6,200 Discarded Toys Are Utilised By Wallmakers To Make This Harmonious Residence In Vadakara, Kerala

  • 9 Apr '24
  • 2:17 pm by Tanvee Abhyankar

Nestled amidst rolling terrain and embraced by three majestic trees, stands a charming abode in the coastal town of Vadakara, Kerala. The whimsical Toy Storey Residence, envisioned by Vinu Daniel and his team at Wallmakers, is a delightful spectacle for both young and old alike. Constructed from 6,200 recycled toys, it houses a delightful interplay of sunlight, breeze, and shadows. The structure is an exemplary showcase of sustainable architecture wherein the unconventional use of discarded toys as construction materials offers a novel approach to using recycled material in architecture.

Also Read: Ai Weiwei Recreates Monet Masterpiece With 650,000 Lego Bricks For London Show

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The residence’s roof and wall address reinforcement and embody energy concerns through smart design. (Image Credit: Syam Sreelyam and Althaf Rasheed)

The Toy Storey Residence conceived as a circular ‘house within a house,’ is accessible from every side making it more accessible for family and community members.  The cantilevered verandah, held up by corbelling toy pieces and old Mangalore tiles, provides access to the inner home from all sides. The house has no distinct “front” or “back” elevation. Thanks to the surrounding topography and the thoughtful use of translucent Japanese-style inspired Shoji screens, the secluded and cool basement floor, housing a library and bedroom, enjoys privacy. Meanwhile, the screens contribute to the house’s ethos of embracing light, visual connectivity, and drama.

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Through the utilisation of approximately 6200 discarded toys, “Toy Storey” effectively immortalises the childhood memories of our generation within its walls. (Image Credit: Syam Sreelyam and Althaf Rasheed)

The Toy Storey Residence is well-equipped with passive cooling techniques, alongside other sustainable elements such as materials and orientation– making it an ideal home in the tropical climate of South India. The central courtyard and the Compressed Stabilised Earth Block (CSEB), also known as the “Toy Jaali Wall,” constructed on-site, function as a perforated external skin with a mesh on the interior to facilitate continuous cross ventilation and enhanced insulation.

In essence, it is a  meticulously crafted, Earth-friendly haven crafted ‘toy-by-toy’ that satisfies both the planet and its inhabitants. A positive step to prioritising the future of non-decomposing materials and embracing innovative ventures.