Wallmakers Uses Discarded Toys into the Facade of a Home
The excruciating pain of stepping on a Lego brick is a universal experience. But have you ever wondered about the fate of these discarded toys? ‘Toy Storey,’ designed by Wallmakers is a unique 3843 sq ft house in Vadakara, North Kerala, offering a surprising answer. This innovative project breathes new life into unwanted toys, showcasing how sustainable design can transform waste into a vibrant architectural statement.
The community at Toy Storey
The world’s love affair with plastic toys is undeniable. A staggering 90% of toys are now plastic, a stark contrast to the wooden playthings of the past. This global obsession contributes significantly to the environmental crisis. With toy sales reaching a record $107.4 billion in 2022, and their complex materials making recycling nearly impossible, an estimated 80% of all toys ever made end up in landfills, incinerators, or polluting our oceans.
A circular structure in the center with a playful facade
However, in Vadakara, a place known for its high toy consumption, architects at Wallmakers saw an opportunity. They envisioned a circular home, a structure accessible from all sides, featuring a playful facade constructed from discarded toys and salvaged Mangalore tiles. This ‘Toy Storey’ became more than just a house; it became a testament to responsible design and a symbol of childhood memories preserved.
Each corbel holds a toy
A Celebration of Sustainability
The facade in detail, with the toys inside each space
The Toy Storey project transcends mere aesthetics. The architects embraced sustainable practices at every level. The cantilevered verandah, supported by a grid of corbelling toys, wraps around the entire house, eliminating the traditional ‘front’ and ‘back’ elevations. This clever design fosters a sense of openness and community.
The perforated construction with CSEB Blocks
Furthermore, the central courtyard is enclosed by a perforated wall constructed from Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEBs) made from soil excavated on-site, interlaced with a ‘Toy Jaali’ – a playful latticework of discarded toys. This innovative wall acts as a natural insulator, promoting cross-ventilation and reducing the need for energy-intensive air conditioning.
The Toy Jaali acts as an insulator.
The roof, constructed from a radial ferrocement shell, further minimizes environmental impact by requiring 33% less reinforcement. Finally, the entire structure rests on a foundation built using traditional oxide flooring techniques.
The Joy of Nostalgia
The space gives a sense of ownership to the children, and a childhood nostalgia to others
But the true magic of ‘Toy Storey’ lies in its heart. The incorporation of over 6200 discarded toys imbues the house with a sense of whimsy and nostalgia.
Children from the neighbourhood are often seen playing here
Local children frequently visit, pointing out that their once-loved toys are now transformed into permanent fixtures. This playful facade serves as a poignant reminder of the environmental impact of our consumer habits, while simultaneously showcasing the potential of repurposing waste into functional and beautiful structures.
The space is airy, with multiple openings, blurring the indoors and the outdoors
Toy Storey exemplifies Wallmakers’ core philosophy: building with a conscience. Founded on the Gandhian principle of sourcing materials locally, the firm challenges conventional construction practices. They leverage traditional techniques and readily available materials like mud while pushing the boundaries of design to create structures with minimal environmental impact.
Responsible Design for a Sustainable Future
The project serves as a powerful call to action. In a world grappling with climate change and environmental degradation, responsible design practices are no longer a luxury, but a necessity. The project highlights the critical need to address the by-products of excessive consumerism and resource exploitation.
Private spaces of the house
By incorporating debris like discarded toys and construction waste into sustainable building practices, architects like Wallmakers offer a path forward. This approach not only reduces waste and resource exploitation but also creates climate-responsive structures that are both practical and beautiful. With the many issues of environmental waste that our generation faces, Toy Storey acts as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how innovation and responsible design can create a more sustainable future.
