: Architect Turns Clay Roof Tiles Into Unique Furniture That Stays Cool in Summer #IndiaNEWS #Architecture There is no limit to what one can imagine and create. What would you say to furniture being

Architect Turns Clay Roof Tiles Into Unique Furniture That Stays Cool in Summer #IndiaNEWS #Architecture
There is no limit to what one can imagine and create. What would you say to furniture being made out of clay roof tiles?
Gujarat based architect Manoj Patel, who is known for making extraordinary items out of ordinary things, has chosen to work with clay roof tiles to create stunning pieces of furniture.
“Working with eco-friendly material in such a way that it stays affordable is our strength,�? Manoj tells The Better India. Over the years the architect has worked with various kinds of material to ascertain what would work best for the climatic conditions we live in.
He says that while usually stone and metal are used for outdoor furniture, these are high heat conductors.
Would you buy this clay tile stool?
“The furniture pieces made from these materials become usable only after sunset when there is no direct sunlight. Else, sitting on these is next to impossible. This was the problem that we wanted to address when we started working with materials like clay and wood that are non-conductors,�? he adds.
A graduate from DC Patel School of Architecture (APIED), Vallabh Vidhyanagar, Gujarat, in 2012, Manoj pursued his post-graduation in Climate Change and Sustainable Development in 2014 from CEPT University, Ahmadabad, Gujarat.
“I have always been keen about climate responsive architecture, which has always reflected in my work as well,�? he says.
Using Climate Appropriate Material
Manoj Patel
Clay has been used as a construction material for centuries. Its robustness and sturdiness ensure that the lifespan of the construction lasts for over a century. While typically clay has been used to tile the roof, pottery and floor tiles, Manoj is looking at ways of using this durable material to make furniture pieces.
Manoj and his team transformed the existing profiles of numerous clay tiles into playful optical illusions that resemble a natural volumetric mass, to form outdoor chairs and benches as a backdrop against rustic spaces. “We started work on this a while ago but in the last six months we gave the idea a shape,�? he says.
He continues, “Up until now, I haven’t come across any design house or architect using clay in furniture. These are just perfect to beat the scorching heat we are facing nowadays. While using clay does help in bringing down the indoor temperature, in some of the work we have undertaken the clients have completely done away with the use of air-conditioning as well. �? The advantage of using clay to make furniture and use it in summers is that it allows the surface to remain cool.
So far, the team has developed a table top, stools and various kinds of surfaces as well. “This is an all-season material and can comfortably be used even through monsoon season,�? he says.