Designer wallmakers liken snakes coiling under rocks on a hot day, and Chuzi’s home features an intricately twisted roof. Sensitively nestled in challenging locations, the home is built in part using nearly 4,000 recycled plastic bottles, and also features impressive sustainability.
The idea for the Chuzhi house, which means whirlpool in Malayalam, was born when they were commissioned to build a house on land in rural South India. The studio was designed not to overdo the surrounding landscape, and the house sits respectfully low, nestled against a rocky outcrop, and wraps around several trees, including a large one near the center.
During construction, wallmakers patiently collected discarded plastic bottles on and around the property. These were filled with concrete and covered with surrounding soil to help form the house. In addition, the interior floors are made of reclaimed wood, and the walls are also formed from the surrounding soil, primarily using cob-style building techniques. Usually clay mixed with straw to produce a structure that is surprisingly resilient when done right.
Sham Sreeshiram
“Chuzhi is a project that helps us understand what can be built in exotic locations that are commonly considered ‘unsuitable’ for construction,” explains Wallmakers. “Located in a gated community called Sanctity Ferme in a picturesque location called Shoolagiri, characterized by steep rocky terrain, huge trees and thick vegetation, there are undesirable and unremarkable plots around the community. Yes, the owner had a problem because people were hesitant to build it, and there seemed to be a small area to build on, so there was a house there.
“The idea is to create an underground house that originates from the bedrock, forming multiple vortices around the tree, adjoining and creating a safe private space for the occupants and the space around the tree above.” , was to ensure thick vegetation and an ecosystem that continues to thrive undisturbed.”
Sham Sreeshiram
The centerpiece of Chuzhi’s interior is an intricate spiral roof made up of intricate curved beams and glass that, along with the glazed walls of the residence, help maximize interior light.
Measuring 2,122 square feet (approximately 200 square meters), it’s all on one floor, with a simple, open living area that includes a kitchen, dining area, and seating. Elsewhere there is a master bedroom and a second bedroom. Tastefully decorated with earthy colors and simple wooden furnishings, it’s perfect for the countryside. It opens onto a verandah shaded by surrounding trees and also boasts a jacuzzi area built into the natural rocks.
Chuzhi wasn’t the first house to incorporate plastic bottles into its structure, following Beach House and Plastic Bottle Village.
Source: Wallmaker
