Kerala style roofing solutions by Ecocraft
Terracotta based traditional Kerala roofing contractor. Professional expertise in vaastu based construction. Transparent pricing and Better choice of materials.
What is Kerala roofing ?
Kerala roofing refers to the traditional sloped roofing style commonly found in the southern Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka, and parts of Tamil Nadu. Historically, homes were roofed using natural materials such as coconut leaves, palm leaves, and later, terracotta (clay) roof tiles.
Terracotta roof tiles became especially popular because they provide excellent thermal insulation, natural ventilation, durability, and a timeless aesthetic. Their reddish-brown appearance has become one of the defining features of traditional Kerala architecture.
This distinctive roofing style can be seen on many historic landmarks, including the Padmanabhapuram Palace, which was completed around 1601; the St. George Forane Church, built in 1810; and the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, established around 1650 CE .
St. George Church with beautiful terracotta roofing tiles
Padmanabhapuram palace with traditional Kerala style roofing with complex truss work
Today, Kerala roofing refers to this sloped roof design, which may be constructed using traditional terracotta tiles or modern roofing materials such as coated steel roofing sheets. While the materials may differ, the distinctive sloping profile remains a hallmark of Kerala architecture, valued for its ability to withstand heavy rainfall, improve ventilation, and keep interiors cooler.
Why should you choose kerala roofing for your house ?
Aesthetics
The slanted style terracotta roofing offers timeless beauty , that simply modern style roofing doesn't offer. The red color of the terracotta when it contrasts with a greenery becomes a timeless classic.
Naalu kattu veedu ( நாலுகெட்டு வீடு / നാലുകെട്ട്) - is an example of a house that's not just aesthetic to look at, but its central open space gives the impression of an open house, which gives you a feeling that you are in a house that not just protects you from the external elements by shielding you , but protects and enhances the living conditions by optimizing the air flow inside the house, while providing the right amount of sunlight exposure.
Truss works - the structure that supports the roofing when done properly looks very elegant to the eyes. The truss can be done using traditional materials like wood and also using modern construction materials like steel.
Pillars - the pillars don't just stay as a structural part of the house, but the elegant carvings on these pillars add a touch of beauty to these houses. These pillars are done traditionally using wood, stone and some houses also use concrete options as a choice.
Functionality
Not just good looks, traditional terracotta roofing provides excellent resistance to heat, which means they conduct and release heat slowly (when compared to concrete) and (passive cooling - using the structure of the house as an advantage) can reduce upto 8 degrees according to scientific american. From 1991 to 2020 the average day time temperature in summer (during mar to June) is around 37 degree celcius as per Indian Metorological Department. So a house with a kerala roofing will experience around approximately 29 to 30 degree celcius.
When tiles are installed first, the bottom part of the tile in the top row, holds down the top part of the tile below it. This creates small gaps between the bottom and the top row of the roof tiles.
As hot air rises inside the house, it rises up and escapes through the small gaps present in the roofing, these gaps don't allow rain or any other element to pass through them.
Weather protection
Kerala style roofing is also implemented through modern construction materials like steel sheet steel and steel pillars, constructed on top of all already existing concrete structures, primarily as a weather protection. These roofing also add a touch of beauty to the existing structures.
For Indian summers this is an idle solution, as it it prevents the roofs from getting directly exposed to the sun, by providing shade. And also during rainy seasons, due to its gradient/sloped nature of the roof the accumulation of rainwater is prevented.
Why should you choose Ecocraft ?
01.
Professionally learnt and implemented
Kerala style roofing is far more complex than it appears. A well-executed traditional roof is not simply about laying terracotta tiles—it requires a deep understanding of traditional architectural principles, site conditions, and structural design.
Before construction begins, several factors must be carefully evaluated, including the layout of the plot, its orientation to the sun, and the prevailing wind direction. These considerations directly influence critical design elements such as the roof's slope, the width of the surrounding verandah (charupadi/corridor), drainage, ventilation, and overall structural performance.
One of the most technically demanding aspects of Kerala roofing is designing and executing the roof junctions. The intersections where multiple roof planes meet require exceptional precision to ensure proper water drainage, long-term durability, and a visually harmonious finish. These details often distinguish an average roof from one built to traditional standards.
Without extensive practical experience and a thorough understanding of traditional Kerala roofing techniques, the finished project is unlikely to achieve the performance, proportions, and craftsmanship expected of authentic Kerala architecture.
At Ecocraft, this expertise is built on both field experience and formal education. Our founder has successfully designed and executed traditional Kerala roofs for a wide range of projects, including heritage-inspired homes and religious structures. This practical knowledge is further strengthened through professional training at the Vastuvidya Gurukulam, Aranmula—Kerala's premier institution for traditional architecture, operated by the Government of Kerala.
The result is a roofing solution that remains faithful to Kerala's architectural heritage while delivering structural integrity, climate responsiveness, and timeless aesthetic appeal.
02.
Project execution excellence
More than 15+ projects ranging from churches to car parks, from renovating traditional style houses to implementing kerala style terrace weather protection using steel sheets have been completed since 2023.
03.
Better building materials & Best solutions
At ecocraft, we understand that understanding the dynamics of materials can improve a client's lifestyle. This is also applicable to the choice of materials used in the construction by understanding the needs of the customer.
Services Offered
Complete roofing solutions - Ecocraft’s turnkey roofing solutions are applicable even if you are looking to patch a small section of your existing roofing or rebuild it or build a brand new house with a beautiful kerala style roofing.
Traditional houses with kerala style roofing
Ecocraft specialises in not just roofing solutions but also provides end to end construction services, strating from floor plan to 3D to project execution Ecocraft has more than 5 years of ecperice and more than 20+ projects completed in this time period.
Roofing renovation
Looking to bring beauty and weather protection to your existing house by adding traditional style roofing to your house and enhancing the weather protection for house and terrace , Ecocraft specialises in not only traditional roofing structutres but also in modern roofing solutions using steel and other materials like fibres reinforced sheet.
Roofing repair
Adding life to your existing old kerala style roof by replacing the damaged components such as roof tiles, pillars and adding additional strength if needed.
Projects completed
Complete roofing solutions - Ecocraft’s turnkey roofing solutions are applicable even if you are looking to patch a small section of your existing roofing or rebuild it or build a brand new house with a beautiful kerala style roofing.
Frequently asked questions about Kerala style roofing
1.
What are some of the key benefits of a kerala style roofing over a concrete house ?
-
Kerala style roofing is usually done using clay tiles which have a very slow heat absorption capacity when compared to concrete. They absorb heat slowly and also release them slowly as compared to concrete.
-
According to a research published by Institut de Recherche en Sciences Appliquées et Technologies terracotta roofs had better heat conductivity of between 0.8 W/m·K as compared to concrete between 1.0 and 2.5 W/m·K as reported by International Journal of Scientific Progress an research .
2.
What is the life expectancy of a kerala style roofing compared to concrete roofing structures?
Traditional style roofings often outlasts its concrete counterpart by centuries.
3.
What type of roofing is more cheaper kerala style roofing or concrete type roofing ?
Kerala style roofings are cheaper to implement and maintain when compared to concrete roofings
4.
How long does it take to implement a kerala style roofing ?
-
Kerala style roofing skips the following steps
-
Building shuttering for the roofs
-
Building mesh of steel bars
-
Applying concrete mix
-
Concrete curing process
-
-
For building a traditional style roofing
-
Creating the structure( framework) for laying the tiles
-
Laying the tiles
-
5.
Do we need any approvals for adding roofing in the terrace ?
Yes , approvals are needed and Ecocraft will help you in getting the approvals
Contact Us
Ecocraft Address
15B, Thattan Vilai Road, East Ramanputhoor, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu 629002, India
Phone
+91 94475 93388