Situated on a forested plot in rural southwest India, the Wendy House showcases a sensitive approach to its forested location and is largely built from recycled and sustainable materials, and arranged so as to not disturb any of the trees on site. The remarkable residence promotes indoor/outdoor living and takes the form of two brickwork vaults placed either side of a central courtyard area.
The Wendy House, by Earthscape Studio, features a similar overall design to the Dune House and Edgeland Residence. Its two complex vault structures each consist of three layers of bricks. Recycled tiles were then added as a fourth layer to ensure waterproofing and a poured earth wall made up of mud encloses both house and courtyard.
"We wanted no steel or concrete structure and we do not want to disturb the existing natural environment so we proposed a timbrel vault structure," explained Earthscape Studio. "The vault form has been formed based on the position of the trees and natural surrounding which camouflages with the site. A beautiful courtyard with a small water body has been formed in between the twin vault where the spaces are transparent and open to the courtyard. This courtyard creates natural lighting inside the spaces. Different levels have been created in the building in accordance with the site contour."
The interior proper measures 1,100 sq ft (roughly 100 sq m), which is divided between the two areas. The interior decor will appeal to fans of exposed concrete but might be a little too austere for some, with its concrete furniture broken up by some wooden chairs and detailing, while the generous glazing ensures daylight permeates within.
One side of the home hosts the main living room, plus a kitchenette and dining area, while the opposite side contains a separate bedroom and bathroom. Judging from the photos at least, the bathroom is totally on view to anyone else in the home due to the expansive use of glass. Presumably it wouldn't be difficult to add privacy with some blinds if the owner desired, however.
The Wendy House was constructed over eight months, during which time the Earthscape Studio remained on site. We've no word on its budget.
Source: Earthscape Studio
ref All Images of INTERNAL:
Vertical Stack Bond is NOT the way to construct any domed structure.
(For Explanatory: Talk to any Structural Engineer or Send 10/6d Postal Order to my usual Swiss Bank A/c and I 'll tell you why)
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ref Images 2 + 9: ROOF CLADDING:
Tiling is CONDEMNED .
(For Explanatory: I don't know whether to laugh/cry - Just work it out for yourselves)
From where do you derive the expectation that pleasing you should be the goal every architect and designer?
@BlueOak: There's no concrete other than the floors and some of the furniture, which the article notes "might be a little too austere for some." If you're in this group, so be it, but the home wasn't built to satisfy you, so your complaint does nothing more than reveal a personal prejudice.
@Jinpa: Not an unreasonable question, but note that the home is located in south west India where earthquakes are least likely.
@WONKY KLERKY: 1) The construction technique used is timbrel vaulting, also known as Catalan vaulting, which, according to Wikipedia is " is a technique for constructing robust, self-supporting arches and architectural vaults".
2) Tiled roofs may not be common where you live, but 2 things are worthy of note:
Building codes are extremely LOCAL, so your claim to tile's condemnation needs some factual support;
and your criticism suggests that Earthscape Studio failed to consult or follow these codes.
@ArdisLille: You're unlikely to need a sweater 1000 km north of the equator!! In fact, the construction provides protection from the heat, so emanating a sense of cool is big PLUS.
IE, everything BUT comfortable or inviting to many of us. It is also more dangerous to raise kids on concrete, or the elderly. Not something I'd choose.