Houses | South City Residence
The issue of privacy and independence was tackled with a different approach to the modern Indian family; two identical houses were designed which were joined together through balconies and a common compound area.
​6450 SF
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2019
Traditionally, the Indian family system has been associated with that of a joint family; in recent times, that has changed with each unit that is a part of the joint setup developing a specific requirement of space and privacy. The client brief necessitated a house for two brothers, on two adjoining plots.
The problem was tackled with a different approach to the modern Indian family; two identical houses were designed which were joined together through balconies and a common compound area. This gave the two brothers independent houses to project their vision and maintain a connection between both spaces at the same time. With a unified facade, the two houses end up looking one. Open spaces and connection with nature has been incorporated at varied levels with two gardens in the front and back of the house. A take on modern Indian joint family living space, Twin house sets a precedent for Indian homes today.
Houses | South City Residence
Retail & Hospitality | USI, Rohini
Commercial Offices
NOIDA
8000 SF
2009
The boom in business process outsourcing to India has spawned an entire industry of purpose-made buildings that cater to the specific needs of this segment. Due to the paucity of commercial buildings that can accommodate a large number of people that need to be gathered under one roof, companies often rent out adjacent buildings thereby creating a fragmented urban campus. Dotted with street vendors providing ancillary services, the open areas are physical manifestations of forced agglomeration. The boundary walls of individual buildings are unnecessary divisions, creating chaotic parking patterns and inhibiting pedestrian movement.
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The client owned a corner building that abutted several such buildings rented to a single company. By designing the interiors specifically to suit the needs of the tenant, it was possible to optimize the floor plan for maximum utility. The service core was restricted to the exposed west façade, creating a large blank wall that would inhibit heat gain into the building. The remainder of the elevation was covered with a large aluminium screen designed to cut the glare of the sun and temper the light quality within the corner vertical circulation. The north façade was covered with floor to ceiling double insulated glass to maximize daylight into the floors, yet controlling heat gain. Rear facades were treated with operable puncture windows to allow air movement.
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At the ground level, the boundary wall was removed to create a more pedestrian-friendly zone and permit more freedom in vehicular parking. This also helps to integrate the building in the fabric of the city, as it sits on a visible plinth, rather than disappearing behind the veil of a low wall. A small security office with an extended public seating area was retained at the corner, articulated in the form of a large portal emphasizing the main entrance.