Standard words or definitions would not be sufficient to describe Keremane. One could tell that it is a group of independent Row houses. It’s a privilege to encounter a home overlooking a Kere (Lake) in the city’s heart. Keremane was designed by Shankar and Navnath Kanade, it is a well-known example of vernacular-inspired modern architecture in India. Kanade brothers, one of India’s pioneering modern architects, beautifully integrated the principles of modernism with the cultural and climatic contexts of Indian architecture, and Keremane is a notable reflection of the above philosophy.
One could refer to Keremane as a group of independent Row housing. Moreover, not every day, one encounters a home overlooking a Kere (Lake) that is the heart of a residential neighborhood. Kere Mane is located in Hegoddu, Karnataka built in the year 1970 for NINASAM (Nilakanteshwara Natyaseva Sangha), a renowned cultural and literary organization, is one of the noteworthy projects designed by the Kanade brothers, a celebrated modernist architect in India. Known for merging modernist principles with Indian vernacular traditions, the Kanade brothers designed Kere Mane (translated as “House by the Lake”) to demonstrate the harmonious coexistence of traditional Indian architectural elements with modern requirements. A building with no walls, natural skin, open, a transparency whose interior is equal to the exterior. A house whose floor meets the sky.
Site Context of Keremane
The Keremane is housed in the heart of Rural Karnataka, Keremane, which is the pure integration of vernacular architecture, climate responsiveness, and cultural sensitivity. The house is located near a lake (Kere), with the design reflecting the natural surroundings which includes nature and surrounding features. The house is situated near a lake (hence the name “Kere Mane”), integrating water as a significant element in the design. The natural surroundings, including the lake and rural environment, have heavily influenced the spatial layout and material choices. Keremane is a beautiful blend of nature and manmade structures. The architecture in Keremane considers the rural landscape, integrating it seamlessly with the built environment. The site and project relation have nothing left to add or remove. Though the project was born in the modern era, the design was deeply rooted and drowned in traditional vernacular philosophy. It is a Residential project that reflects the harmony and balance between built forms and natural surroundings.
Design Philosophy and Key Features –
Kanade’s design philosophy in Kere Mane is rooted in functionality and sensitivity to context. The house combines modernist principles with vernacular elements, ensuring the design respects local traditions while meeting contemporary needs. A blend of modernist principles with vernacular elements to create a climate-sensitive, functional, sustainable, aesthetic, and contextually relevant design.
The building features sloping roofs with clay tiles, typical of traditional South Indian architecture, to handle heavy rainfall and maintain indoor thermal comfort.
Open courtyards are central to the design, which helps in Passive cooling and heating, providing light, ventilation, and spaces for community interaction. The use of locally sourced materials like wood, stone, and tiles ensures vernacular, sustainability, and cost-efficiency. The Kanade Brothers used laterite stone, mud mortar, timber, and clay tiles sourced from the local area, minimizing environmental impact and making the construction cost-effective. The design incorporates passive cooling strategies to suit the hot and humid climate. Courtyards allow air circulation and natural lighting and reduce indoor temperatures. Overhanging roofs and deep verandas protect against sun and rain.
Natural and local materials help in maintaining thermal comfort. The residence is organized around a central courtyard, with spaces for living, dining, and sleeping arranged to enhance functionality. Large windows and ventilators help to bring in natural light and ventilation, reducing the need for artificial systems. Kere Mane respects the rural lifestyle and traditional social setup, with spaces designed for family gatherings and interactions. The design reflects the cultural ethics of the region, blending seamlessly with the environment.
The Keremane is a fine example of Vernacular Architecture and sustainable architecture, using natural and locally available materials, passive design strategies, and minimal energy consumption. Kanade’s work showcases the importance of integrating local cultural values and traditions into modern architecture.
Keremane demonstrates how architecture can beautifully cater to the needs of rural communities while remaining environmentally and economically sustainable. Kere Mane is a great example of modern vernacular architecture, proving that contemporary designs can coexist with traditional methods and materials. The project emphasizes Achyut Kanvinde’s philosophy of creating contextual architecture, which respects its environment and people.
Kanvinde integrated modernist design principles, such as minimal ornamentation and functional spaces, into the vernacular framework. The house incorporates clean lines and efficient spatial planning, balancing modern aesthetics with traditional forms. Keremane by the Kanade Brothers is an architectural masterpiece that emphasizes the importance of contextual, sustainable, and vernacular design. The careful use of local materials, climate-responsive strategies, and cultural integration make it a timeless example of how architecture can harmonize with nature and society.
Reference:
https://www.teepoi.com/kanadefilm
