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Architecture

07-07-2026

Text provided by the Architect

Kibbuts is an eco-retreat located on a steep hillside in Wayanad, Kerala. The 594 sq.m site, with an approximate 45 degree gradient, demanded an approach that minimizes intervention. Rather than reshaping the terrain, the design works directly with the natural slope, allowing the land to guide placement, movement, and structure.

The villas are elevated on a lightweight steel framework that follows the contours of the hillside. This reduces excavation and removes the need for retaining walls. By lifting the built form off the ground, existing drainage patterns and vegetation remain largely undisturbed. The architecture sits lightly within the landscape, maintaining a clear visual and physical continuity with the terrain.

Each unit is conceived as a compact ferrocement shell. The form was developed through a parametric form finding process that responds to structural efficiency, solar orientation, and material use. The shell acts as both structure and enclosure, reducing the need for additional layers and simplifying construction. This approach also limits material consumption while creating a distinct spatial quality within a compact footprint.

Wayanad,Kerala,India

Architects	:	Raving Dots Studio
Area	:	835.27 sq. ft.
Year of Completion	:	2025
Website	:	https://www.instagram.com/ravingdotsstudio/?hl=en

Canopy Perch of Kibbuts – Cocoon Villa by Raving Dots Studio

Aerial view of Kibbuts – Cocoon Villa by Raving Dots Studio

Openings are limited and carefully placed. Given the narrow site and the proximity of units, side walls remain mostly closed to maintain privacy. A single arched opening defines each villa, framing views of the valley while bringing in controlled natural light. This opening extends into a cantilevered deck, where a hammock creates a transitional space between the interior and the landscape.

External staircase of Kibbuts – Cocoon Villa by Raving Dots Studio

Staircase view of Kibbuts – Cocoon Villa by Raving Dots Studio

Foyer of Kibbuts – Cocoon Villa by Raving Dots Studio

Access to the units is provided through external spiral staircases, keeping the footprint minimal and avoiding unnecessary ground disturbance. This allows multiple villas to be distributed across the slope without large scale modification. The administrative block is positioned separately to ensure that guest areas remain quiet and undisturbed.

Material selection is guided by climate and local availability. Ferrocement allows lightweight construction and supports curved forms. Lime plaster is used as a breathable finish that improves thermal comfort in a humid climate. Oxide flooring provides a durable and low maintenance surface. A secondary layer of pleated coconut leaf cladding wraps parts of the structure, filtering sunlight while improving thermal performance and adding texture to the exterior.