Into The Wild
Subterranean Fold Architecture Cave Sanctuary
Built from
the place.
Located across a 12-acre coconut and palm grove in Mettupalayam against the backdrop of the Western Ghats, Into The Wild manifests an earthen cave philosophy: 25% built intervention and 75% returned to nature.
A fluid self-supporting 'Fold Architecture' shell made of 4.5-inch continuous ferrocement curves. The entire structure is wrapped by a 7.5-foot living green landscape berm that flows over the building, blurring boundaries between dwelling and soil.
Lead architectAr. Petchimuthu Kennedy
Design teamPetchimuthu Kennedy, Shivani Saran S K, Niha Ann Baby, Sowmiya Arul
A closer look.
Explore the details, textures and moments that make this place.
The art of
making.
Formed without conventional columns or beams. The ferrocement shell is layered with exterior thappi plaster and interior earthen mud plaster. Hand-carved stone handles, natural lime oxide finishes, and stack ventilation turrets create a cave-like sanctuary.
4.5-Inch Ferrocement Shell
Ultra-thin continuous catenary shell offering maximum volume with minimal material usage
Exterior Thappi Plaster & Earthen Mud Interior
Breathable vernacular lime-mud composites applied by master artisans
Living Earth Foliage Berm
7.5ft soil and grass mound acting as structural reinforcement and thermal insulation
Site-Carved Stone & Scrap Wood
Benches, door handles, and bespoke interior cabinetry carved directly on site
The landscaped shell, low openings and high vents help cool and ventilate the spaces. The architects report an interior temperature about 3°C lower than outside, while scrap wood and on-site stone are reused for fittings.
7.5ft Thermal Landscape Berm
Continuous living soil and turf embankment enveloping the structural shell, reducing indoor temperatures by up to 5°C.
Aero-Dynamic Vent Chimneys
Sculptural roof turrets that create a passive stack effect, constantly evacuating hot rising air.
4.5” Self-Supporting Ferrocement Shell
Double-curved fluid envelope requiring zero post-and-beam concrete framework.
Illuminating Courtyard Core
Internal circular light well bringing diffuse illumination and fresh air into deep subterranean living zones.
Ideas in detail.
