PADMASHREE DR. D. Y.
PATIL COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
SECTOR NO. 29, NIGDI-PRADHIKARAN, AKURDI, PUNE-44
ARCHITECTURAL CASE STUDY INVENTORY FORMAT
Section Sub-Section Details
1. General
Information
Name of the Kanadukathan Palace (Chettinad Palace)
Building/Campus
Location (City, Country) Kanadukathan, Tamil Nadu, India
Architect/Designer Built under the patronage of Rajah Sir
Annamalai Chettiar
Year of Completion 1912
Client/Owner Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar
Typology (Residential, Residential Palace
Commercial, Institutional, etc.)
Site Area -
Built-up Area -
Project Cost (if available) -
2. Context & Site
Analysis
Geographical Location & Approximately 10.1747° N latitude,
Coordinates 78.7816° E longitude
Climate & Environmental Tropical wet and dry climate; hot
Factors summers and moderate rainfall
Surrounding Context & Urban Located in a village setting with other
Fabric heritage mansions; rural landscape
Accessibility & Connectivity Accessible via local roads; nearest major
town is Karaikudi
Topography & Vegetation Flat terrain with typical South Indian
vegetation
3. Architectural
Concept & Design
Philosophy
Architect’s Vision & Intent Not explicitly documented; intended to
reflect the wealth and cultural
amalgamation of the Chettiar
community
Design Inspiration & Blend of traditional Tamil architecture
Influences with European elements
Spatial Planning & Zoning Features large courtyards, numerous
rooms, and service areas
Form Development & Massing Symmetrical layout with prominent
central courtyard
4. Functional Aspects
User Groups & Occupancy Originally the residence of the Chettiar
family; currently a heritage site
Space Organization (Public, Central courtyard (public), surrounding
Semi-Public, Private Spaces) rooms (semi-public), private family
quarters
Prepared by Ar.Raksha Bongirwar and Ar.Pooja Niphadkar
PADMASHREE DR. D. Y. PATIL COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
SECTOR NO. 29, NIGDI-PRADHIKARAN, AKURDI, PUNE-44
Circulation & Movement Hierarchical movement from public to
Patterns private spaces
Accessibility & Universal Not designed with modern accessibility
Design Considerations standards
5. Site Planning &
Landscape
Site Layout & Orientation Oriented to facilitate natural ventilation
and lighting
Green Spaces & Landscaping Minimal landscaping; focus on built
Features form
Water Management (Drainage, Traditional rainwater harvesting systems
Rainwater Harvesting, etc.)
Vehicular & Pedestrian Designed primarily for pedestrian
Movement movement; limited vehicular access
6. Structural System
& Materials
Structural Type (Load-Bearing, Load-bearing masonry with timber
RCC, Steel, Composite, etc.) elements
Construction Techniques Traditional masonry and carpentry
Primary & Secondary Lime mortar, teak wood, Italian marble,
Materials Used stained glass
Sustainability & Local Material Use of local materials and passive
Considerations cooling techniques
7. Services &
Sustainability
Features
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Relies on natural ventilation; no modern
Air Conditioning) HVAC systems
Lighting & Electrical Systems Originally used natural lighting;
electrical systems added later
Water Supply & Plumbing Traditional well systems; modern
plumbing retrofitted
Waste Management System Traditional methods; specifics not
documented
Energy Efficiency & Passive design elements; no renewable
Renewable Energy Use energy systems
Smart Building Technologies -
(If Any)
8. Façade &
Aesthetics
Architectural Style & Chettinad architecture with European
Language influences
Façade Treatment & Materials Ornate façades with stucco work and
stained glass
Openings & Fenestration Large wooden doors and windows with
Details intricate carvings
9. Interior Spaces &
Elements
Prepared by Ar.Raksha Bongirwar and Ar.Pooja Niphadkar
PADMASHREE DR. D. Y. PATIL COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
SECTOR NO. 29, NIGDI-PRADHIKARAN, AKURDI, PUNE-44
Space Functionality & Layout Designed for large family gatherings and
social functions
Furniture & Fixtures Antique furniture with European and
Indian designs
Lighting & Acoustics High ceilings for ventilation; acoustics
suited for social gatherings
Special Features (Atriums, Expansive courtyards, decorative pillars,
Skylights, Courtyards, etc.) imported materials
10. User Experience
& Evaluation
Public Perception & Reception Regarded as a symbol of Chettinad
heritage and affluence
User Comfort & Functionality Designed for comfort in a hot climate;
spacious interiors
Challenges & Limitations Maintenance of aging structure; adapting
to modern use
Innovative Features & Best Integration of diverse architectural
Practices styles; use of imported
12. Drawings &
Documentation
Site Plan -
Floor Plans
Sections & Elevations -
Prepared by Ar.Raksha Bongirwar and Ar.Pooja Niphadkar
PADMASHREE DR. D. Y. PATIL COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
SECTOR NO. 29, NIGDI-PRADHIKARAN, AKURDI, PUNE-44
3D Views & Renderings
Photographs & Sketches
13. Conclusion &
Learnings
Key Takeaways from the Kanadukathan Palace exemplifies the
Study opulence and cultural synthesis of the
Chettiar community, reflecting their
prosperity and cosmopolitan outlook
during the early 20th century.
Relevance to Contemporary -
Architecture
Photographs (5to 8 Photographs)
Prepared by Ar.Raksha Bongirwar and Ar.Pooja Niphadkar
PADMASHREE DR. D. Y. PATIL COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
SECTOR NO. 29, NIGDI-PRADHIKARAN, AKURDI, PUNE-44
Student Name: Lalit Girase
Year: 3rd a batch
Subject: Elective II
Topic Name: Chettinad Houses, Tamil Nadu
Ar.Raksha Bongirwar
Ar.Pooja Niphadkar
Subject Inchage
Prepared by Ar.Raksha Bongirwar and Ar.Pooja Niphadkar
