Aalay, the recreational abode, is an attempt at creating a vernacular builtform with a medley of leisure and relaxing spaces creating a habitat for a family of four.The typical vernacular houses in Kerala, known as Nallukettu comprising four blocks, known as 'Shalas' and would be divided into north, south, east and west blocks. These four blocks placed adjacent to each other would open in an open to sky courtyard in the center. Aalay consists of various spaces, placed around a courtyard following the principles of Vastu Shastra and using local building materials makes the builtform in congruence with the traditional structures of the vicinity. The final design is a cumulative outcome of various design ideas and forms put together. Multiple factors such as climate responsiveness, vernacular approach, site, principles of Vastu Shastra (usually followed in Nalukettu), were considered to arrive at this final form. After a thorough study of the traditional built forms around the site and after fabricating a proper client profile, the various ideas of spaces emerged: Central playful courtyard in water bodies, interior green spaces, non monotonous workspaces. The structure is therefore an unification of all these factors which cater to living, along the backwaters.