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

A Modern Bali House With Timeless Tropical Charm | Biombo Architects

Located in the coastal village of Pererenan, Bali, House Terra is a contemporary response to tropical living, designed by Biombo Architects as a family retreat. The project balances built space and landscape, creating a strong connection between architecture and nature while offering shelter from the island’s monsoon climate. Editor’s Note: “House Terra, more than a […]

Read More

Minimal Home Interior Design That Honors Heritage in a 15′ Wide Plot | Dinterplay Architects

Located on a 15′ x 95′ ancestral plot in a pal village, Surat, India, this residence is designed for a multi-generational family of seven. This minimal home interior design solves light and space challenges within a narrow plot. The family wanted to stay connected with their community and preserve their cultural roots. The site has […]

Read More

This Bungalow Is A Poetic Take On Modern Exterior House Design | Sparc Design

“The sky’s ever-changing canvas, painted with hues of blues at dawn and greys and blacks at dusk, seamlessly weaves itself into the very fabric of this home’s architecture and interior.” Located in a comparatively narrow lane of bungalow plots, this modern exterior house design borrows its modern straight-line form and color from the sky. A […]

Read More

15 Courtyards in Houses: Designing Tranquil Spaces That Elevate Homes

Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]

Read More

The Residence Features An Exposed Brick Design That Enhances Its Street Presence | R+R Architects

The residence is sensitively designed and compatible with the neighborhood. Distinct from neighboring structures, the building creates a strong relationship to the streets by virtue of its large windows in facades. While there are dramatic and larger scale elements that define the building, it is also broken down into comprehensible human scale blocks with an […]

Read More

This Simple Contemporary House Design Harmonizes Craftsmanship and Nature | Karaagre Designs

This contemporary residence, covering 7500 square feet, combines modern design with timeless elegance to create a peaceful and luxurious retreat within a busy urban environment. The home is built around large frames that open up to nature, blending the interior with its surroundings. The design focuses on craftsmanship and harmony, making the simple contemporary house […]

Read More

Neuroarchitecture: Designing for the Human Mind

Imagine walking into a sunlit room with high ceilings, warm wooden floors, and a view of a leafy courtyard. How do you feel? Calm? Inspired? At ease? That’s not just your mood—it’s your brain responding to the space around you. Neuroarchitecture is an evolving domain that merges the understanding of neuroscience, psychology, and architecture to […]

Read More

Postmodernism Architecture: History, Elements & Famous Buildings

Architecture is more than just the construction of buildings, it is a reflection of our values, art, culture, and society. It is a movement towards new, promising, and philosophical design strategies. One such movement that significantly influenced the architectural landscape is Postmodernism architecture. In this research article, readers will find a comprehensive guide for Postmodernism […]

Read More

Mango Tree House is a Reflection of Traditional Modern Home Design | Offbeat Studio

Mango Tree House is an artfully designed personal residence that seamlessly integrates traditional architectural elements with the comforts of modern living, embodying the essence of traditional modern home design. Some houses are more than just structures; they hold stories, memories, and a deep connection to the land. Mango Tree House is one such space—one that […]

Read More

Modern Architecture Homes: 15 Trending Styles To Explore

What if the home of the future didn’t have walls? Modern architecture homes aren’t just about aesthetics – it’s a rebellion. A conscious break from tradition. In a world obsessed with innovation, our homes are becoming laboratories of design, sustainability, and radical thought. Modern architecture homes are sharp-edged, glass-wrapped, tech-infused sanctuaries that defy the standard. […]

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