The design of this residential complex is done in response to various sociological, physical and climatic factors of the region and takes into account the human behavioural patterns of the people of the area.

The building form generates a large garden of 4000 sq m (50% of the plot area) for outdoor activities. The Garden also acts as a buffer between the existing bungalows on two sides of the plot thereby maintaining their privacy. A circuitous path along the garden facilitates the celebration of the popular festival of the region, Navratri within the complex.

A large internal courtyard within the building form allows cross ventilation and forms a cool area for playing and social gatherings during the day since temperature rises to 45 degrees Celsius in the summer months. Kitchens where women spend most of their time (social habits of the region) overlook these courtyards, thus allowing visual interaction.

The internal layouts of all the flats are done in conformity with ideal furniture arrangements, minimal passages and maximum cross ventilation ensuring functional utility of all spaces within the house.

All windows are recessed by 2’-0’ to reduce the harsh sunlight and are flanked by storage niches. Balconies front all living rooms, acting as transitory spaces between the inside and outside.

Common corridor areas ‘Float’ within skylit voids allowing visual openness and interaction whilst moving through the building. Double height terraces are created to allow outdoor activities thus becoming spaces that are normally associated with bungalows.

Considering these factors this building inspite of being the only large one in an area of low rise development is successful in terms of design to its inhabitants.

The design of the group housing project achieves the object of providing affordable high density housing, generates the type of spaces that individual low rise houses normally possess and turning into advantage various factors like openness , view, large recreational areas that high rise development can offer in magnitude.

2000

2002


SANJAY PURI

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Vinesh Gandhi