Architects: Earthscape Studio
Area: 1,800 ft²
Year: 2023
Photography: Studio IKSHA
Lead Architect: Petchimuthu Kennedy
Design Team: Petchimuthu Kennedy, Shivani Saran S K, Ayyasamy, Ragavendran
City: Anaikatti
Country: India
The Anaikatti residential building designed by Earthscape Studio embraces its natural mountain surroundings, achieving harmony with the landscape. This 2023 project, led by Petchimuthu Kennedy, features an open courtyard that enhances natural light and ventilation, and a gabion wall using on-site rocks to mitigate strong winds. Sustainable materials like poured earth walls and green oxide flooring maintain cool interior temperatures. The design preserves the site’s natural rock bed, integrating an infinity pool with stunning valley views, thus serving as a bridge between humans and nature.
The site is located amidst mountain ranges with a 180-degree view of the mountains and a deep valley. The natural rock bed on the site was preserved, and a pre-existing 6m deep land cut was used to position the structure towards the valley, the site features rocks with a slope difference averaging 2 to 4 meters.
Spaces are oriented towards the valley, with an open courtyard in the center providing natural light and ventilation. Heavy wind flow on the site posed a challenge, as direct exposure would affect glass partitions and create noise. To address this, a gabion wall was constructed using rocks from the site, offering views of the valley while mitigating wind flow.
All rocks for the gabion wall were sourced from the site. Indirect views through the gabion wall add an element of intrigue and discovery. The poured earth walls, constructed with site-sourced mud, simplified construction, and enhanced sustainability. Green oxide flooring helps keep indoor spaces cooler than the external environment.
In summer, the area gets very hot. The oxide flooring and open courtyard help maintain cool indoor temperatures. A water body between the room and the gabion wall cools the air as it moves inside. Scrap wood was repurposed for doors, bar tables, armchairs, bar stools, and kitchen cabinets.
An infinity pool offers an exceptional swimming experience with views of the valley and mountains. The natural landform remains undisturbed, and the building blends with the surroundings. Sustainable materials were used throughout the building, which serves as a bridge between humans and nature.
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Project Location
Address: Anaikatti, India
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
