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.
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 site of this south east facing house is next to an old house of the client’s parents. There are few farmlands and plenty of trees – neem and tamarind trees, surrounding the site area. This South East Facing House Is Next To An Old House Of The Client’s Parents | RP Architects Design Strategy […]
Ar. Anup Murdia and Ar. Sandeep Jain, the founders of Design Inc. share their journey of embarking architecture with the passion for understanding spaces. Design Inc. is an architectural firm situated in Udaipur, founded by Ar. Anup Murdia and Ar. Sandeep Jain in 2011. The firm believes in creating spaces with overall understanding of certainties […]
Ameer Residence is a visionary architectural endeavour melding the elegance of contemporary kerala house design with minimalistic approach and vernacular. With contemporary architecture’s use of large glass facades and skylights, this project redefines the contemporary Kerala house. It infuses with vernacular sophistication and a sense of openness. Situated amidst Kerala’s lush landscape, this glass house […]
An earthen house on a forestry farm in Coimbatore for a client committed to feasible living represents a harmonious marriage of environmental awareness and conventional craftsmanship. An Earthen House On A Forestry Farm In Coimbatore | Bhutha Earthen Architecture Studio The design of this earthen house prioritizes constructing a symmetrical living space that encourages interaction […]
Nestled in the picturesque Rajliya Village, this neoclassical house design in Rajasthan epitomises opulence and functionality. It is located away from the busy city and in the scenic embrace of the beautiful Aravalis and Khejri trees. Additionally, the panoramic sunset from the large open terraces imbues the area with a serene vibe. This Neoclassical House […]
This 7000 square feet house has a fusion style of traditional Kerala architecture with contemporary sustainability principles. Thannal, a stunning architectural marvel crafted by Montimers Architects And Interior Designers, Kochi, Bangalore, stands proudly in the bustling heart of Bangalore city. It creates a harmonious abode that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. “Thannal” is a Malayalam […]
There are a lot of challenges that one faces while designing the interior of the house. One of which is giving the right choice of the types of ceilings. While looking out for the theme a house sets, the elements through which the theme is directed are also important. One such important element of the […]
The home in Surat stands as a testament to minimal intervention and contemporary design as per the client’s vision, harmonizing architectural and interior elements to craft a serene living space. Nestled on a corner plot, the “Nilkanth” project spans 1400 square feet, its facade meeting the road on one side and embraced by lush greenery […]
The interior of this luxurious 5 Bedroom House is a testament to impeccable design, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to luxury living. The design of each space pivots around the purpose of its end use and has been carefully curated after exploring material and design alternatives. A home is not made by the […]
Stilt floor, staggered cutouts and skylights are highlights of this home called the Slender House. It is a private residential project designed for a family of five. The home nestles within a small and slender site measuring 6 meters by 18 meters. The vision for this home was to create a space that not only […]