As summers in Kerala continue to grow hotter each year, temperatures often soar above 35°C, making daytime activities increasingly unbearable. The intense sun combined with high humidity leaves people looking for comfort indoors — only to find that their homes are just as stifling as the outdoors. This rising discomfort has led the construction sector to seek sustainable ways to cool homes without relying heavily on air conditioning, which contributes to global warming.
Historically, homes in Kerala were built using natural materials like mud and thatched roofs, which kept interiors cool. Over time, mud bricks and laterite stones gave way to cement blocks, which unfortunately retain heat, making indoor spaces hotter. Now, Porotherm bricks are emerging as a better alternative. These are not just ordinary clay bricks — they are enhanced with granite, offering both strength and excellent thermal insulation.
Porotherm walls can reduce indoor temperatures by up to 7°C compared to cement block walls. For instance, if it’s 40°C outside, the interior stays around 33°C — a significant difference without the use of AC. They also outlast cement blocks by a large margin, with a lifespan of up to 150 years versus the 30 years of traditional blocks.
Developed in 1819 by Wienerberger in Vienna, Austria, Porotherm bricks are now being embraced by major construction companies in Kerala for their climate-friendly and long-lasting properties. As awareness of sustainable building materials grows, Porotherm is quickly becoming the smart choice for modern, eco-conscious homes in the state.
