The sculpted farmhouse showcases fold architecture

Nestled in the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, “Into The Wild” is a project that feels less like a building and more like an extension of the land itself. Its sweeping, undulating forms, recall the whimsical, nature-inspired designs of Antoni Gaudí, particularly his sinuous masterpiece, Casa Milà, in Barcelona. But while Gaudí’s work leans into fantastical ornamentation, this home feels stripped down, more primal and grounded, as though it belongs to another era entirely—either the far-off future or the distant past.

The 2-BHK farmhouse is designed by architect Petchimuthu Kennedy, the founder of Coimbatore-based Earthscape Studio. He grew up in a family with a background in construction and after years of honing his craft, his practice now centres on sustainability and innovation, with a commitment to crafting spaces that harmonise with their environment. One of his standout projects, “Haven: The Eternal Experience Pavilion” in Kerala uses locally sourced materials to create a self-sustaining cowshed, a testament to his resourceful approach. With “Into the Wild”, Kennedy continues to push boundaries with fold architecture, eliminating the need for columns and beams to create fluid, self-supporting forms.

The exteriors, rounded and seamless, are cloaked in creeping greenery, giving the impression of a living, breathing organism. Inside, the rooms are minimalist yet undeniably warm. The curved walls, textured and raw, almost mimic the surface of ancient caves, but the space is thoughtfully punctuated with modern comforts. Large windows frame the outdoors letting in soft, diffused light that makes the space glow. The bedrooms feature a rounded, pod-like beds that seems to float, offering a sense of tranquillity. The kitchen with its sweeping, sculptural counters and built-in shelving feels almost futuristic. Yet, the earthen tones and hand-crafted aesthetic tether it to a more grounded, ancient sensibility.

BH: The interiors feel calm and rooted in nature. What kind of lifestyle do you imagine for the people living in this house?

PK: Regular conventional buildings make people more sophisticated and lazy. But this type of construction, requires regular care due to the natural materials used, fostering a sense of responsibility in the inhabitants. Our client initially didn’t know about this process and we took a minimum of six months to educate them about the materials. This is not a showcase product, it is a long-term living plan.

BH: How do traditional materials like lime and mud plasters enhance the building’s performance? Can our readers in urban areas also take inspiration from these materials?

PK: Traditional materials like mud and lime plasters help regulate temperature, reducing indoor temperature by up to three degrees Celsius compared to the outdoors. Their aesthetic appeal also complements the natural surroundings. Urban homeowners can definitely take inspiration from using such materials.