Residential

This exposed concrete residence for a family of four has been designed keeping in mind their love of nature and open spaces. A clever play of open areas, built spaces and voids helps respond to the local climate which is typically hot for a major part of the year. An elevated garden and a rooftop courtyard connect indoors with the outdoor spaces. The openings are oriented to pull in more light from the north and east facades and to significantly reduce heat gain from the south and west while bringing in plenty of natural light and ventilation into every room. The studio was awarded the ‘Top 10 Homes’ and ‘Top 10 Kitchens and Bathrooms’ at India Design 2019 by Elle Décor for this project.

A 25-year old house was reconfigured and expanded to give it an update while still being true to its original soul. The extension seamlessly blends the original character of the house into the renovated avatar. Most of the original concrete structural system has been preserved. The old façade has been modified for better climatic response and day-lighting. This approach allowed to minimise the use of resources, conserve water, energy and material, while improving the overall performance of the dwelling.

Private Residence No.3 is designed as volumes organized around perpendicular spines set in a garden with densely landscaped edges that have been raised to give the sense of being enclosed by nature. The parking connects to an enclosed entry court through which one enters the house. The living and dining area form perpendicular spines, with the double-height living space framing views of the front garden and the sky. A landscaped balcony along the front creates a shaded veranda below, while modulating light that comes into the living room. The facade is articulated as a conversation between the starkness of concrete and the warmth of brick and wood that in turn engage with the voids and openings to protect the interiors from the harshness of the climate, while allowing them to engage with the landscape outside.