perforated facade of compressed earth blocks envelopes farmhouse in ahmedabad

the perforated jali wall extends beyond the interior, defining semi-open verandahs and balconies.

Miqdad Shirazi edited by christina vergopoulou March 27, 2025 3 min

Put Your Hands Together builds Jalmanjar Farmhouse

Design practice Put Your Hands Together – BioArchitects constructs Jalmanjar Farmhouse in Ahmedabad, India. The residential project aims to optimize climatic efficiency through passive and active strategies suited to the region’s hot and dry conditions. The key design elements, including the orientation, spatial configuration, material selection, jali envelope, and windcatchers, work in coordination to enhance thermal comfort while minimizing energy consumption.

Situated on the periphery of a 12.5-acre site, the farmhouse is introduced by a perforated gable-end jali wall made of compressed earth blocks. This outer layer reduces direct solar radiation while facilitating natural ventilation through integrated windcatchers. The layout consists of two rectangular volumes housing the primary living and dining areas, positioned on either side of an open-to-sky courtyard. A passage and circulation core connect these spaces, extending vertically to accommodate two bedrooms and their adjoining bathrooms.

perforated facade of compressed earth blocks envelopes farmhouse in ahmedabad - 1 — all images by Amalgamate

jali wall encloses Jalmanjar Farmhouse’s open spaces

The jali wall defines intermediary spaces such as semi-open verandahs, balconies, landscape niches, service corridors, and an open-to-sky shower. Structural elements include 9-inch-thick load-bearing walls composed of compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB) combined with a hybrid steel and concrete framework. The thermal mass of CSEB aids in maintaining cooler interior temperatures, while the elevated steel-supported roof increases spatial volume, promoting improved air circulation and comfort.

Studio Put Your Hands Together – BioArchitects organizes a compact footprint to minimize land coverage, reinforcing the primary function of the site as a farm. Expansive north-facing windows in the living and kitchen areas fully open to dissolve the boundary between interior and landscape, integrating the built environment with its agricultural surroundings.

perforated facade of compressed earth blocks envelopes farmhouse in ahmedabad - 2 — Jalmanjar Farmhouse by Put Your Hands Together – BioArchitects, designed for climatic efficiency

perforated facade of compressed earth blocks envelopes farmhouse in ahmedabad - 3 — the perforated jali wall reduces solar radiation while promoting natural ventilation

perforated facade of compressed earth blocks envelopes farmhouse in ahmedabad - 4 — structural elements include compressed stabilized earth blocks and a hybrid steel-concrete framework

perforated facade of compressed earth blocks envelopes farmhouse in ahmedabad - 5 — the use of locally sourced earth blocks reduces the project’s environmental impact

perforated facade of compressed earth blocks envelopes farmhouse in ahmedabad - 6 — windcatchers integrated into the design enhance airflow within the farmhouse

perforated facade of compressed earth blocks envelopes farmhouse in ahmedabad - 7 — a balance of solid and perforated surfaces ensures thermal performance and privacy

perforated facade of compressed earth blocks envelopes farmhouse in ahmedabad - 8 — semi-open service corridors enhance functionality while maintaining privacy

put-your-hands-together-bioarchitects-jalmanjar-farmhouse-ahmedabad-india-designboom-1800-3 — a passage and circulation core connect the primary living and dining areas

perforated facade of compressed earth blocks envelopes farmhouse in ahmedabad - 9 — the jali envelope extends beyond the interior, defining semi-open verandahs and balconies

put-your-hands-together-bioarchitects-jalmanjar-farmhouse-ahmedabad-india-designboom-1800-2 — the farmhouse integrates traditional materials with contemporary construction techniques

master bedroom master bathroom with open-to-sky shower master bathroom plan - ground floor plan - first floor section - 1 section - 2 elevation elevation plan - ground floor sketch

project info:

name: Jalmanjar Farmhouse
architect: Put Your Hands Together – BioArchitects | @pyht_bioarchitects

location: Ahmedabad, India

photographer: Amalgamate | @amlgmt

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