'chuzhi' by wallmakers reveals swirls of precast debris & waste

‘Chuzhi’ by wallmakers nods to the aesthetic of whirlpools

Returning with another impressive approach to sustainable architecture and waste-based design, architect Vinu Daniel from Wallmakers presents Chuzhi, a subterranean two-bedroom home emerging from the harsh, rocky landscape of a gated community in Schoolagiri, India. Nodding to the anatomy of whirlpools, the structure reveals swirling forms that snake around three large Tamarind trees found on site. To build these spiraling shapes, Daniel used ‘precast poured debris earth composite bottle beams, fashioned from 4000 discarded plastic bottles.’

all images © Syam Sreesylam

how to build on ‘inhospitable’ lands

The team at Wallmakers took on the Chuzhi project to better understand how unsuitable sites can be converted to habitable grounds. At first glance, prior to intervention, the combination of steep rocky topography, giant trees, and thick vegetation would make any client feel reluctant to inject a home amid such a wild landscape. But Daniel and his team are no strangers to ‘building with nature’.

After careful surveying, the architects successfully completed a subterranean refuge with spiraling columns that grew from the rock bed. Together, these structural whirls unite to shelter a private living space at the bottom without disturbing the surrounding landscape. ‘[It is]designed with an open layout and minimalistic interiors and has floors that have been made of reclaimed wood that has been pieced together,’ writes Wallmakers.

Starting as wall surfaces, the whirls gradually move upwards to shape the glazed roof, giving the impression of ‘living underneath the canopy trees’. Walking through the interiors, residents are met with generous brown-toned open spaces and plenty of glazed bay windows that let daylight pour in, further immersing them in the pristine-like context. This sense of camouflage, coupled with minimal architectural disturbance, transforms Wallmakers’ project into an essential pillar of sustainable living.