The Kulhad Pavilion, a striking creation by Wallmakers, transforms a seemingly ordinary material into an architectural spectacle along Miramar beach in Goa, India. This temporary structure, designed for the Serendipity Arts Festival 2025, ingeniously utilizes over 18,000 terracotta cups, known as 'kulhads,' which were once a ubiquitous part of India's tea-drinking culture and frequently discarded. Sourced from local communities in Dharavi, these humble mud cups are repurposed not merely as decorative elements but as a fundamental structural component, breathing new life into waste and highlighting sustainable building practices.
The pavilion's design is centered around three compressive catenary vaults, a form chosen for its inherent strength and stability without the need for additional reinforcement. The architects at Wallmakers leveraged the principles of geometry and gravity, stacking and bonding the earthen cups to create a porous yet robust surface. This intricate arrangement allows for natural light filtration and air circulation, while simultaneously providing a sense of mass and permanence to the temporary installation. The structure gracefully weaves along the beachside, offering a multi-functional space that serves as seating, a shaded retreat, and an informal stage for various activities, inviting both people and animals to find respite within its innovative embrace.
The Kulhad Pavilion stands as a powerful testament to the potential of architectural ingenuity to address waste and foster community engagement. By transforming discarded objects into a civic presence, Wallmakers champions a philosophy where thoughtful design can elevate overlooked materials, inspire environmental consciousness, and create meaningful public spaces. This project exemplifies how sustainable practices, when combined with creative vision, can lead to beautiful and functional outcomes that benefit both the environment and society, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to resourcefulness and design.