search

Toy Storey’s Compressed Earth Block Jali Act Like Perforated Skin | Wallmakers

The constant cross ventilation and better insulation in Toy Storey’s Compressed Earth block jali act like perforated skin.

Have you ever stepped on a lego block ? Everyone who has, even once in their lifetime, stepped on one would remember the pain of it. This led us to ponder over two questions. ‘How sturdy is this material?’ and ‘How much of it is left in everyone’s houses after children discard them ?’

Editor’s Note: Toy Storey’s is an architectural masterpiece that celebrates the childhood of each kid by incorporating discarded toys in the CSEB jali wall. The residence offers unique architectural solutions by offering an undefined façade of ‘front’ or ‘back’. Dramatic curves of the façade, cantilevered verandah and a radial ferrocement shell roof add to the grandeur of this abode. ~ Simran Khare

Toy Storey’s Compressed Earth Block Jali Act Like Perforated Skin | Wallmakers

compressed earth block

Plastic has managed to snake its way into almost every aspect of our daily lives, including 90% of the world’s toys, which is a far cry from the old Indian childhoods of outdoor play and wooden toys.

compressed earth block

With global toy sales peaking at $ 107.4 billion in 2022 and toys being unsuitable for recycling due to their complex forms and chemical additives, 80 % of all toys ever made have ended up in landfills, incinerators, or the ocean.

compressed earth block

compressed earth block

When a project came up in Vadakara, North Kerala, where the consumption of toys is the highest in the state, the idea was to have a circular home accessible from every side with a verandah supported by toys and old Mangalore tiles.

compressed earth block

Cantilevered Verandah

The cantilevered verandah that is held up by corbelling toys ran all around the house that had no relegated “front” and “back” elevations.

compressed earth block

compressed earth block

There were three large trees in the cardinal directions of the home that dictated the position of the house along with the level difference on site, including a secluded basement floor with a library and bedroom.

compressed earth block

compressed earth block

compressed earth block

The residence is conceived with the idea of a “House within a house” where the large living space will always be frequented by neighbors and members of the community, but the Japanese-style inspired shoji screens become translucent partitions providing light and visual connectivity for the private half.

compressed earth block

compressed earth block

The central courtyard and the composite CSEB- Toy Jaali wall ( Compressed Stabilised Earth blocks made from soil from the site ) act like perforated external skin that allows for constant cross ventilation and better insulation.

The project also features a radial ferrocement shell roof that helps to reduce reinforcement by 33%, CSEB walls that with a very less embodied energy of 572 MJ/cum and the traditional oxide flooring technique.

But most importantly, the kids in the neighbourhood are always frequenting the house to look at and point out their old toys. By using around 6200 discarded toys , “Toy Storey” manages to preserve the childhood of our generation forever on its walls.

Fact File

Designed by: Wallmakers

Project Type: Residential Architecture Design

Project Name: Toy Storey Residence

Location: Vatakara, Kerala

Year : 2024

Built Area: 3843 Sq.ft

Principal Architect: Vinu Daniel

Team Design Credits: Oshin Mariam Varughese, Dhawal Dasari, Mrityunjoy Pan & Rosh Saji

Photograph Courtesy: Syam Sreesylam

Firm’s Website Link: Wallmakers

Firm’s Facebook Link: Wallmakers

Source: Archdaily

For Similar Project >> A Peaceful Home with a Laid-Back Take on Living

This Bungalow Style House Is Rooted in Vastu and Modernism | The ART Container

This bungalow style house influences the site context and can be visualised in multiple facades of sharp edges & cuboidal form. Her,e salient features like U-Projection are an expression of the bench on a level one. The house divides itself into three bays. On the ground floor, where first bay acquire all public activities like […]

Read More

Console House’s Modern Architecture Design Floats Above The Forest | Hello Wood

Imagine yourself on the terrace of your hidden mountain retreat, drinking a fresh cup of coffee as you admire the sunrise emerging from behind the rolling hills across the valley. This serene atmosphere is exactly what Hello Wood’s latest project, the Console House, is designed to offer. The Console House showcases modern architecture design while […]

Read More

This Contemporary Tropical House Design Captures The Essence Of Rural Charm | Urban Hive

As cities continue to grow and evolve, there is a growing desire to incorporate elements of rural living into urban design. By embracing rural living principles, cities can create more eco-friendly and sustainable spaces. Rural living is not just about wide-open spaces and rolling hills. It’s also about community, sustainability, and a connection to nature. […]

Read More

This Home Is An Ode To Luxury Residences That Embrace Earth and Elegance | Vitthal Todkar & Associates

Located in the thriving city of Ichalkaranji, this is an example of luxury residences is a seamless blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication. The striking exterior, adorned with brick and natural stone cladding, exudes warmth, character, and permanence. These rich textures create a visually captivating façade, harmonizing tradition with contemporary design while making a […]

Read More

Stone in Architecture: 10 Must-Know Projects In India

Throughout history, stone has embodied permanence, artistry, and raw beauty in architecture. From the grandeur of Roman amphitheaters to the earthy elegance of modern villas, stone remains a beloved material for its strength, sustainability, and aesthetic richness. As design trends evolve toward natural materials, eco-conscious decisions, and biophilic design, stone has found new expressions — […]

Read More

This Biophilic Office Design Is Sculpted in Daylight | AD Studio9

The space adopts a biophilic office design and climate-responsive approach, creating a workspace that reimagines urban interiors by deeply embedding them with nature. The style is earthy, minimal, and modern with a strong contextual sensitivity to its location. Also, a lush canopy surrounds the bare-shell site on the first floor, allowing for abundant daylight and […]

Read More

Saba House Is A Wind-Catcher of Memories and Modernity | Project 51 A (h)

The design started from an old house where a family of seven stood, one yet to be born. Hari & Sreelakshmi, Usha-Hari’s mother, Malathi, teacher, Hari’s grandmother, kids, Sankari, Paru, and yet to be born Sreebala. Four generations living in a 60-year-old house that had begun to show its age with dimly lit rooms, leaking […]

Read More

This Wellbeing Centre Blends Seamlessly with the Dense Canopy and Natural Surroundings | Urban Circle

The clients’ requirement was to create a wellbeing centre at Oleander Farms, Karjat, Maharashtra, that would be a tranquil sanctuary for their visitors. Walking through a dense canopy of trees, hearing the soft chirping of birds, we slowly embarked on an expanse of a 2-acre of land that was both open yet heavily tree-laden. This […]

Read More

This Office with Garden Blurs Boundaries between Work and Retreat | Arcline Architects

The thought was to create a space which would act as a formal real estate workspace in the daytime and a family retreat in the evening. By its name, as it is, ‘Leveled. This office with a garden is defined using levels, in terms of volumes, surfaces as well as edges. These levels are rationalized […]

Read More

These Courtyard Villas Connect Deeply with Nature and Everyday Rhythms | The Grid Architects

Nirmay (निर्मय) reflects purity and holistic well-being. Envisioned as a quiet sanctuary amidst the noise of urban life, these courtyard villas offer a way of living that is calm, conscious, and deeply connected to the land. Rooted in sustainability and ecological harmony, the design responds to both nature and the everyday rhythms of its inhabitants. […]

Read More
  • The Office Walls Of Vornoid Offices Seamlessly Connect Indoor And Outdoor | Studio Ardete

    A Guide on How To Choose Wallpaper For Living Room