Less is More: Chuzhi Proves it in a Thousand Ways (Some Discreet, Others Obvious)

Описание: Welcome to Chuzhi House, a minimalist residence located in Shoolagiri, a village in northwestern Tamil Nadu, designed by the renowned Indian architecture firm Wallmakers, led by Vinu Daniel.

Chuzhi House, named after the Malayalam word for "whirlpool," features a sinuous form composed of precast earth debris beams that overlap, expand, intertwine, and swirl around three large Tamarind trees found on the site. This unique architectural approach is seen in previous projects by the firm, such as The Ledge, and now finds its full expression in this stunning residence.

The challenging location of the house presented rugged and rocky terrain, with trees and dense vegetation, initially considered inhospitable for any residential structure. However, the design team embraced the challenge of transforming this site into an example of how to build in areas deemed "unsuitable" for construction.

The philosophy behind the project is to minimize impact on the landscape, both visually and in terms of structural and carbon footprint. The spiral forms were designed to originate from the rock itself, composing the structure and divisions of the house. Approaching the site, the house seems to "hide" beneath the rocks that adorn the land, avoiding visual attention and harmoniously integrating with the natural environment.

One of the most striking aspects of Chuzhi House is the use of natural and recycled materials. The walls of the house are made in part from 4,000 discarded plastic bottles, transformed into beams to create the spiral structure. Additionally, the floors are made of reclaimed wood, and the house is built with earth instead of cement.

The interior design of Chuzhi is minimalist and earthy, with few embellishments, prioritizing textural contrasts between earth and glass. The floors are made of reclaimed wood, displaying a rich, dark texture that complements the color of the walls and wooden furniture present in the space. The main living area is spacious and integrated, with glass walls providing a clear view of the treetops, creating a sense of living under nature.

The open plan layout of the house is punctuated by spiral elements at different points, adding movement and non-linearity to the overall composition. The transparency of the glass roof allows natural light to enter and provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The south and east glass walls connect the living spaces, kitchen, and dining area, offering an integrated experience with nature.

Furthermore, Chuzhi House has been carefully designed to blend with the natural features of the land. Plants are integrated into the design, with green elements emerging in different parts of the house, from the walls to the balcony floors and open sections of the roof. The living spaces at the ends of the spiral beams provide stunning views of the surroundings.

Chuzhi House is a true representation of the revolutionary approach to contemporary architecture. The project challenges conventional expectations by exploring alternative materials and concepts from vernacular architecture. Every detail reflects the connection to the context and the natural ecosystems around it. Chuzhi is more than just a building; it is a masterpiece that seamlessly integrates with the landscape and redefines the relationship between architecture and nature.

Project Info:

Name: Chuzhi House (Casa Chuzhi)
Location: Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu, India
Gross Built Area: 2122 sq ft
Year of Completion: 2022
Architect: Wallmakers
Principal Architect: Vinu Daniel
Project Architect : Neeraj S. Murali, Rajesh Khanna, Shrijeet Redekar & Rakshita Kumbari
photography: Syam Sreesylam

0:00 - About the sinuous shape
0:53 - Living / Dining
2:37 - Suite
3:31 - Camouflage
3:53 - Designs