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Chirath Residence by Wallmakers

Architecture

2018

Photographer : Anand Jaju, Jino and Midhu

In today’s world, it is a prevalent trend to add the prefix of sustainability to most things. However, there seems to be very little that is done to represent the concept. They, as a community, have devoted themselves to the cause of using Mud and Waste as the chief components to make structures which are alluring and utilitarian. As a firm practicing sustainable architecture exclusively for a decade, they know about the aspirations of a “modern” client, where his house is a symbol of his status and prominence in society instead of being a statement for the future. 

When they first met the client, he mentioned to them about his disapproval towards the traditional Kerala style home system. The traditional houses in Kerala are typically sloped roof structures with heavy overhangs. Although the roof prevented rain and the cooling was phenomenal, he was deterred by the atmosphere of darkness which stayed prevalent or was associated with the ambience inside the house. The second altercation was that many of the architectural systems that were in place promoted  gender inequality in the olden days since women were restricted to the courtyard. Thus during the early days of the project, the client had made a point that the house should be a symbol of a new light, or a new outlook to our age old systems and beliefs.

“Chirath” which denotes a traditional lamp in Malayalam is the name given by Mr. Ramanujan Basha for his house at Pala, Kerala. The client, thus asked for a solution by throwing away the bad and utilising the good. They decided to break the roof, split it open and let the light flow in, all while using waste and mud to build the house. This is the concept of Chirath. What is waste? Waste can be classified as anything that was produced, used and then discarded from its original function. While the work and construction process results in the production of a lot of scrap, they believe in not being deterred by this demon and instead building with it'

Pala,kerala,india

Architects : Wallmakers
Area : 1811 sq. ft.
Year : 2018
Website : https://www.wallmakers.org/

Front Elevation of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers


View of the Entrance to the house of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers


Rear Side View of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers


Side Profile of the residence of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers


View from inside the house of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers


Sit out space of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers


Cozy Living space of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers


Ferrocement seating in the living area of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers


Pond in the Living area of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers

There is a pond in the living area aids in evapo-transpiration and helps in passive cooling. The Rainwater Harvesting Tank, serving as an extension to the pond, acts as a crucial collection pit for stormwater flowing from sloping roofs. 


Dining area of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers


Kitchen of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers


Bedroom of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers

With a substantial capacity of 35m3, this reservoir efficiently stores water for various domestic purposes. An innovative ferrocement shell roof adorns the structure, designed to create pockets of light that permeate the building, dynamically altering the mood throughout the day. The exterior walls showcase a reinvented use of terracotta tiles, cleverly employed as a jali.

The landscape surrounding the structure is carefully curated, featuring only indigenous plants and locally sourced grass, seamlessly blending with the natural flora of the area. The amalgamation of well-thought-out interiors and exteriors facilitates a peaceful transition between spaces, creating a harmonious environment that enhances the overall experience.

Amidst all the other pitched roof buildings in the locality, this pitched roof residence, stands out due to its unique choice of materials and form. The rammed earth pathway, flanked by mud-rendered retaining walls ushers one into the house through the wild landscape.


Wash basin of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers


Toilet of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers


Window grills of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers


View of the ferrocement shell roof of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers


Ferrocement shell roof of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers


View of the roof edge of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers


Night view from the window of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers


Night View of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers


Night View of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers


Site plan of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers


Floor plan of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers


Section of Chirath Residence by Wallmakers



Tags
house
architecture
interior design
residential architecture
residential interiors
2018
1000 to 2000 sq.ft
india
kerala
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