Fact file
Location: Kerala
Size: 290 sq m
Principal Architect: Vinu Daniel
Photographs by Anand Jaju

IHA Residence by Wallmakers is a beautiful contradiction of serenity, restraint, and warmth amidst an avant-garde design form. The site was located on low-lying terrain with issues of waterlogging, which was the primary obstacle we had to tackle. The principal idea was to ensure that the building did not create a hindrance in the water flow. In a state like Kerala, where rain is frequent, we had to ensure that the water percolated into the ground and could be harvested. We had to arrive at an alternative and sustainable solution that could enhance spatial quality. The solution was to build a pond at the lowest point of the property to retain water while also adding to the vernacular vibe of the house. We have tried to bring small changes to the increasing trend of wastage by inculcating an element found in junkyards. The use of washing machine motor-base plates welded together not only encourages sustainable living and reuse but also adds to the beauty of the residence. Scrap material has been used to create something spectacular!

Using bamboo for the façade came with a challenge—it is precarious and cannot support an entire edifice of this enormous size. This barrier was overcome, and the notion was proved wrong. The bamboo façade has been created and conserved in a stable position by reinforcing it with steel rods. A continuous string of bamboo chutes forms the front elevation, supporting the staircase that hangs from it while also creating a semi-open place for quiet thoughts and contemplation. The distinctive form of CSEB (compressed stabilised earth blocks) bricks has been used to create a rotating jaali wall that imparts privacy to the bedrooms. Apart from the striking ambience, the filtered light creates a consecutive polar arrangement that allows an uninterrupted airflow throughout the space. The use of the base plates from washing machines as scrap grills instead of fresh factory-made ones is a significant part of the residence. Instead of fresh ones, such grills propagate the idea of up-cycling and serve as a medium of income for meticulous labourers. Another element that sets the home apart is the simplistic and minimalist interiors. We used uprooted trees and waste wood from sawmills to create furniture for the residence. The structure connects closely to nature in terms of terrain, design, and materiality. It is a representation of the environment of peace surrounding it.