Architecture

Photographer : Sergio Ghetti, Edmund Sumner, Matra

Today, under immense pressure from the ever-increasing population and congestion of the urban fabric, the window for a "regenerative" built environment seems to be a distant dream. However, cities are trendsetters for emerging orders that incite meaningful paradigms and could even foster a change in future building regulations. Such has been the case in the past with the mandatory stilt parking requirement for plots below 1000 sqm, introduced in Delhi a decade ago, which arguably has posed a challenge to the development of a house that was once connected to the ‘ground’ and provided a perceivable balance between open and built-up areas.

This project critically addresses the monotony that this very recent urban regulation has created while reinterpreting an Indian home for a joint family with shared living. The initial idea was to develop the reclaimed ground level as a lush landscaped garden, with small meandering paths, extended as areas for contemplation/meditation, as outdoor spaces for family gatherings and large events, that would qualitatively reconcile with the otherwise colossal building mass. This vision, however, on the advice of the clients, was challenged, and part of the areas was finally adopted for all practical purposes as part of the home office as well as supporting services, pushing all entertainment areas to the first, second, and third floors.

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Architects : Matra Architects and Rurban Planners
Area : 17,545 sq.ft.
Year : 2021
Website : https://www.instagram.com/matra_architects/?hl=en

Exterior view of The Three Mashrabiyas House by Matra Architects and Rurban Planners


Exterior view of The Three Mashrabiyas House by Matra Architects and Rurban Planners


Exterior view of The Three Mashrabiyas House by Matra Architects and Rurban Planners


Exterior view of The Three Mashrabiyas House by Matra Architects and Rurban Planners


Exterior view of The Three Mashrabiyas House by Matra Architects and Rurban Planners


Exterior view of The Three Mashrabiyas House by Matra Architects and Rurban Planners


Exterior view of The Three Mashrabiyas House by Matra Architects and Rurban Planners


Exterior view of The Three Mashrabiyas House by Matra Architects and Rurban Planners

A dance of Cubes - Two interlocked apartments, the front duplex for the parents, and a rear triplex for their daughter and her children, derive strong reference from the form of a ‘Mashrabiya,' traditionally an integral part of the Arabic lifestyle, albeit in a new avatar. The proposed three juxtaposed insulated concrete cubes of varied sizes engage with the external environment, with the street, create space below, above, and around them, frame the sky, and are in constant tension. Yet, these ‘sculptures’ maintain the indoor privacy of the occupants and ensure that during the day, parts of the large exposed building surfaces are shaded. Traditionally, ‘Mashrabiya’ were enclosed with carved latticework in wood, while the proposed ‘Jalis’ were constructed in lightweight metal to control daylight, ventilation, reduce energy consumption, and create beauty.


Interior view of The Three Mashrabiyas House by Matra Architects and Rurban Planners


Interior view of The Three Mashrabiyas House by Matra Architects and Rurban Planners


Interior view of The Three Mashrabiyas House by Matra Architects and Rurban Planners


Detailed shot of The Three Mashrabiyas House by Matra Architects and Rurban Planners


Site Plan of The Three Mashrabiyas House by Matra Architects and Rurban Planners


Front elevation of The Three Mashrabiyas House by Matra Architects and Rurban Planners


Rear Elevation of The Three Mashrabiyas House by Matra Architects and Rurban Planners


Side Elevation of The Three Mashrabiyas House by Matra Architects and Rurban Planners


Floor Plans of The Three Mashrabiyas House by Matra Architects and Rurban Planners


Section of The Three Mashrabiyas House by Matra Architects and Rurban Planners


Section AA of The Three Mashrabiyas House by Matra Architects and Rurban Planners




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