Maya

Challenge

Multiple structures on a site dominated by black cotton soil, requiring both technical discipline and environmental sensitivity. Each unit had to hold its own while the compound worked as a single composition.

Approach

We began by engineering stable foundations for each structure, managing soil removal, murram backfilling and structural reinforcement. The layout was guided by natural elements: wind flow, mountain orientation, sunlight patterns, and the need for the farmhouse to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

Materials

• Stabilised soil blocks
• Reinforced foundations on murram fill
• Timber framing

Outcome

A working farm compound engineered for longevity on difficult ground, and sited to respect the natural movement of wind, sun and water across the land.