locally-sourced gabion wall shields earthscape studio's indian residence from strong winds

Amid the mountain ranges in Tamil Nadu, India, Earthscape Studio has built a farmhouse that harmonizes with its environment, leaving the natural landscape undisturbed. Balancing panoramic views with the need to temper strong winds and intense sunlight, the architects enveloped the dwelling in a circular gabion wall constructed from local rocks. In this way, the residential project, dubbed Infinite Rise, not only ensures the comfort of the residents but also promoted maximum sustainability, bridging the gap between humans and nature.

aerial view of the building and surrounding area | all images by Studio IKSHA

wind-resilient design: crafting a thoughtful gabion wall

Perched with a 180-degree vista of the surrounding mountains and valleys, the project by Earthscape Studio (find more here) is rooted in a commitment to preserving the environment. The existing rock bed and a 6-meter-deep cut in the land provided a foundation for the design, capitalizing on the terrain’s innate features. Throughout the site, the architects encountered a variation in slope, ranging from 2 to 4 meters deep, creating a dynamic landscape. Their approach was to orient the spaces towards the valley, incorporating an open courtyard at the heart of the structure to enhance natural lighting and ventilation.

However, the site presented a challenge with the intense wind flow, posing a potential disruption to the serene atmosphere. To address this, the design team conceived a solution in the form of a thoughtfully designed gabion wall. This protective barrier not only shields against the wind but also mitigates noise concerns associated with direct exposure. The arrangement of rocks in the gabion wall is tailored to the anthropometric activities within the spaces, ensuring seamless integration with the landscape while framing picturesque views of the valley.
elevation view of the building

sustainable construction materials and cooling solutions

The interconnecting walls boast a sustainable touch, crafted from poured earth sourced directly from the site, streamlining the construction process. Enhancing the cooling effect within, the floors feature a green oxide finish, a strategic choice to combat the intense summer heat. An open courtyard complements the oxide flooring, collectively maintaining a refreshing temperature inside.

To further alleviate the summer warmth, a water body strategically placed between rooms and the gabion wall aids in reducing hot air temperatures as they traverse from outside to inside. The building’s wood elements, repurposed from scrap, find new life as doors, bar tables, armchairs, bar stools, and kitchen cabinets, embodying a commitment to sustainability.

sectional view of the building

the infinity pool offers generous views of the surrounding mountain ranges

the view towards the mountain ranges from the pantry area through the gabion wall

the wind flow temperature becomes a little cooler by traveling through this green buffer space 

view of the bedroom – the furniture is made from reused scrap wood

the cabinet in the pantry room 

this courtyard space helps in keeping the place cooler and gives natural lighting inside the building all the time

the building is camouflaged with the natural landform looking towards the rise of mountains

the building is camouflaged with the natural landform looking towards the rise of mountains

project info:

name: The Infinite Rise
architects: Earthscape Studio
lead architect: Petchimuthu Kennedy
design team: Petchimuthu Kennedy, Shivani Saran S K, Ayyasamy, Ragavendran.

location: Anaikatti, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu
area: 1,800 sqft
photography: Studio IKSHA

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom