Pathinarukettu is a multi-storeyed mansion with 16 Salas (square or rectangular living rooms with verandahs on one or more sides). The traditional Pathinarukettu is built in accordance with the rules of
Vaastu Shastra. Pathinarukettu is a basic chatursala type, an interconnected four blocked building around a central courtyard called 'anganam' or 'nadumuttam.'
Krishnapuram palace in
Kayamkulam, built about 300 years ago, is in the pathinarukettu style.