Houseboat Structure | Unbelievable Travel in Kerala
Basically Kettuvallam was designed to transport cargo to various destinations in Kerala. When it was used for tourist purpose, there new problem cropped up like - No free movement was possible because the floor area of the hull was very less. The space below the hull was more compared to the space above. There were no openings, which provided enough of light, air or view towards outside.
The tourist felt it difficult to walk through the length because the curved shape of the hull with Manikals coming across. The roof was made of thatch, which was not properly done so during rain leakage was likely. Due to the low head clearance of the Valapura it was only possible to sit on the padi of the hull. Since the Valapura was low, the airflow through the Vallam minimum. The hull is curved and for the beginners it was very difficult to balance when the vallam was in motion.
Body: Due to these difficulties it become necessary to make some changes in the form so that a comfortable cruise was possible. The body was redesigned and remodeled to adapt for the new demands and functions. Certain elements had to be added and others removed to make it good enough for comfortable cruise. Height of roof was increased to get sufficient headroom. A plank was laid all through the length to reduce the disadvantages of curved shape of the hull for walking and comfortable seating. Windows and other openings were provided for light, airflow and view. The entrance is provided in the center of the linear axis with a top hung panel, which was supported by poles on either ends of the Valapura. Most of the latest designs have incorporated 3 bedrooms with a common toilet, a living space and kitchen. Now some of them have come with lesser number of bedrooms but with large living space and may be a deck balcony at the roof level.
The platforms that cantilever from the hull are used as balconies. For fixing the toilet seats, shower tray and ceramic floor finish a concrete slab is laid at the floor level. The soil outlet of the toilet seats are taken through the hull and let out to the following water beneath, The water is stored in a plastic tank kept at the top portion of the Valapura taking connection to the kitchen and toilets. The pipes, tank and other synthetic materials are covered with coir or panambu to maintain the aesthetic quality of the eco friendly materials. The air cylinders, which are of the metal body, are fixed to the underside of the cantilevered platforms at the entry points of Valapura. These cylinders helps to balance the structure on water reducing its tilting to the sides to a minimum. Since the circulation inside the Vallam is more in the new function more stability is required.
Colour and texture: The Colour of the Valapura is yellowish brown, which is the Colour of the natural materials like panambu, coir and bamboo. It is a warmer Colour comparing to the Colour of the surrounding atmosphere. This gives a nice feeling of being inside the Vallam.
Furnishing: The interior furniture are either of cane or wood, floor carpeted with coir mat and Valapura of panambu, mula and coir all colours matching each other but bring the depth and variations
Lighting: Light and the patterns of light and darkness it creates can call our attention to one a rear of our room de-emphasize others and thereby create division of spaces. At night the traditional hurricane lamp is used to light the interiors. Usually each one is hung from the ridge of Valapura one at front, one at rear and one or two accordingly for the living spaces. And mostly for half of a month there will be moonlight, which gives enough light, reflected on water.
Roofing: Bamboo is used for the framework of the roof and splits of Bamboo are used for weaving mat for roofing. Bamboo poles are used for punting the Vallams. It is strong fiber and absorbs more carbon.
