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

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.

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.


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.

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.


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.



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.


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
The Timeless Appeal of Brick: 20 Exemplary Brick Houses
Brick houses have been a cornerstone of architecture for centuries, celebrated for their durability, aesthetic versatility, and timeless appeal. In modern design, architects continue to explore innovative ways to incorporate brick into residential spaces, blending traditional materials with contemporary needs. While the design of each brick house is unique, there are several ways to incorporate […]
Read MoreThis Modern Architecture Home Redefines Comfort And Cultural Inspiration | POD Studio
Nestled in the serene embrace of a quiet residential colony, Charcoal Charm stands as a testament to modern architecture home innovation, seamlessly blending with its surroundings. Designed for a prominent businessman’s family, this 4BHK residence not only caters to the family’s need for privacy and comfort but also provides a rejuvenating retreat from the bustling […]
Read More20 Types of Plants for Home Garden to Transform Your Space
Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]
Read MoreThis Contemporary Residence Design Stands Out With Its Striking Visual Impact | Aslam Sham Architects
The initial impression of this contemporary residence design is one of striking visual interplay, where bold architectural gestures redefine conventional aesthetics. A diagonally laid brick veil, its textured surface meticulously arranged to capture the shifting light throughout the day, becomes a dynamic façade element, casting ever-changing shadows that animate the exterior. Editor’s Note: “The yellow […]
Read MoreThis East-Facing Home Embraces Natural Light And Spatial Fluidity | Wright Inspires
Namana is an east-facing home situated on a compact 60’x50’ plot beside a serene vineyard. Designed for a family of three, the single-story residence emphasizes spatial fluidity, natural illumination, and a tactile material palette that evokes warmth and simplicity. Editor’s Note: “Namana, a quiet dialogue between light, material, and space, is a home that listens […]
Read MorePrairie Style Homes Inspire This Modern Oasis For A Family In The City | The Architecture Company (TAC)
“We want a modern oasis to retire to with our little boys on the weekends” was a brief given to us by our clients who are busy medical professionals with a very hectic life in the city. Inspired by the essence of prairie-style homes, the couple wished to cherish and recreate their favourite moments from […]
Read MoreAADHYA, A Modern Tropical House Design, Harmonizes Personal Stories With Its Environment | Pragvi
AADHYA is a thoughtfully designed three-bedroom home for a family of three, blending introverted and extroverted spaces in harmony. This modern tropical house design goes beyond mere functionality to become a sanctuary where design elements tell personal stories. With reclaimed terracotta roofing, exposed cement, and brick walls, the residence fosters a tactile connection to its […]
Read MoreIhita Redefines Traditional Indian House Design with a Modern Architectural Statement | Bare Wall Studio
Nestled between the bustling residential and industrial edges of Bengaluru, Ihita stands as a bold architectural statement, embodying a harmonious blend of traditional Indian house design and modernity. The home challenges conventional urban residential design by prioritizing openness, natural light, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Through the strategic use of large […]
Read More15 Must-Read Books About Architecture
Architecture is a field that is wider than the construction of a single building; it represents culture, history, and human aspirations. From the ancient wonderlands of Bhutan to contemporary ones like Morphogenesis, architecture narrates tales of innovation, perseverance, and change. Whether you are a practicing architect, a student, or an enthusiast in quest of inspiration, […]
Read MoreThis Century-Old Rustic Farmhouse Embraces Classic-Modern Design | Suyash Mankame Design Studio
This rustic farmhouse for a family aims at re-defining tradition to blend in modern thought. Make it contemporary but traditional, was a brief given to the Architect by the client to redesign and build a century-old farmhouse sprawling across 3500 square feet on a 3-acre site in Morbe, Panvel. Editor’s Note: The redesigning of this […]
Read More
