The Earth House is a sustainable living masterpiece that reminds us of our past practices. It was conceptualized by Art and Architecture Associates and built in the midst of vast farmlands to blend with the natural environment. By using rammed earth and other materials excavated from the site, the house has a thick protective layer that minimizes solar heat gain. This innovative feature helps regulate the temperature between 7 and 10 degrees cooler than outside, even in Gujarat’s tropical climate. The house also incorporates passive sustainable strategies that reduce energy requirements, thereby addressing the global climate crisis. Moreover, the minimalist design of the three-bedroom home uses natural elements that create a beautiful and relaxing interior and exterior.
In today’s world, where climate change is a pressing issue, we need to make conscious efforts to alter the way we construct and reside in buildings. It is essential to reduce our carbon footprint both at our workplace and home. The main objective of this contemporary home design is to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The design of the landscape for the Earth House was influenced by the natural surroundings, taking inspiration from the native environment. In order to minimize the need for irrigation and support sustainable living, local plants were carefully selected. The house is nestled amongst a Miyawaki forest, an organic farm, and a mango orchard, creating a serene and lush atmosphere. To further promote energy efficiency, the roof is shaded by tree foliage, which significantly reduces the amount of solar heat that the house absorbs.
The design of the house was focused on minimizing its impact on the environment. The angle of the roof was carefully considered in order to receive the most sunlight possible for the family’s energy needs, making it a net-zero home.
The dwelling boasts a simple yet cozy living area, which is enhanced by the natural look and feel of the earthen walls. A wooden coffee table and a lounge set create an inviting atmosphere in one portion of the room, while the other half serves as a kitchen and dining area.
The kitchen has a minimalist design highlighted by the warm hues of the wood used. It features a spacious cooking and dining peninsula with ample seating. The rest of the kitchen storage is neatly tucked away in a tower of cabinets located at one end, creating a clean and uncluttered look.
The hallway is adorned with sleek tiles that shine with a glossy finish. The LED strips lining the perimeter of the reflective flooring emit a pleasant, cozy glow that adds an air of opulence to the space.
As you walk down the lengthy hallway, you’ll come across three bedrooms. Each bedroom boasts a unique feature that sets it apart. Once you step inside one of these cozy spaces, you’ll notice that the sleeping area is cleverly secluded from the entrance by a wooden storage wall.
Similar to other parts of the room, the materials used for the furniture in the contemporary bedroom were acquired from companies that prioritize recycling and eco-friendly manufacturing methods.
The rammed earth walls are perfectly complemented by stone sculptures and clay vases, which add to the natural texture.
Every area is adorned with minimalistic design that exudes a serene equilibrium between style and usefulness.
To maximize the benefits of natural light and ventilation, the windows in the building are strategically positioned towards the north. This not only helps to save energy but also ensures a comfortable and refreshing environment inside.
At last, after walking down a lengthy corridor, you’ll arrive at a lavish bathroom. The shower area is generously proportioned and sits atop a bed of smooth stones. Sunbeams trickle through the shuttered windows, creating a visually striking effect.
This eco-friendly farmhouse not only produces renewable energy from the sun but also cultivates its own food and collects rainwater as a source of water.
You’ll find three cozy bedrooms placed away from the communal living area, with a delightful central space for relaxation that includes a refreshing pool, charming gazebo, and comfortable patio.
The patio boasts gabion walls constructed using easily obtainable rocks from the vicinity. These walls not only lend a sculptural touch but also offer privacy around the house. Additionally, a cozy conversation area has been set up with two chairs and a petite coffee table.
Leaving the patio behind, you can find a gazebo at the other end of the pool which provides a refreshing and shaded place to relax on a larger outdoor area.
In the gazebo, there is a cozy sitting area comprising of two comfortable chairs and a small sofa. The outdoorsy vibe is enhanced by an outdoor coffee table and a rustic wooden side table for keeping drinks and snacks. The green accent cushions add a touch of freshness and harmony to the setting, complementing the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape that can be glimpsed through the gabion walls.
The uninterrupted view from the shaded poolside seating area to the sun-soaked patio is made possible by the glass doors in the house’s hallway.
The house’s outdoor seating places and pool area are cleverly concealed from view by the gabion walls, which are filled with rocks. The roof is designed to sit just below the tree canopy, giving the house a natural look that blends in seamlessly with its surroundings.
The visual representation of the property reveals a shaded driveway that stretches for a long distance and takes you through a delightful path, surrounded by tall trees. This pathway leads you past a serene pond on one side and a beautiful mango orchard on the other. Eventually, the narrow drive opens up to the east with a spacious parking area that sits right next to the house. On the west side of the property, you’ll find an organic farm that provides food for the household.
The AA section drawing showcases the smart and sustainable design of the house, which highlights the optimal roof incline to generate maximum solar power.
The BB section drawing gives a clear overview of the home’s layout and how it all connects together. As soon as you step into the house, you’re greeted with the kitchen and social living area. Right next to this is a guest bathroom that sits comfortably between the living room and the leisure space, where the pool is located.
Looking at the layout, we can see that the corridor between the rooms appears to be longer than usual. Bedroom one and two share a bathroom, while the master bathroom is located further away from the main living spaces.
Drawing A presents the elevation of a structure, showcasing the plinth level, lintel, earth wall, and roof height.
A view of the B elevation drawing when seen from the eastern side.
Drawing C depicting the elevation.
