IHA Residence by Wallmakers
Principal Architect: Vinu Daniel
By Pragya Chauhan
Night View of the Residence
The IHA residence is an eco-friendly abode located in the busy city of Trivandrum, Kerala. Located in a tropical context, the design revolved around the idea of ensuring that the building complimented the material palette of its surroundings and did not become a hindrance to its immediate landscape.
Front View of the Residence
The building emphasizes the concept of sustainable living through the use of locally available materials like bamboo and earth, as well as reuse of scrap metal and waste wood to design unique architectural features and furniture.
Night Elevation
In a location frequented by rains, the architects faced the challenge of designing a structure on low-lying terrain with issues of water-logging. This was overcome by ensuring that the location of built mass allows an uninterrupted flow of rainwater towards a natural water harvesting pit at the lowest point of the site.
Ground Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
The design has been shaped by site conditions and environmental factors which have aided in enhancing the spatial quality of the residence.
Section
Elevation
To further compliment the context, the project uses natural elements with modern construction techniques to deliver a long-lasting, robust structure.
Concept
One of the main features of the residence is the external staircase which is supported by steel-reinforced bamboo. On the same façade, rotating CSEB (Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks) have been used to create a visual screen, yet allow ventilation within the structure.
View of the extended staircase and bamboo
View of the extended staircase and bamboo
CSEB Jali
Similar to the bamboo and earth blocks, the use of metal plates on the opposite façade casts different patterns of light and shadow, allowing the spaces within to change through the day. This play of light forms an imperative part of the architectural language.
Library Space
These metal plates - procured from junkyards are discarded parts of washing machines. A conscious decision to up-cycle metal instead of acquiring new parts is a bold statement on sustainable building practices.
Dining Area with Scrap Window Grill
The idea of reuse extends to design of the smaller elements as well where uprooted tree trunks and waste wood from sawmills is polished and used as furniture.
Living Area showing Furniture made out of Waste Wood
While the building amasses an array of physical textures along with elements of nature like light and shadow, it connects closely to nature in terms of terrain, design and materials alike. What sets this home apart are the quiet and comfortable spaces that stay connected with nature.
Site Development Photographs
Click here for more interesting insights from Vinu Daniel in a QnA session.
PROJECT BY:
Lead Architect: Ar. Vinu Daniel
Ar. Vinu Daniel
Team Members: Srivarshini J.M., Oshin Varughese, Shreyas Unni, Pushkar Sharma, Udit Mittal, Gayathri Maithani, Saatvika Pancholi, Shekizzar, Shyamala Baskaran, U.S. Ananditha, Tushar Sharma, Vineeth A.C., Aparna Renu, Dhawal Dasari, Jemy Joy, SankarNath, Apoorva Goutham, Sagar Kudtarkar
Other participants
Oxide team: Antony T.A. and team
Fabrication team: Kunjumon James, J.K Steels
Carpenters: Sarath Prasad and team
Photo credits: Anand Jaju