A house under the tree shade - By Spall Associates

 
The 1.75 acre south of Delhi (India) site is perfectly oriented to the cardinal points and is dotted with some mature fruiting trees including a Bel (Aegle marmelos), Jackfruit or Kathal (Artocarpus heterophyllus) and Gooseberry or Amla (Phyllanthus emblica) which cluster somewhat in the centre of the site. The steel frame allowed for flexible large span openings in the roof, as well as provided large column free spans like the porch area. The modest four bedroom house embraces the trees with varying degree of interaction from the Amla tree guarding the children bedrooms to the jackfruit tree providing a small swing for the grand children in the living room extension, while the handsome Bel tree proudly welcomes guests at the porch. The shape of barks, foliage, dropping leaves, fruits as well as the shadow patterns are captured on the white walls and red sandstone exterior flooring.

 
The house is designed in a minimalist style, with large span plain white horizontal surfaces of walls, beams and roof composed in rectilinear patterns. The flooring is a neutral grey micro-concrete one embossed with contrasting black glass separators. The porch and drop off are the only spaces with formal landscape and geometry, with the rest of the house playing out among the trees, enclosed within as well are around the building. Internally the spaces are expansive with room for movement, minimal furniture and ample day light brought in through the large size glazed openings.