The Wendy House designed by Earthscape Studio in India is a beautiful example of sustainable design, showcasing the use of local materials and harmonious connection with nature to create a beautiful and functional building.
Set on an 8-acre dense forest with a variety of trees, the challenge was to create a farmhouse that would not disturb the natural environment and require the cutting down of trees.
The solution was to use a timbrel vault structure, a catenary-based technique, which allowed the form of the building to be in harmony with the tree positions. This resulted in a beautiful twin vault with a central courtyard that provides natural lighting and an open connection with the surrounding forest.
Sustainability was at the forefront of the design process, with local materials being used wherever possible. Bricks from a local madras terrace roof technique were used, providing work for the previously unemployed community. Broken tiles from factories were reused as the fourth layer of the vault, and waste wood was used for furniture and doors. Even the poured earth wall was made from mud collected on the site.
Overall, The Wendy House is a testament to the benefits of sustainability and the importance of using local materials. It showcases how nature-friendly and environmentally conscious design can result in a beautiful and functional building.
