This sculptural, cavernous home in India also demonstrates true sustainability

The architects of Earthscape Studio share their insights and process for Into the Wild house. “With a verdant panoramic view of the mountains and deep woods of coconut and palm trees, the site lays plain with no special characteristics of terrain or landscape. Being the developer's site, the surrounding environs of about twelve acres including our site are plain. This led us to creating an interesting building which should respect nature. We started our design focusing 25% on construction and 75% on nature.”

They continue, “Speaking of sustainability, growing and planting trees is not only sustainable but how our building responds to nature is more important. So, we focused on the construction technique which will reduce the carbon emission. This self-sustaining structure folds and flows in a fluidic form and we call this technique fold architecture. This self-sustaining 4 1⁄2-inch shell bends and flows with the series of arches with the layers of thappi plaster on the outside and mud plaster on the inside on both sides of the ferrocement. Being a self-sustaining structure, it has no columns or beams. Mud is not a material palette, the beautiful thing in earthen architecture is not only about using the materials, but also about the artisans.”

They share, “Traditional lime plasters from India flow along smoothly on the floor and the furniture gives a luxuriant feel inside the spaces. This helps in reducing the temperature of about three degrees inside the space from the outside. 7½ft tall verdant landscape bends and hugs the structure with lush grown grass all around. Being the high humid area, this helps in reducing the temperature inside the spaces and acts as a structural member for the structure. This 2BHK Farm House folds with surprises for each space. The circular transition brings in curiosity about the spaces. These folds and curves feel like entering a cave giving a wild experience. The windows open to the sylvan view on the outside from the lower level bringing the cold air into the space. Vent openings protrude out from the structure at each space for the hot air to escape creating a stack effect. The light play from each vent creates a dramatic feel inside the spaces. The linear opening at the bar gives a panoramic view of the tall coconut and palm trees. The central courtyard opens into the spaces with smaller and larger openings helping the natural light and ventilation into the space, creating a feel of open and semi open transition.”

“We believe that Interiors are not about purchasing and arranging inside a space. All the furniture is in-built in accordance with the space. The bed, cushions and the fabrics are customized in accordance with its own shape and play creating an opulence feel. The bed, bar counter, pantry, seating are all done with raised finishes giving a lap of luxury at each space. The bathrooms are done with a rise finish which acts as a natural chemical free water proofing."

"The wood used in doors, benches, cabinets are collected from the scrap wood. The stone door handles and stone bench are carved at the site where the stones are sourced from the site. The green foliage covering the shell gives a garden feel on the outside and the home on the inside.”