KURIAN PHILIP TECHNIQUES USED

RESIDENCE
THAZHAKARA , INDIA
Architect: Wallmakers
Built in- 2015
Area- 201 sq. m.

Kurien Philip is a pastor residing on the

backwater fields of Kerala, a small tropical
state in India. Traditional homes were
being replaced by modern concrete homes
resembling matchboxes in an unfitting
environment. This prompted the client to
ask for something new. Emphasis was laid
on climatic response and eco-friendliness
and being ‘Earthy’.

This house has a ‘Vault’ which was an umbrella to protect the shelter from the indomitable tropical sun.
Thus the long catenary vault blocking the South-West sun made from more tha CSEB bricks. Age old
construction technique involving masonry with earth blocks and mud mortar without shuttering to create a
wide range of arches and domes and vaults.
The structure has a vault with an umbrella. This high-temperature and air-rises area can also aid in generating coolness. By providing
maximum natural light, vault ceilings help save energy and give green construction options.

The technology consists of constructing wave-like walls with or

without reinforcement. The Wallmakers have used compressed
stabilized earth locks without reinforcing the vault structure.
This small technique allowed wind to enter creating beautiful
triangular openings (windows) and yet avoiding trespassers The architect used the concept of Dieste and created small triangular openings which provided te light and air to flow in
viewing into the home. comtinuously.

Sources: Archdaily, Archidiaries