Imagine a home that defies gravity, gracefully spanning a gorge and blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings. This is the reality of Bridge House in rural Karjat, India, a stunning architectural feat by Wallmakers. The structure isn't just a house; it's a bridge, ingeniously connecting two parcels of land separated by a 7-meter-deep gorge. But what truly sets this project apart is its unique skin: a coat of 'thatch-mud' scales.
Wallmakers faced a significant challenge from the start. The site's topography, with a 30-meter-wide spillway, demanded a creative solution. Transporting materials to the remote location was another hurdle. The solution? Embrace local resources and innovative construction techniques.
The result is a bridge-shaped home with a minimal steel structure, cleverly concealed with a blend of mud and local grass thatch. As principal architect Vinu Daniel explained, the project was born out of constraints. The brief called for a spacious 418-square-meter home with four bedrooms, but accessibility was a major issue. The bridge design was essential to connect the two land parcels while providing clearance for machinery to pass beneath.
But here's where it gets fascinating: The core of the bridge is formed by steel beams and arches, supported by four footings. A network of steel cables creates a twisting, hyperbolic paraboloid surface. This surface is then coated in mud, providing structural strength and protection against pests. The outer layer is made of local grass thatch, designed to resemble the scales of a pangolin.
Daniel highlights the decline of traditional thatched roofs due to issues like pest infestation and the need for frequent maintenance. However, the 'thatch-mud' composite used in Bridge House overcomes these challenges.
The bridge's design is equally impressive. The central span features an elongated living space beneath a large open oculus, inviting natural light and ventilation. Two-story, angular volumes at each end house the bedrooms. The kitchen and dining area are housed in a glazed, prow-like volume overlooking a triangular swimming pool and the surrounding forest.
Inside, the exposed mud coating creates a 'cocoon-like' atmosphere, with the diamond-grid pattern of the steelwork subtly visible. Shoji-style screens provide privacy, while netting areas near the living space offer relaxing hammock-like spaces.
Wallmakers, established by Vinu Daniel in 2007, is known for its innovative approach to architecture. In 2023, the studio faced some controversy regarding its use of unpaid internships, which Daniel defended as having educational value.
Previous projects by the studio include a home with walls incorporating discarded toys and an arts center with a roof that doubles as tiered seating.
What do you think of this innovative use of local materials and the bridge design? Do you agree with the studio's approach to internships? Share your thoughts in the comments!
