The project built as a second home sits on 5000 sq. ft of land in a plotted layout on the outskirts of the small town of Kamshet. The client wanted a compact but functional place where they could avoid all the hustle-bustle of the city, which would be close to nature, and where they could host gatherings for their friends and extended family. Designers were involved in the process right from the site selection. This site was selected because of its strategic location. It is in one corner of the layout, adjacent to which flows a stream, and connects to the nearby river. Due to HFL, 9 m of open space had to be left as no development zone and thus it has been developed as green space. As the green zone abuts one side of the site, the other 3 sides have adjacent plots where buildings will come up in near future. Considering this introvert planning is adopted opening the house towards the stream. The clients wanted a modern abode with updated amenities while staying firmly rooted to the traditional ethos. They had an image of a typical south Indian courtyard in mind which became the design narrative for the home.
The house follows a typical traditional spatial planning system where the courtyard is the central activity space. Considering the future development around the plot we opted for introvert planning where all the spaces are spilling over into the courtyard. A waterbody is placed in the courtyard with a Bakul tree at the center. The courtyard mimics the concept of a “Kund” (traditional stepped well). Various levels are created in steps, where built-in seats are also incorporated. A stage is also provided where small performances can be hosted. Due to the stage, the levels, and the seats, the court becomes the most desirable space for all informal gatherings. The courtyard is flanked by exposed brick walls. More than 100 small niches are created within these walls. The space lights up at night when small lamps are placed in these niches and one can experience the relevance of the name “Deep Mahal”- A space to celebrate light!
The ground floor consists of a living, kitchen, dining, and 2 bedrooms whereas the first floor house a family cum hobby room and a pavilion overlooking the courtyard.
Focusing on the stream and the green zone and paying a suitable homage to the sun, the orientation of the house is kept East-west. The south and west façades being maximum prone to rain, and smaller openings are provided on these sides. These openings also help in catching the breeze from the windward side creating a venturi effect. The openings provided in the brick wall are placed in such a way that the landscape can be appreciated and interacted with from any corner of the intended build. The pavilion on the first floor gives an almost 360° view of the surrounding. Built in seats are provided in the pavilion.
The house is built in load bearing technique. The exterior wall which we can call the envelope of the building is a 10” thick stone and concrete composite wall where the stone can be seen from the outside and the smooth concrete surface from the inside. Considering the heavy rainfall in the area and clients' wish for minimum maintenance stone was a natural choice for the exterior. The rugged exterior texture of the stone is countervailed with 9” thick exposed brick walls along the courtyard. The dining and veranda in the courtyard are covered with a 200 mm filler slab. The roof is constructed in a fabricated steel frame covered with cement fiber board and a waterproofing layer.
The material pallet consists of natural materials. The use of stone and exposed brick for the walls has left very less area to be plastered and painted. The brick walls are not directly exposed to the rains and display interesting geometric expressions in form of arches and circles, twists and corbels! Natural stones like Basalt, Shahabad, and Tandoor are used for flooring. Stone slabs are also used as partitions in toilets and store. Recycled wood procured from the local scrap market is used for all the wooden requirements like columns, windows, door panels, and Furniture.
The house searches to express itself through simplicity. We had set our sights firmly on crafting and curating spaces with a sustainable focus. The material palette and earthy textures used reflect the modest lifestyle of the clients. The landscape complements the context. A conscious effort has been made to plant native species to boost the natural ecology and encourage the indigenous flora and fauna to flourish. We have tried to plan a home that blurs the boundaries between indoors and the outdoors. It reflects the timeless charm and tangible humility with traditional touches. Contemplating materials and space orientations has allowed this to become climate-responsive architecture.
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