A simple, economical and durable material is reinvented to create a facade that combines tradition and modernity. Manoj Patel Design Studio has cut common V-shaped clay tiles to create a pattern applied to the facade of a house in Vadodara, India.

The texture and inclination of the tiles are designed according to sunlight’s movement over the day, in order to create as much shade as possible and reduce the temperature of the building. The earthy texture contrasts with the smooth white plaster surfaces highlighting the volumetric complexity of the house distributed on three levels, which is emptied at different points to form balconies and terraces.

The simple process used to produce the cladding of tiles –  40% of which are reused from other constructions’ waste – also allows the use of unskilled labour, reducing construction costs and contributing to the local economy.