This project is situated on a bowl-shaped contour field in Peermade, Kerala, India, surrounded by stunning natural scenery. The site features an elevation difference ranging from 1 to 4 meters, descending towards a deep valley. The landscape is enriched with numerous banana trees and other vegetation. The climate is predominantly foggy with nearly nine months of continuous rainfall annually. To manage this, a small drainage pipe runs through the site, facilitating natural water runoff.
Our design approach embraces experimental architecture, which fosters continuous learning. This inspiration traces back to my architectural mentor, Ar Vinu Daniel. We developed an innovative thin shell arch structure for a cowshed on a slope, drawing from the suspended chain arch concept pioneered by my mentor Ar Senthil Kumar Doss, a leading figure in thin shell arches in India, who also oversaw the project’s overall execution.
The dome-shaped cowshed was designed to utilize locally sourced materials, aiming to reduce costs and promote sustainability without relying on steel or concrete. The structure is supported by reusable rods, ephedra, and bamboo. The dome’s four anchor points are positioned at varying heights of 0 meters, 0.7 meters, and 2.1 meters, accommodating the uneven terrain. Four suspended chain arches of different heights create a unique spatial experience under the shed. These arches are constructed from three layers of 25mm thick “Sithu kal” (small bricks), all sourced within a 40-kilometer radius. The maximum span of the suspended chain arch reaches 6.6 meters, with the arch apex rising to 3 meters.
This dome functions as a fully compressed structure, with its foundation engineered to handle the structural forces effectively. Its form conforms to the natural slope, preserving the landscape and existing trees, allowing the building to blend seamlessly into its environment. Importantly, no terrain was altered during construction, and the design carefully considered the slope and surrounding ecosystem.
Given the site’s exposure to strong winds and heavy rainfall, the arch openings were strategically designed to channel rainwater towards the valley below. The structural design was inspired by the Kangaroo physics engine, which simulates the site’s surface and applies loads to optimize elasticity, ensuring a stable compressed form. Existing drainage systems were retained, allowing rainwater to flow through the building naturally. Despite the challenges posed by the steep slope and intense rainfall, the entire construction was completed within three months.
Project Drawings
△ Base schematic diagram
△ Plan view
△ Section diagram
△ Section diagram
△ Perspective view
△ Perspective view
△ Perspective view
Project Information
Architect: Rnd Earth
Area: 600 ft²
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: Studio Iksha
Design Team: Petchimuthu Kennedy, Rigesh Niganth, Jeffril J Kumar, Shivani Saran S K
Architectural Design: Rnd Earth
Location: Peermade, India
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