With a verdant panoramic view of the mountains and deep woods of coconut and palm trees, the site lies plain with no special characteristics of terrain or landscape. Being the developer’s site, the surrounding environs of about 12 acres, including our site, are plain. This led to the creation of an interesting building with earthen architecture that should respect nature. We started our design focusing 25% on construction and 75% on nature.

Editor’s Note: “Designed to blend with the surrounding green environment, the 2BHK farmhouse in Tamil Nadu displays sustainable fold architecture with fluidic forms. This structure sustains without columns or beams that feature traditional lime and mud plaster while offering thermal comfort. Custom-built furniture, stone finishes, and an extensive central courtyard embrace craftsmanship and create an artisanal retreat with nature.” ~ Anusha Sridhar

This Earthen Architecture Embraces Surrounding Verdant Landscape | Earthscape Studio

Sustainable Approach

Speaking of sustainability, growing and planting trees is not only sustainable, but how our building responds to nature is more important. So, we focused on the construction technique that will reduce carbon emissions.

This self-sustaining structure folds and flows in a fluidic form and we call this technique fold architecture. This self-sustaining 4½-inch shell bends and flows with a series of arches with layers of thappi plaster on the outside and mud plaster on the inside on both sides of the ferrocement. Being a self-sustaining structure, it has no columns or beams.

Mud is not a material palette; the beautiful thing in earthen architecture is not only about using the materials but also about the artisans.

Use of Traditional Lime Plaster

Traditional lime plasters from India flow along smoothly on the floor and the furniture, giving a luxuriant feel inside the spaces.

This helps in reducing the temperature by about 3 degrees inside the space from the outside. 7½ ft tall, a verdant landscape bends and hugs the structure with lush-grown grass all around.

Being a highly humid area, this helps in reducing the temperature inside the spaces and also acts as a structural member for the structure.

This 2BHK farmhouse folds with surprises for each space. The circular transition brings curiosity about the spaces. These folds and curves feel like entering a cave, giving a wild experience.

The windows open to the sylvan view on the outside from the lower level. Thus, bringing the cold air into the space. Vent openings protrude out from the structure at each space for the hot air to escape. Moreover, it creates a stack effect.

The light play from each vent creates a dramatic feel inside the spaces. The linear opening at the bar gives a panoramic view of the tall coconut and palm trees.

Central Courtyard

The central courtyard opens into the spaces with smaller and larger openings, helping the natural light and ventilation into the space, creating a feel of open and semi-open transition. We believe that interiors are not about purchasing and arranging inside a space.

Furniture

All the furniture is built in accordance with the space. The bed, cushions, and fabrics are customized in accordance with their own shape and play, creating an opulent feel. The bed, bar counter, pantry, and seating are all done with Arise finishes, giving a lap of luxury to each space.

Bathroom

The bathrooms are done with a rising finish, which acts as a natural, chemical-free waterproofing. The wood used in doors, benches, and cabinets is collected from scrap wood.

The stone door handles and stone bench are carved at the site where the stones are sourced from the site. Additionally, the green foliage covering the shell gives a garden feel on the outside and the home on the inside.

Fact File

Designed by: Earthscape Studio

Project Type: Residential Architecture Design

Project Name: Into The Wild House

Location: Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu

Year: 2024

Project Size: 1450 Sq.ft

Principal Architect: Petchimuthu Kennedy

Design Team: Petchimuthu Kennedy, Shivani Saran S K, Niha Ann Baby, Sowmiya Arul

Photograph Courtesy: IKSHA

Interior Curator: Parveen Backer

Construction Team: Jothi and Team

Fabrication: Kumar and team

Carpentry: Karupasamy and team

Lime Plaster: Rafiq and Team

Fabrics And Chair: House of Uli

Stone Bench: Made by Aala

Manufacturers: AALLS Enterprises

Source: ArchDaily

Firm’s Website Link: Earthscape Studio

Firm’s Instagram Link: Earthscape Studio

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