possessor of the house. In modern buildings, parquet flooring is used as an architectural feature.

Wooden Pannelling:

Wooden panneling affixed on a brick wall recreates the elegance of traditional splendor in the house/room. The walls in traditional buildings were usually made up of wood due to the abundance of trees. Wooden Paneling in modern building is used as an architectural feature.

Poovmugham:

An inviting view of ‘Poovmugham’, in modern words a private sit out, just for the family. In the ‘Naalukettu’ the ‘Poovmugham’ is a traditional.

Landscaping:

View of different landscapes depending on the appearance and size/extent of various buildings and open space. Landscaping in an integral part of a building as it reflects the characteristic and functionality of the dweller and building. It also depends on the area of open space available around the building after the plinth area.

Main Door:

View of different main doors as per the elevations of various buildings A traditional main door exhibits the richness of our culture and heritage. It also demonstrates the personality of the family or person dwelling in it. It lives a long lasting impression on the visitors mind.

Kitchen Cabinets:

Sleek and long kitchen room to accommodate the requirements of cooking without wasting utility space. Granite top slab with built in wooden kitchen cabinets at top and bottom are suitably designed considering the height and arm length of the lady or chef of the house.