Cultural Influences on the Architecture of Courtyard Houses: Insights from Courtyard Houses in Kerala, India.

Courtyards in vernacular architecture play a significant role in shaping the living environment. Their layouts and designs are influenced by historical, cultural, and climatic factors. They are essential for thermal comfort, providing a buffer against outdoor climate fluctuations, and promoting natural ventilation. The spatial organisation of courtyards reflects the local lifestyle, with a focus on regional adaptability and comfort. This research examines the vernacular courtyard house types of Kerala, a state in India. It employs a literature review and architectural documentation of vernacular prototypes. The literature review identified the vernacular courtyard house types specific to Kerala. The cultural attributes of the typess were through the interviews with residents. Three vernacular courtyard house types of the region were selected, and architectural documentation was conducted for the selected samples. Based on culture and context, differences in the layout and characteristics of the spaces were studied. This research re-affirms the role of culture in shaping architecture. It contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between culture and architecture, using the case of courtyard houses of Kerala.