Organic Design in Harmony with the Landscape
Indian architecture firm Earthscape Studio has completed The Wild House, a sculptural farmhouse in Tamil Nadu featuring a cave-like interior and a mud-plastered shell.
Located near the town of Mettupalayam, the 134.7-square-meter home is nestled between mountains and forests. Its design strikes a balance between contemporary aesthetics and natural materials, utilizing thappi—a traditional lime plaster—to coat its ferrocement structure.
Sustainable Architecture Without Columns or Beams
“We focused 25% on construction and 75% on nature in our design,” said lead architect Petchimuthu Kennedy.
“The idea behind the structure was to eliminate columns and beams, creating a self-sustaining, fluidic form—we call this ‘fold architecture’,” he added.
Circular Layout Around a Central Courtyard
The layout of The Wild House follows a circular plan, wrapping around a tree-filled central courtyard. A high-arched corridor encircles the courtyard, accessible through a tunnel-like northern entrance.
The living spaces, including a bar, lounge, and two bedrooms, extend outward in bulbous, organic shapes. These rooms are naturally ventilated through stork-like vents emerging from the roof.
Framing Views of Nature
Partially sunken into the ground, the home features visor-like openings that frame letterbox-style windows. These allow views of the lush landscape while also directing cool air into the interiors. Large glass doors connect the courtyard with the indoor spaces.
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“The design unfolds with surprises in every corner, invoking curiosity about the spaces,” said Kennedy.
“The structure feels like a cave, providing a wild and immersive experience. The windows, set at a lower level, open to a serene green view and enhance natural ventilation,” he added.
Handcrafted Interiors with Locally Sourced Materials
While the exterior is finished in smooth thappi plaster, the interiors are lined with a textured mud plaster, enhancing the cave-like ambiance. The floors are finished in lime plaster, maintaining a raw, earthy aesthetic.
All the furniture, including built-in beds, was custom-made to match the home’s organic contours, using reclaimed wood and locally sourced stone.
“The furniture was crafted to blend seamlessly with the architectural form,” said Kennedy.
“The cushions, fabrics, and built-in elements were all designed to complement the flowing curves, creating an opulent yet natural feel,” he added.
Earthscape Studio, based in Bangalore, is known for integrating local craftsmanship and materials into its nature-inspired designs.
Photos: Studio Iksha
