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Architecture

2020

Photographer : Nilkanth Bharucha, Hiren Patel, Prerak Shah, Poonam Jolly

To attempt to build without having many resources drives an architect to think beyond the box and eke out methods by means of which everything streamlines into an efficient system, where every material is selected ONLY because it is sustainable, inexpensive and the potential of every material is exploited to its breaking point.

Placed on the outskirts of the city, it was imperative that design reacted to the surroundings. When the construction work began, a few hedgehogs, snakes and nilgais used to frequent the site. Clearly, they had snatched their homes. This guilt made a deep impact on the design.

The first move therefore was not to disturb the natural downward slope. A basement at lower level was built less than the upper floors so as to have more garden. A conscious decision was taken to leave the ground as is. No paving except where there was going to be continuous movement.

To recede the lower floor inwards, the upper floors had to be cantilevered, hence concrete. LESS MATTER. Partition walls are of recycled wood and plywood.

Next level of optimization was sought by diving the functions into two clear zones. Living and services- toilets and kitchen. All plumbing in one line to increase efficiency. The in between space was a courtyard that communicated, horizontally and vertically- physically, visually, and sensually. The courtyard is a place to commute within building. It is also place where complete transparency is observed.

To conserve energy, all roofs are covered with earth, water, or creepers, thus bringing temperature down and creating green terraces in area where the earth was cut on ground.