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Architecture

11-10-2026

Photographer : Amalgamate

Text provided by the Architect

Materiality forms the foundation of the farmhouse's architectural identity, where every element has been selected to respond to the climate, context, and philosophy of sustainable construction. Rather than relying on applied finishes, the project celebrates materials in their natural state, allowing their texture, colour, and ageing process to shape the character of the building over time. The architecture embraces a restrained palette that balances environmental performance with craftsmanship, creating spaces that feel rooted in the landscape while remaining timeless in expression.

The farmhouse is constructed using load-bearing Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (CSEBs), eliminating the need for a conventional reinforced concrete structural frame across much of the building. Manufactured from locally sourced laterite and basalt stone quarry dust, the earth blocks transform industrial by-products into a durable and low-carbon building material. Their high thermal mass moderates indoor temperatures, storing heat during the day and releasing it gradually as the surrounding air cools. This passive approach reduces the building's dependence on mechanical systems while creating interiors that remain comfortable throughout changing seasons.

The slab continues this material efficiency through the use of terracotta pots as filler blocks. By replacing non-structural concrete with lightweight terracotta, the slabs reduce material consumption and embodied carbon while improving thermal insulation, exposing the rhythm of the filler slabs and celebrating the construction process rather than concealing it. The resulting ceilings express both structural logic and craftsmanship, becoming a defining architectural feature of the interiors.

Karjat,Maharashtra,India

Architects	:	Put Your Hands Together - BioArchitects
Area	:	2300 sq. ft.
Year of Completion	:	2025
Website	:	https://www.instagram.com/pyht_bioarchitects/

Exterior view of Iha Farmhouse by Put Your Hands Together - BioArchitects

Above, terracotta roofing tiles establish a warm, tactile roofscape that responds to the region's climate. Their ventilated assembly helps dissipate solar heat before it reaches the occupied spaces, improving thermal comfort while reinforcing the farmhouse's connection to vernacular building traditions. Together, the earth walls and terracotta roof create an envelope that performs climatically while allowing the building to age gracefully within its environment.

Interior finishes are intentionally minimal, allowing natural materials to define the atmosphere of each space. Tadelakt lime plaster introduces soft, seamless surfaces that remain breathable while regulating indoor humidity. Its subtle variations in texture and tone reflect the handcrafted nature of the construction, giving each room a unique character. Kota stone flooring extends throughout the house, providing a durable and naturally cool surface that complements the muted earth palette. The continuity of these materials blurs the transition between interior and exterior spaces, reinforcing the experience of living within the landscape rather than apart from it.

Main Entrance of Iha Farmhouse by Put Your Hands Together - BioArchitects

The landscape is conceived as an extension of the architecture, shaping both the environmental performance and everyday experience of the farmhouse. Planting strategies are guided by climate, seasonal change, and spatial experience rather than ornamentation alone. A Bogen Villa along the compound wall transforms the boundary into a living green edge, softening the built form and creating a distinct identity as the vegetation matures. Within the courtyard, Champa trees become the focal point of the shared outdoor spaces, offering shade, fragrance, and a constantly changing canopy that marks the passage of seasons. At the site's edge, a Mango tree anchors the landscape, connecting the farmhouse to its agricultural setting while contributing habitat, seasonal fruit, and long-term ecological value.

Custom-built architectural elements further strengthen the dialogue between material, function, and permanence. Masonry bathtubs finished in lime plaster are integrated into the architecture, creating monolithic bathing spaces that feel carved rather than assembled. Cantilevered masonry beds reduce the need for additional furniture while introducing a sense of lightness within the otherwise grounded material palette. These built-in elements reinforce the project's commitment to longevity, reducing material consumption and simplifying maintenance over the building's lifecycle.

Living room of Iha Farmhouse by Put Your Hands Together - BioArchitects

Living to Dining view of Iha Farmhouse by Put Your Hands Together - BioArchitects

The farmhouse demonstrates how contemporary architecture can emerge from regional materials, local craftsmanship, and passive environmental strategies. Rather than treating sustainability as an applied layer, it is embedded within the building's structure, material palette, and relationship to the landscape. Earth, terracotta, lime, stone, and vegetation work together as a cohesive system, producing architecture that is environmentally responsive, materially honest, and deeply connected to its place. The result is a home that evolves with time, where climate, craftsmanship, and nature become active participants in everyday living.