We Placed the Mudhouse in the Worst Location on the Land

Tiny Insights from the Countryside.

September 15, 2024

No.053 — Read old posts on Tinyfarmlab.com
Reading Time 4 minutes

The land where we built our mud house was perched at the edge of a hill.

On one side, a steep valley dropped away.

Terraced fields bordered the other.

Our site is comprised of majorly two levels.

We accessed the site through a narrow trail that ran along the uppermost terrace.

The lower terrace on the northern side was comparatively flatter and wider.

The upper terrace was a combination of finely chopped tiny terraces. It wasn’t flat or wide enough to build. Also, had a water channel for the farms running on the side. It was like a crumpled carpet.

We both contemplated where to place the house for days, maybe months.

So where did we build?

Upper terrace. 🫠 

We know building on a flatter, wider, easier site with a view is more tempting.
But let us explain why we chose to build in what seems like the worst location on the land.

It's not about the site being inherently “bad” but about a deeper philosophy. We used the concept of Site Repair, drawn from Christopher Alexander’s "A Pattern Language."

Demarcating the building for excavation.

Site Repair - Pattern no. 104

Those who have been reading our newsletter might already know how much we love talking about Christopher Alexander’s Pattern Language. Chris's research found hundreds of "patterns" that show what makes a space both beautiful and comfortable, giving it the quality without a name.

Site repair is one of the most important patterns we used that has made the house more livable. This pattern explains the very first action you must take - the process of repairing the site.

Buildings must always be built on those parts of the land which are in the worst condition, not the best.

Problem

On no account place buildings in the places which are more beautiful. In fact, do the opposite. Consider the site and its buildings as a single living ecosystem. Leave those areas that are the most precious, beautiful, comfortable, and healthy as they are, and build new structures in those parts of the site which are least pleasant now.

Solution

This approach encourages building on the most challenging parts of the land, not because it's impractical, but because it preserves the most precious areas and revitalizes the rest.

In our case, the most precious area is the lower terrace that faces the pristine river Ganga and west view of the setting sun.

We repaired the tiny terraces and used them as levels within the house.

Illustration Credits: Saumya Saishree

By doing this we also automatically created another pattern.

Pattern no. 111 Half-Hidden Garden.

If a garden is too close to the street, people won’t use it because it isn’t private enough. But if it is too far from the street, then it won’t be used either, because it is too isolated.

Problem

Do not place the garden fully in front of the house, nor fully to the back. Instead, place it in some kind of halfway position, side-by-side with the house, in a position which is half-hidden from the street, and half-exposed.

Solution

Our lower terrace became a spot that was slightly hidden from the main pathway. It will be a spot where we plan to host events, and have winter picnics.

Practicality is key. 

It's important to ensure that the location you choose to build on isn’t just the "worst" for the sake of it.

Here are some more variables to consider when choosing a spot to build on your land:

  1. Optimum Sun Exposure: Ensure the site gets plenty of sunlight, especially in the winter, to keep your home naturally warm. Consider how the light shifts throughout the day and seasons.

  2. Wetness and Drainage: Evaluate the land's ability to drain water properly. Avoid areas prone to waterlogging or erosion to ensure a dry, stable foundation.

  3. Shelter from Cold Winds: Study local wind patterns to protect your home from harsh, cold winds. Natural barriers like trees or hills can act as windbreaks.

  4. Sensory Experiences: Consider the sights, sounds, and smells around the site. A space with pleasant views, gentle sounds, and natural fragrances will enhance your connection with the environment.

  5. Intuition and Feel: Trust your instincts about the land. Stand on the site and feel how it resonates with you—sometimes the best spots just “feel right.”

  6. Proximity to Resources: Make sure you're close to essential resources like water, access roads, and power if needed.

  7. Future Growth: Consider how the land might evolve over time. Think about how trees will grow, erosion might shift the landscape, or future expansion needs for your home.

Let us know your thoughts on this post by replying to this email :)

Love,

Raghav and Ansh

Manavendra Singh Shekhawat transformed a barren 500-acre plot near Jaipur into a thriving ecosystem with waterbodies, native trees, and wildlife, using traditional water harvesting techniques. His project is now expanding to create an alternative living space while benefiting nearby villages.

🌿 Meet Utsow Pradhan, founder of TIEEDI, an ecological forest training center, nestled in Darjeeling that focuses on 🌳 permaculture, regenerative tourism, natural farming, and sustainable land and building design consultation. They also work on experiential environmental education 🌏 and holistic waste management projects in the hills.🌱

We have always envisioned building a writer’s cabin, we found the book captivating. Pollan’s writing is both elegant and clever, making it a delightful read. Highly recommended for anyone dreaming of creating their own space.

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