Ar. Hafeef PK and Ar. Hamid MM of Zero Studio have won the IIA National Awards for excellence in Architecture in the “Architecture Unbuilt” category. What has been proposed is an attempt to aid the people of Edavani in the tribal belt of Attappady, Kerala who are lost, like many other tribal settlements, in the turmoil of the fast moving world. The approach to the design can be called a prototype for affordable incremental housing in contexts like these. Inclusive architecture with the help of the local people and their indigenous technology in a way help the communities to go back to their self sustainable life system though the medium of architecture.
Zero Studio, Architecture
ZERO STUDIO
Methodology: The basic elements as mentioned are evolved from their ethnic principles of place making, the congregational space, the sharing of courtyard, multipurpose spaces within units etc. A multipurpose building will serve as a primary school, the health centre and will also have accommodation facilities for the teachers, doctors and other service personnel who come to the village. The entire development is going to come up by the side of the river from which a reservoir collects water for the use of the village at a higher point. The existing settlement and the houses in it would serve as storage houses for grains and also workshops for making building materials for the new settlement.
Layout and structure: The basic module consists of three spaces within it which could be put to use as a hall ,a bedroom and a kitchen surrounded by verandah (thinna),much similar to their earlier homes and spaces within them ,but elevated from the ground so as to maintain thermal comfort and air flow throughout the structure and better resistance from moisture .The structure will be raised on wooden poles ,a framework of wooden poles forming the base for the flooring ,upon which Hurudees or hollow mud blocks are placed and finally finished by hand printed clay floor tiles. The walls are to be built of clay panels made out of bamboo fibers and mud. The roof is covered by handmade roof tiles. A provision for rain water harvesting is to be given with bamboo pipes connected to the roof brings the rain water to a storage tank. The livestock grown by them such as goat and hen are to be given shelter under the elevated structure thus making the modules more compact and contained.
The basic module can be fitted on with additional ones if required with the increase in the household size with various combinations according to the need. It is here, that something new to the people is being introduced as they can make their house grow bigger according to their needs.
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