Green House, Ahmedabad
Architecture, interior design and landscaping by Ar. Hiren Patel at HPA, creates a synergy through synchronization, resulting in a beautiful house.
“I believe in working on projects that are a co-relation between man, material and nature as there is an in-built harmony within these three elements. It has been my constant effort to make optimum use of these components and achieve growth, excellence and perfection while contributing to the society, conserving nature and respecting tradition.”
Ar. Hiren Patel
Sustainability is the principle concept behind this project, which has been achieved with the help of technology and architectural features. Well versed with the climatic conditions of the hot city of Ahmedabad, the architect designed the house such that it receives daylight without gaining heat. A huge tank was created underground that uses harvested rainwater for household chores. A STP (sewage treatment plant) was also installed, and is used by the neighbours as well.
On entering the house, a ramp leads to a formal living room amidst frangipani. The dining space-facing ‘Buddha Court’ connects the formal living room and the family room. The latter, comprising of huge openings, that illuminate it well, and the plantation around that create a microclimate, make this the most desirable space in the house.
The ground floor accommodates the formal living room, family room, kitchen and dining as well as a prayer room. Two bedrooms and a music room are on the first floor while the son’s bedroom, a gymnasium and open terrace are on the second floor. In the bedrooms, the ceilings have been elevated to allow light. The designers have used locally available materials that were not harmful to the workers involved in the construction.
The house is designed to maximize natural light while focusing on heat reduction. The external façade of the house makes this immediately apparent. The unique design of the wooden screen on the exterior allows sunlight into the house while blocking the interior from view and keeping it cool by casting shadows that change through the course of the day. The exterior design is similar but not quite like the ‘jarokhas’ and ‘jallis’ of traditional Indian houses. The landscaped terrace garden too helps in reducing the overall heat gain and improving the microclimate of the house.
Lohia Residence, New Delhi
Principal Designer Abhigyan Neogi and his team at Chromed Design Studio, bring an elevated sense of comfort and design to this refurbished home defined by under-stated luxury
“An attempt to blend the traditional and the modern in a contemporary urban home with an architectural play of natural light and shadow enables a warm, timeless feel of this uber-chic home. Recreating the familiarity was a challenge but it totally feels and looks like an extremely happy home. It is a masterpiece because of its exemplary style and beauty.”
Ar. Abhigyan Neogi
Breaking away from the rigid design style of modernity with its over-the-top opulence, the clients opted for a home that evoked feelings of warmth and understated luxury. The whole built form is inspired by the unconventional artistic taste of the client. Richly detailed, the residence provides a sumptuous visual feast with interest in every corner. The aesthetics are a fusion of multiple design elements while celebrating each object’s individuality. Focused on minute details, the curvature of lights, the cuts and frames of furniture are also of prime importance.
The urban edifice, designed with traditional elements such as a courtyard and contemporary green-efficient design, is articulated around a square/rectangular geometry in plan. But the spatial arrangement within this straightforward framework is a complex interplay of large and deep spaces and connections that stretch across the length of the house in various directions.
The main objective was to open up the plan of the building so that enough natural light seeped into all parts of the house. Another major structural change was the addition of a lift. Modifications were carried out to achieve the flexibility of an RCC structure in a load bearing one by adding metal girders wherever the walls pulled out.
The minimalistic façade of the bungalow with a wooden cube protruding out is camouflaged by tall Asoka trees. The tranquil architecture of the exterior-façade, which has a thermo ash cladding, and the well-defined open garden at the front, juxtaposes with the tussled lawn, with the slate-clad boundary wall on one side and a water body on the other.
The ground floor typically comprises of the common spaces. As one enters, a door to the left reveals a guest bedroom with attached bath. The entrance lobby leads to the dining room on the right and living area on the left. The latter is interrupted with the view of an elevated platform filled with stones and plants against the backdrop of the slate boundary wall outside. A slatted wood panel covers a portion of the ceiling and blankets a wall opposite the platform. The earthy black cuddapah flooring adds depth to the space while interesting art pieces lend support to the red and grey furniture. The dining space has an interesting look out to the open replicating a glass cube popping out of the built form.
The first floor is accessible through the brown khareda staircase and the lift between the living and dining area. The family lounge with its welcoming plush sofa setting and soft lighting, offers a view of the front deck through huge glass and oak doors. The master bedroom has a cement board slab appearing afloat on the ceiling; it breaks the monotony and creates contrast to the brown and beige interiors. In the second suite, an artistic partition segregates the bedroom from the study-cum lounge. Minute detailing like brass strips on the stone floor enhance the beauty of the space. On the second and last level, an activity room, lounge and terrace help the family unwind. Cool kota and jaisalmer in a chevron pattern and lush trees around add to the serenity of the terrace.
Raghavan House, Chennai
This residence-cum-commercial building designed by Oscar & Ponni Architects, is an example of how traditional materials can be used in the exteriors and interiors to create a modern edifice
Nestled in the bustling TTK road in Chennai, the stately building is a blend of contemporary Zen and organic architecture. The Raghavan building with a built-up area of 16,000 sq.ft. is a mixed use building that has a swanky I-Phone store on the ground and first floor level, and residential apartments on the second and the third floors. The double height staircase lobby has a beautiful mural of a tree. Granite clad steps lead up from the commercial space of the building to the residence above. In the basement is the car parking and engineering services of the building.
“The concept - courtyard in the urban sky – was that of an urban edifice designed with traditional elements, natural materials, and a clear integration of the outdoor space of the courtyard with the indoor architectural spaces. The clients are firm believers of nature and vaastu and the design brief emphasised the need for integrating nature with every part of the living spaces.”
Ar. Ponni M. Concessao
The compound wall, exterior paving, indoor flooring, counters and elevation of the building are extensively clad by 4-inches thick Sadarhalli grey granite, especially hand-picked and transported from the Sadarhalli quarries of Karnataka. Taking the principle of Zen and the stone temple of Karnak in Egypt, each stone member of the elevation is a 15 feet high 4-inch thick granite monolithic block. These granite blocks are combined with natural wood fascia, steel and glass to form an elegant symphony of contemporary architectural design.
The furnishings and furniture are contemporary in nature and almost ascetic in style. The landscape’s simplicity, tranquillity and grace is emphasized by use of grey granite, pebbles, wild grass and shrubbery. The stone sculpture, designed along Zen principles, integrates a waterfall, and the combined effect is one of a peaceful forest in an urban jungle.
The design is low maintenance, cost-effective and energy-efficient. The building plan is based on an efficient structural system in the form of modular grid, which helps in quick construction and is earthquake proof. The electrical loads have been adequately planned with emergency backup DG systems, and there is water supply and fire protection systems in place, along with rainwater harvesting. All the MEP services are planned as per NBC 2007.
In the Lap of Luxury
The architecture, interior design, furniture and furnishings at this residence in Kondli, all done by Essentia Environments, reflect the concept of luxury living with style, grace and beauty
This luxurious retreat home in the outskirts of New Delhi has been designed and made for a family of three generations. Spread over 3,600 yards of land, it comprises a 3 bedroom guest outhouse, a 4 bedroom self use separate home, and a standalone mini personal spa building with lawns, pools and water bodies. Outdoor cookouts, outdoor movie projection, and well fitted out servant and guard quarters make this a self-sufficient property. Use of weather-resistant materials ensures ease of maintaining the property.
“We never focus on how good the property will look on our day of handover. Our focus is always to manage how beautiful the property will look as it ages.”
Monica Chawla Creative Director, Essentia Environments
“A distinctive feature of this property is the detail in which each element from architecture to final handover has been a consistent, well thought out concept.” Hardesh Chawla Director, Essentia Environments
A super luxury bathroom will mimic the luxury and comfort experienced in a spa; a place to relax and pamper oneself. And this is what we have tried to achieve. There is a thoughtful amalgamation of clean, clutter-free natural lines, offset by use of contrasting materials and their textures. Chic lighting, selective furniture pieces, paintings, sculpture, and stylish accessories add to the luxurious ambience of the place.
The challenge is to develop the character of the bathroom; to make it practical and functional, yet dramatic. In this residence at Kondli, we have brought a feeling of serenity into the space, which is reflected by the ample use of natural stone, wood, wallpaper, glass and a lot of natural daylight. Glass windows, with screens as an option, offer a view of the greenery outside and add to the enjoyment of a bath without hindering the sense of privacy.
We have added drama to the space with vertical gardens, metal jaalis, wall paintings and sculptures. The bathrooms are bright and spacious, with glass walls, glass partitions, and mirrors, while the lighting is a mix of bright and subdued lighting.
A luxury bathroom will of course have the latest products of high-end brands. We have installed the most modern amenities that impart a strong sense of functionality, ease of use and internationals standards of hygiene. The sanitaryware products are from Gessi, Laufam, Kasch, Cartell and Valdama. The natural stones used extensively are Burberry Beige, Statuario, Lady Grey, Botochino Crema, Grey flurry, and Grigio Venzia.
Color combinations of white, grey, natural walnut wood, and a hint of rose gold metal, contrast beautifully with the tones and textures of a variety of materials. For instance, all the walls have been clad either in stones like Bianco Moonface, or pasted with fabric look-a-like washable wallpaper.
The furniture has been curated by Essentia and customised to the last detail with hints of leather, stone, metal, polyester finished wood, distressed glass, swede with detailed workmanship. There are over 72 works of art, sourced and curated by Monica.
Provence, Gurgaon
Designed by C.P. Kukreja Architects, Provence is one of the most luxurious residential developments in the National Capital Region
Location: Gwal Pahari, Gurgaon, Completed: August 2015, Area: 58,000 sq.ft.
“Provence was envisioned to redefine apartment living by providing the ingredients of a truly limited edition experience of living amidst nature”. Ar. Dikshu Kukreja
With rapid urbanization, the real estate properties in Gurgaon continue to raise the standards of living day by day. Featuring apartments ranging from 6000 sq.ft. to 10,000 sq.ft., the site is flanked by a 9-hole Golf Course on one side and farm houses on the other, a tranquil spot nestled in the green belt of the Aravalis. Each apartment has a pool and a private garden, while the penthouses have private elevators. The interiors are well-spaced, luxuriously furnished and provide breathtaking views of the Aravalli Hills, that evoke a sense of ‘Living amidst Nature’.
The penthouses have world-class amenities like private plunge pools and personal gyms. Separate space planning and architectural features for apartments and penthouses has created variations in the overall look, further punctuated by different fenestrations and overlooking balconies. Some of the balconies have green sit-outs that act as sound and heat barriers as well as form a part of the eco-friendly vertical architecture. The project maximises its efficiency by making use of natural light and passive ventilation, which render comfortable interiors throughout the year.
Modern Habitat With Traditional Goan Architecture by Sun Estates
"Luxury is key to our projects and Sun Estates has mastered the art of harmonizing modern habitat design with natural landscapes"
- Suraj Morajkar, Owner, Sun Estates, Goa
Goa is home to scenic beaches, quaint shacks, and mega parties. It's a beautiful blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures. Apart from being a global tourist destination, Goa is seeing a surge in demand for second homes, especially with property prices soaring in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.
Mangrove Villa
While it's true that demand slowed a bit in the past couple of years - partly due to the ban on mining and non-finalisation of the regional plan - Goa has remained a preferred destination. While north Goa emerged as an investment market, home seekers preferred south Goa. North Goa, however, offers better rental and resale avenues, and is popular with tourists. It is also better developed.
Goan architecture is defined by traditional courtyards, streets, shaded windows, balconies, and verandahs. While staying true to the essence of Goan architecture, we have over the past two decades successfully reinterpreted it in a modern way. Goa is blessed with beauty and Sun Estates has enhanced its allure through its construction projects, both in the residential and the high-end hospitality space.
Riverfront Villa
Having completed several projects since our start in 1995, namely Club Bernard. Aquadeux, Aqua 3, Solitude, Saipem Hills, and Sage House, Sun Estates is now in the big league of real estate developers in Goa and has been recognized as the 'Real Estate Brand of the Year 2015' by Business Goa.
Casa Col
We have consistently set benchmarks in terms of appreciation value for our niche clientele of industrialists, NRIs, celebrities in Bollywood, fashion industry and sports. Our ongoing projects include boutique villas, beach houses, farmhouses, residential villas, luxury apartments, commercial spaces, and hospitality projects. Goa is an architectural marvel and every project of ours has been conceived on a theme. And to maintain the premium exclusivity, no two projects have ever been designed on a similar theme.
Sun Estates is also developing a house that pays for itself - a pioneering concept in which the home buyer pays only 25% of the total value of the house. The house is then taken on by Lemon Tree Hotels which then markets the property and uses it like a holiday home for the rest of the year. The income generated is used to pay off the balance amount for the house.
Garment factory by Amit Khanna, AKDA
Within the industrial context, this building designed by Amit Khanna, Principal AKDA, is a refreshing change - whether in the high quality of surface finish, or in the attention to construction detail
The practice of segregating land use by typology is a vestige of neo-colonial planning, evidenced in the district centers, residential "colonies" and isolated institutions of Delhi. Within the larger masterplan of the National Capital Region, Kirti Nagar has almost always been a purely industrial area, and coupled with Naraina, runs parallel to the railway tracks that lead to the western part of the country. A largely failed public infrastructure of roads, sewerage, and water has been overcome by hardy entrepreneurs that continue to inhabit this urban landscape, primarily to benefit from the easy availability of labor and the central location within the city.
Organic pattern of the adjoining informal settlement, a complex geometry of varying sizes was developed
Within this harsh, overcrowded context, we inherited a half-acre site that abutted the railway line, but was separated from it by an informal settlement of ragpickers and garbage sorters that had encroached on the roads on two sides. Housing nothing except for a disused cement godown, the decision was made to tear down the existing building and create two identical buildings that would capitalize on the new building regulations that permitted the construction of nearly 100000SF of production space.
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| Cross bracing the beams diagonally distributes load while maintaining a thin profile | |
The client, an export-oriented garments manufacturer, wished to consolidate all their manufacturing processes within this new facility. Not only would the new building was planned to maintain a high quality of interior space from the productivity perspective, it also needed to account for the complex movement of material, entering as raw fabric and exiting as a finished, packaged product, destined for overseas shipment. Over and above these fundamental requirements, the building also needed to be constructed sustainably, with limited long-term maintenance and an appropriate selection of finishing materials, services, and appliances.
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| The striped aluminium ceiling | |
Limiting the columns to the periphery, allows easy expansion to the upper floors and freeing up ground space for vehicular movement
Spacing the columns generously allows for large windows that ensure maximum daylight in the interior spaces, reducing dependence on artificial sources of light. Circulation cores at either end of the building house toilets, stairs, and elevators. These cores also house the vertical ducts that provide cooled air to the production floors, eliminating the need for electricity guzzling air conditioning. These large ducts are centrally planned within each floor, allowing for even distribution of air to all workers.
Although, primarily designed as a production unit, the building also houses a 6000SF office space within the ground floor Block A. Designed completely in white tones, the office area has an innovative baffled aluminum ceiling that incorporates LED strip lighting while effectively masking the electrical, air-conditioning and fire-fighting services. A large showroom opens up to a garden terrace, creating a pocket of nature within a heavily industrialized context. A bright orange cafeteria that acts as a breakout space for employees and the director's room both, also have independently accessed and private terrace spaces.
"One of the major challenges on this project was the design of the road facing facade. While the other facades received a strictly climatic treatment, with appropriate divisions and sun shading, a large expanse of the building faced north towards the approach road. Rather than create a simplistic, repetitive glass facade to enclose the building, it was decided to incorporate the local context into the design of the elevation. By picking up the organic pattern of the adjoining informal settlement, a complex geometry of varying sizes was developed. These were then staggered in the vertical plane and each plane given a different color, resulting in a three-dimensional surface that has several elegant organizing principles. The different colors catch and reflect light differentially, yet harmonise into a uniform texture when seen from a distance," says Amit Khanna.
| Project Information | |
| Typology: | Commercial |
| Name of Project: | Pixelet |
| Location: | Delhi, NCR |
| Principal Architect: | Amit Khanna |
| Design Team: | AKDA |
| Built-Up Area: | 1,00,000.sqft |
| Start Date: | 2014 |
| Completion Date: | 2016 |
| Civil Contractors: | Adhunik Infrastructure |
| Structural: | Space Consulting Engineers |
GM Architects led by Galal Mahmoud Reinterpret Moroccan Architecture
The Sofitel Tamuda Bay is a luxury five star hotel that opened in June 2016 in M'diq, a town located on the northern coast of Morocco. It offers104 bedrooms and suites, eight bungalows and five villas spanning a total floor surface area of 38,128 sqm. Located on one of the most beautiful Moroccan beaches of the Mediterranean, it is set against the stunning backdrop of the Rif Mountains.
Galal Mahmoud took the cultural references of northern Morocco and reinterpreted them in a contemporary language, and then integrated them into the final design. The very essence of the project is the fusion of the opposing shores of the Mediterranean: on one side, the French Riviera's world of contemporary art and glamour and on the other, Morocco's charming traditional crafts and authentic lifestyle.
The project won Best New Hotel at the 2011 International Hotel Awards and Best Luxury Beach Resort in Northern Morocco, and the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2016 went to GM Architects for their work on this project.
Photo courtesy: Christophe Gay & Luc Boegly
35XV is a unique, hybrid residential-educational building
The building design establishes two distinct identities: one for the school, addressing the street realm, and one for the residential tower above, that addresses the sky. Anchoring the building, a stone-clad cubic base continues the scale of the block's street wall. Careful modulation of fenestration and a "chiseled" design vocabulary equally accommodates the school's functions and establishes the residential use's identity.
| Fact File: | |
| Location: | New York, NY |
| Architect: | FXFOWLE |
| Client: | Alchemy Properties, Angelo Gordon |
| Completion: | 2015 |
| Area: | 170,000 GSF / 15,800 GSM |
| Certificate: | Leed Silver |
| Photographer: | David Sundberg/Esto |
Poised above, the tower's sloped, shard-like forms and fish-scaled glass cladding reflect the sky, appearing to de-materialize the tower. The building's sky exposure plane – a zoning bulk restriction that traditionally limits design – is used here to sculpt a unique form that offers residents light, airy interior living spaces with unparalleled views of the surrounding cityscape.
The building's base incorporates classrooms, a STEM lab, rehearsal space and a commons for Xavier. A mix of one-two- three- and four-bedroom units occupy the top 18 floors, while a seventh floor amenity space includes a gym, lounge, children's play room, shared wine cellar, and communal terrace.
A hybrid structural system was employed, with a steel frame at the base that supports the school addition and allows the tower to cantilever 17 feet over the existing school building, and 36 feet over the rear yard, comprising 40% of the residential floor area. The tower is constructed with flat-plate concrete to provide an ample footprint for apartments, and to allow for maximum planning flexibility. Completely independent MEP systems and vertical circulation infrastructure are provided for the two principal uses.
Nestled in Nature by Studio KIA
By Ar. Himani Ahuja
The home of architect-designer duo, Sabeena and Rajiv Khanna, located in the urban hub of Gurgaon, oozes simplicity and comfort, and echoes their love for Nature. Their personal space is contemporary and minimalist within, and natural and earthy on the outside with brick tiles for the exteriors and manicured lawns.
Entering the wood slatted gate, one is welcomed by a canopy of sails over the driveway in a fluid geometry with lush greens all around. The pride of their garden is a tall palm tree with a banyan growth wrapped around it, sourced from a nursery in Uttranchal. Stone statues in soft sandstone sourced from Dhrangadhar in Gujarat dot the garden in abundance. There is also an intimate sit-out under a lemon tree and a barbeque corner for small social gatherings. The larger lawn with Champa trees and Ficus topiaries, sees early morning yoga sessions with friends, and dawns a surreal appeal in the evenings as the strategically placed lights come on.
The entrance lobby unfolds the spaces beyond. The large living-dining-lounge space flows into each other to accommodate large gatherings with ease. The double height lounge connects the upper and lower levels of the house, and a skylight above allows ample natural light inside. The bedrooms have been planned across different levels of the house with large picture windows in each room allow ample natural light within.
The whiteness of the house inside is further accentuated with large picture windows for a strong indoor-outdoor connect. 'Wooden chiks' have been used throughout the house as against curtain drapes, and these create a beautiful play of light and shadow on the surfaces within. The only wall color in the house is the ochre yellow backdrop wall of the lounge. The focal feature upon entry to the house is a large antique Tanjore painting which is a prized possession. Though the house makes a contemporary design statement, the living room corner with its dark wood flooring and mango wood ceiling rafters, creates the perfect ambience for the collection of Tanjore paintings.
The furniture and joinery tones are in natural wood with an emphasis on the darker palette. The rooms are airy and spacious with ample natural light filtering in throughout the house. Floorings in dark green marble juxtaposed with in-fills of yellow Jaisalmer stone in the lobby and staircase areas are supplemented with vitrified tiles in neutral tones in the public spaces, while the upper level bedrooms have dark wooden floors.
This home, with its personal touches, eclectic design sensibilities, and lush green outdoors, makes for a soothing and calming realm within a bustling metropolis.
Weekend Home by Zero9
| Fact File | |
| Design: | Zero9 |
| Design support: | Amrita Slatch |
| Photography: | Sebastian Zachariah |
| Plot area: | 4000 sqft |
| Built-up area: | 2500 sq.ft |
| Location: | Daman |
| Key design features: | retained all existing trees |
| Lighting: | north and east natural lights+ Philips lamps |
| Project duration: | 10 months |
The design process initiated with planning along the trees, leaving two foremost palms as a part of the front open space. The mango tree was treated as the retro-fit outdoor seating beneath the tree, retouching the client's age old memories of their ancestral home. Another palm being along the indoor jacuzzi, open to the sky ensuring its natural growth. Drain pipes were left to ensure the palm received enough ground water and the rest was drained out from the structure. The fourth palm was wrapped around by a pergola above the verandah, beautifully framing its verticality. The fifth palm, the tallest of all, gave us an opportunity to let it pass through the bar counter in the living room, to the master bedroom and out in the sun, and be seen from the master bathroom's skylight.
The living room extends on two sides simply by sliding the windows, one side to the verandah and other to the jacuzzi area.Natural light was invited inside through the impactful skylight and full height windows into the living room. The staircase mid landing was opened up with glass to ensure light penetration on both the flights and keep the space naturally lit.
The Master bedroom housed a balcony which would see inside the living room as well as the external side (south). The window facing the west houses a plush seating to enjoy the sunset. The stunning coconut palm trunk enclosed in a glass cubicle ensures rainwater is a visual treat and not a water riot inside the bedroom.The master bathroom with a skylight is the show stealer. The palm fronds through the skylight above the shower area gives an inspiring view.
Farmhouse With ‘Feel Good’ Dimension by d6thD Design Studio
Nestled in the rural landscape of south Gujarat, on the outskirts of Surat city, this 450 sq.mt farm house sits in a beautifully landscaped plot of 1.25 acres near the magnificent Andheshwar Shiva temple in Amalsad Village.
| Fact File | |
| Project: | Vashi Farmhouse |
| Location: | Amalsad Village, Nr. Surat, Gujarat |
| Built-up area: | 450 sq.mt |
| Site area: | 1.25 acre |
| Client: | Anand Nimesh Vashi |
| Principal Architect: | Himanshu Patel |
| Design Firm: | d6thD design studio |
| PMC: | Phoonyx Consultant |
| Landscape Consultant: | Earthscapes |
| Photo credits: | Maulik Patel, Nitin Panchal |
| Completion: | October 2016 |
| PMC: | Pritesh Soni, Phoonyx Consultant |
This weekend house has a rootedness in local regional elements of design and decor. Right from the sloping roof to combat the heavy rainfall prevalent in this region, deeply covered verandah that acts as the transition space from the hot exteriors, and the heart of the home - the centrally placed inner courtyard around which are arranged the other living spaces, remind you of the homes of your ancestors. Its culturally responsive environment that explores the various facets of nature, acts as an energy refueling and recharging node.
The scheme comprises two blocks: One houses four bedrooms, living, dining, and kitchen, while the other circular block is for visitors/trustees from the nearby famous Shiva Temple built by the client. The ‘H-shaped’ plan for the residence is conceptualized around the idea of two green zones, an indoor courtyard and an outdoor landscaped garden as extensions to the indoor spaces and also diluting the boundaries between the inside and outside.
A fascinating drop-off area, semi covered by a wooden pergola and a lily water body, lead to the corbelled brick wall entrance. A stone slab verandah rested on twisted exposed brick column in front of the courtyard, divides the private and public areas. The entrance verandah has polished and rough finished golden kota stone along with cutouts in slab. A series of twisted brick columns around the courtyard add drama to the space.
The living space is highlighted with geometrical patterned flooring of reused old marble tiles with ceramic inlay. Sheesham wooden sofa with earthy soft furnishing, customized dining chairs with elaborately cantilevered shapes, and a loose stone chip hardscape passage with a rectangular roofing skylight add the required warmth. The flat deep verandah not only protects the living space but also creates a romantic rooftop sleep-out space. The gazebo just above the entrance door, creates a sense of security and at the same time, is a sit-out for the upper level bedrooms. Every bedroom opens through large folding doors to a private outdoor balcony/verandah offering views of the garden or courtyard.
The bathrooms are flooded with skylights. Exposed cement finished wall and kota stone flooring complement the robust, textured granite back panel with brushed golden faucets in the rain shower area. The staircase leading to the upper floor is done with solid thick kadappa stone steps and open riser wooden planks. The materials and techniques employed reflect a cultural and climate sensitivity to the area. The foundation is of random rubble stone masonry, and 14" thick load bearing exposed brick walls in quetta bond, act as thermal insulators.
The house integrates numerous roofing techniques with different volumes: The ground floor bedrooms have locally made clay pots filler in RCC slab, low height rough kota stone roof with steel girder above verandah and high volume pitched roof with decorative clay ceiling tiles. These construction methods also create training and jobs for the neighboring villages. Old methods of construction are recalled like brick arches contrasted by stone wall emphasizing the visual resonance of both materials lending the project an earthy and rustic feel. What tops it all, is the reuse of old wooden door window and marble flooring materials in large quantities. Part of the building which is circular in shape is a response to reusing curved-shaped old windows.
Outdoor deck and gardens serve as expansive entertaining areas. As the trees grow and the building ages, built-and un-built will become more indistinguishable and graceful. Soft mounds, grassy lawns and plants in a variety of scales, colors and scents juxtaposed with exposed brick and stone bind the house. When natural and man-made are in sync, it creates the right balance.
Innovation Through Transition by Renesa Architecture
| Fact File | |
| Category: | Residential Renovation |
| Area: | 3340 sq.ft / 310 sqm |
| Completion: | 2016 |
| Site Contractor: | Star Construction |
| Lighting: | White Lighting Solutions |
| Team: | Sanjay Arora, Sanchit Arora, Vandana Arora, Virender Singh, Manav Dang |
| Photographer: | Vibhor Yadav - RENESA's Official Photographer. |
Casa Green Lattice is a revamp/refurbish project that plays with the volumetric approach of the existing old dilapidated built structure's façade, and blankets a different architectural mass to it, to play with the ideology of the existing concrete and nature.
For the client, the basic need of getting nature and fresh air into the house was the need of the hour with the current environmental issues pertaining to the capital. He had a simple ideology of not changing the structure but wanting the architects to innovate with the existing commodity to merge with the presence of a green skin and tone of the residence. Renesa Architecture Studio looked at the juxtaposition of the city life versus nature, and immersed half the built mass into nature and the other into the present concrete.
"Casa Green Lattice has been conceptualized on the basic principle of not only trying to reduce the carbon footprint of an existing building, but also using nature as an aesthetic commodity to complement the forgotten nature of the city. An imprint of right architectural ratio with the right amount of greens to infuse nature into the built mass, Casa Green Lattice provides a simple solution for the potential utilization of such old forgotten structures in our societies," says Sanjay Arora, Founder & Principal Architect.
The old structure with very heavy concrete slabs inhibited natural light, proper ventilation and circulation within the house. The architects cleaned up the external mass and heaviness to create a simple straight structural skin. A tinge of green lattice provides the right pause to the facade development. The use of external heavy slabs complement and give a sense of horizontality to the building. The design ideology of dividing the facade into two halves created an interesting (green planter) permeable layer leading onto the solid massing of the elevation treatment.
The planters and the layer of different draping plants were arranged along the side balconies running into the railings to not only provide cool, fresh air to ventilate the space, but also to cut down on the solar gains, and hence, provide the sustainable aspect to the whole design theory of the house. At the same time, the green planter skin provides a different dimension to the whole design scheme of transitional facade. The draping plants with their different colors, sizes, and schemes, change with the seasons and provide another story for the façade, along with the added benefits of summer heat losses and winter heat gains.
"While the horizontality of the thick old slabs have been merged with the steel planter design detail to soften the look, the integration of the permeable nature skin promotes a rejuvenation and renaissance of the old structure. The Green Breathing Wall Skin is a typical case of innovation in the right ratio and right quantities. The simple ideology of day-to-day events clubbed with the Green Lattice work as a Gardening Act provides efficiency to the building and helps the architect in communicating a new design philosophy to the client to fall in love with nature via architecture," says Sanchit Arora, Head of Studio Architect & Concept Design.
By combining the inherent idea of architectural play and tranquility, Renesa has come down to an immersive and multi-disciplinary environment for the viewer to experience, where the greenery becomes an omnipresent element for the Casa Green Lattice.
At Casa Green Lattice, formerly an old dilapidated Rajasthani structure, innovation started right from revamping of the old available structure and modifying it into a new spatial configuration. The coming in of new columns, new beams, new structural modules and members gave a fresh ideology and approach to the facade treatment. The green skinning of the facade via the green lattice layering was one of the main glorifying aspects which came through a process of innovating with the given levels of the structure.
"We identified the importance of the building's design scheme to provide the right solution through the renaissance of the old Rajasthani cultural architecture and art decor. The rightful play of interiors with the old dilapidated Rajasthani elements is one of the major innovations at the Casa Green Lattice, along with the play of ethnic wallpapers that provide the right cultural theme for the inhabitants," says Vandana Arora, Interior Decor Head.
The Classic Cube
The distinctive residential tower called The Cube, is located on a prominently visible location in the eastern part of Beirut, Lebanon. Soaring 56,6 meters on a steep parcel, its design concept is simple but extraordinarily effective, offering fantastic views of Beirut and the Mediterranean to the residents.
With its sculptural appearance of stacked boxes, the building design brings a new level to the concept of high-rise and the architecture of towers. Not an extrusion of a singular floor plan, but a unique structure of individual villas. The rotation and displacement of the volumes on each level, offer residents magnificent outdoor areas on the roof of the apartment, with panoramic windows up to 12 meters wide.
| Fact File | |
| Project: | The Cube |
| Client: | Masharii SAL, Karim Jabbour |
| Design: | Orange Architects, The Netherlands |
| Technical drawings: | CBA Group |
| Size: | 5.600 m2 |
| Date: | May 2011 – October 2015 |
| Photography: | Matthijs van Roon |
Thanks to the fixed core with lifts and staircases at the heart of the building, there are no constraints on the layout of the apartments. The floors run straight from the core to the facades, which on each floor, are composed of two supporting concrete girders and two panoramic window frames, consequently rotated 90 degrees per level. Both the crossing girders and the core serve to stabilize the tower, an extra challenging task in a seismologically active area.
The white coated perforated girder walls of concrete determine the appearance of both the exterior and the interior of the building. The parking for 42 cars is located underground in three layers and partly set into the adjacent hill. On the ground floor, the recessed space for the lobby is covered by a spectacular cantilevering volume, creating a nicely covered place and marking the generous entrance of The Cube.
The structure of the building is made up of a new generation of reinforced concrete called SCC Concrete or "Self-Consolidating Concrete", allowing the loads to go down only in the four overlapping areas of the rotated girders on every floor (a surface of approximately 35×35 cm. on each crossing point), with no additional structural slabs added to the facades. The protective nano particle painting on the exterior façades of the building creates an extremely smooth and dirt resisting finish.
The Cube was awarded by The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) with the CTBUH 2016 Tall Building Award for Middle East & Africa region. According to the Jury report, The Cube indicates a clear alternative to the extruded box typology that defines the majority of residential high-rises around the world, instead, comprising a stack of completely unique villas in the sky. The tower is particularly successful in its structural design, which features a system of elegantly framed girder walls that add visual flair and allow for completely unobstructed floor plans.
Hand-Blown Glass Wall Tre Bicchieri Restaurant
Tre Bicchieri Restaurant, designed by CARBONDALE in Sao Paulo. The restaurant's façade composed of 3-types of wines glass stacked end-on-end to create a monumental wall that obscures the views inside. The 950 glasses were hand-blown in Murano Italy and integrated facial profiles of each of the 3 restaurant owners within the stems of the 3 glass types.
The Blown Wall Concept
CARBONDALE's expertise is creating architectural designs that are customized specifically to each Client. "Tre-Bicchiere" translates from Italian to "3 Glasses" and is a restaurant owned and run by 3 Restaurateurs in Sao Paulo Brazil. Each of the 3 owners plays an important role in creating a very "inclusive" dining experience, the Chef, the Sommelier and the Maitre d'. CARBONDALE looked to capture the name and identity of the restaurant, the personality of the 3 owners and serve as an iconic feature for restaurant's image. It was important the Facade of Glasses obscured views into the restaurant from the exterior but maintain a blurry veil to prevent diners inside to feel over-exposed to passers-by. We created a mirage-like perception to convey the magical quality of what is a high-end dining experience.
Creating the Blown Glass Wall
CARBONDALE took profile picture of the 3 restaurateurs owners, then transferred the highlighted silhouette to the Murano craftsmen. The glassblowers studied a number of techniques too shape the three elements that make up the glasses; the base, stem and bowl for each of the three profile types to create a wooden guide. Once a guide was perfected, the 950 glasses were hand blown and crafted using the guide for continuity. There are small difference is each glass which adds handmade quality of the installation.With the arrangement and density of the glass wall pattern, CARBONDALE studied to find the right balance of transparency and translucency. The most important factor for adjusting the degree of visibility came from the LED lighting integrated in the façade frame to wash the glasses laterally with light. The LED lighting intensity adapts and adjusts with light sensors according to the changing amounts of natural light.
Installation Process
Following the delicate shipment of the glasses from Venice Italy, we worked with a Brazilian glass specialist to meticulously attach the each glass end-to-end with invisible ultra-violet glue. The columns of glasses were then placed on ultra-clear glass shelves sandwiched in an airtight space between two layers of facade glass. It's more of an art installation than a typical construction project.
YOLO Life Smart Homes designed by Ar. Reza Kabul
"YOLO Life is a path-breaking residential concept offering 'smart' living units with all the conveniences of a modern, enabled lifestyle, and are very affordable. These plug and play homes only require their owners to move in, so there is no time or money involved in setting them up," says Yogesh Mehra, Co-founder & CEO - Radical Spaces and Director of Better Homes.
With a focus on coupling luxury with convenience, ultra-modern amenities at the fully furnished, automated homes include a food court, 24x7 concierge service, bar, gaming room, gymnasium, community hall, a business centre, and round-the-clock unit-level facilities management.
Partnering real estate developers get a readymade model and their only responsibility is to build the project according to YOLO Life's specifications. Radical Spaces then manages the end-product properties along with brand-level marketing and sales support to the developer. Radical Spaces is also deploying 20 Mobile Experience Centres which will take the concept directly to the target groups.
It has tied up with leading residential developers in Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Baroda, to deliver YOLO Life homes in their respective cities. All projects will be strategically located close to IT and business parks, schools and colleges with fast access to main roads and public transport points.
Understanding the Smart Home Concept
According to Mehra, most developers of 'smart' homes have miscalculated the demand for technologically-enabled properties. "People who consider such homes are not looking to buy into a social stratum of luxury defined by massively expensive homes - they are looking to buy into a lifestyle," he says."For this reason, the desire for 'central' locations has given way to 'well-connected' locations, while the focus on 'size' has yielded to a focus on 'lifestyle quotient'. They want in-house services which reduce the demands that day-to-day maintenance puts on their time and energy.
"Specialist agencies are now partnering with developers to provide just that. Since standardization is essential to reduce costs without compromising on quality, they give developers a model that provides high lifestyle performance in smaller spaces at well-connected locations. The size parameters are inflexible so this model cannot be juxtaposed on existing buildings with varying apartment dimensions. Therefore, such agencies partner with developers right from the project design stage."
The result is an entirely new breed of homes. The response from nuclear families, working individuals and even buyers nearing retirement is understandably unprecedented. This is ultimate value in every sense. Such lifestyle-oriented residential offerings are still few in number, but the demand for them indicates that rapid growth in this segment is assured.
The Architect Behind YOLO Life Homes
Along with modernity, the firm has focused on sustainable and cost-effective solutions by using a host of eco-friendly and locally sourced building materials. Fly ash bricks, manufacturing of which saves energy, reduces mercury pollution, and costs 20% less than traditional clay bricks, are used as the core building blocks. The exterior of the structure is a confluence of plaster, cement and paint, with the façade highlighted by vibrant colors. The lighting design ensures optimum ingress of natural light and ventilation in each apartment, while photovoltaic cells generate energy to power the public areas.
"The key architectural feature of YOLO Homes is that the concept remains uniform across locations, that is, the sizes, elevations, and amenities will be similar across all projects with a few additions and deductions depending on the local context," informs Kabul.
Each fully equipped, ready to occupy apartment is furnished by IKEA, and pre-fitted with an air conditioner, television, refrigerator, microwave, water purifier, burner hob and chimney, and tiles for flooring. All apartments come with a terrace and a fully done up kitchen. Security solutions include CCTV surveillance, security alarms, video door phones, and IP access control. The hangout spaces have large LCD screens, areas for playing pool, football, virtual golf, watching movies and match screenings, holding events, etc.
The upcoming property at Bhugaon, Bavdhan Annexe located on the outskirts of Pune, will be the first of a series of YOLO Homes, offering a combination of regional convenience and handcrafted selection of facilities and services. The design of YOLO Homes is such that it can be adapted locally with certain contextual changes. With this business model YOLO Homes implements the entire concept, along with selection of architects, furniture and accessories, vendors, landscape designers and interior designers. It also creates design elements that brand and market the product. Furthermore, the business model offers project management services for 10 years which includes resale, leasing, property management, and on-site events.
XRBIA - Making A Difference
Rahul Nahar, Founder, XRBIA Developers, describes the greening aspects using technology in their upcoming townships to Seema Gupta
Please elaborate on XRBIA's sustainable solutions using technology for its housing projects.
Technology is our main differentiator. XRBIA has always worked towards bettering the lives of its residents and to work towards this goal, we have embraced the latest advancements in technology to build sustainable townships. The energy that powers each township in XRBIA will be generated and managed using sustainable sources. Utilities will be delivered via renewable sources, with water, electricity and sewage recycled and controlled through the resident's smartphones. Internet of Things technology runs a customer portal, access, and security and billing systems. Our entire system operates on the SAP ERP system, a world leading platform for business processes.
XRBIA's renewable technology is a green solution in our endeavor to build sustainable townships. This renewable energy system does not only benefit the environment, but is also expected to cut the average utility bills of our residents each month.It comprises of 3 main components:
The Biogas Plant: An upward anaerobic sludge blanket plant is used to treat solid & liquid waste to generate Biogas, organic manure & portable water. This leads to appropriate waste disposal and the prevention of disposing at the solid waste disposal site, making it a significant catalyst in reducing overall emissions. Depending on the total quantity of Biogas generated, it can either be used as cooking gas or to generate power using a 100% Biogas generator.
Water Treatment Plant: Efficient water and waste management systems produce alternate resources such as good quality organic manure & treated wastewater to the satisfaction of Pollution Control Authorities, through the recycling of water and the treatment of solid and liquid waste. Water is sourced from the ground through bore wells and rainwater storage tanks, and is also acquired through the recycling of waste water.
The PV and Battery Plant: It uses renewable sources of energy such as solar power, reducing our dependence on traditional fossil fuel-based sources. Electricity is generated from the photovoltaic cells and stored in deep discharge tubular battery banks. Batteries which store over 50% of the project peak load are used to discharge electricity during non-sunlight periods.
XRBIA Hinjewadi project 3D elevation
What modern construction methods are being used at the project sites?
Construction time of XRBIA townships is considerably faster than industry standards. Our construction technique utilizes steel framing dry technology. Most buildings are manufactured off site and fabricated with the use of nuts and bolts onsite. 90% of the buildings are built in a factory and shipped to site. Wastage is less than 1% compared to 30% for conventional techniques.
Because the construction technology does not use concrete on floors or roofs, the structural weight of the building is very low, leading to lighter foundations. With its cutting-edge construction technology, based on a hybrid of steel framing and concrete form work that produces homes at low cost within short timeframes, we have managed to slash build times to just six months.
What are some of the key benefits to residents at XRBIA townships?
From providing drinking water through taps, to using RFID technology for security, we're executing a wide range of innovative ideas representing everything that technology makes possible. We are applying the world's latest technologies in energy conservation, sewage & water management, telecommunication, safety etc. We are pioneering ways to be more earth-friendly. Our cities are designed to incorporate responsible planning, building standards and landscaping that protect the environment and are sensitive to the ecosystem.
Our smart security systems will use technology to ensure the safety of our residents. We use biometric access to control each home and visitors will communicate with residents through a building intercom system. We will use boom barriers at the entry gate of the townships to detect RFID tags placed on resident's vehicles.
Our XRBIA Smartcity mobile app will enable residents to get real-time data of utility usage like water, gas and electricity, and they can make payments on consumption basis via their smartphones. Utilities will be delivered via renewable sources, with water, electricity and sewage recycled and controlled through the resident's smartphones. Internet of Things (IOT) technology runs a customer portal, access, security, and billing systems. Our entire system operates on the SAP ERP system, a world leading platform for business processes.
Y-Shaped House with Rooftop Pool
Located in Northeast Tainan, Y House looks set to become the focal point of a new residential development that will become a weekend retreat for city workers. The 330 m2 villa looks on its surroundings with living spaces raised onto a four-floor stem. A private rooftop swimming pool takes prime location, cradled in the dip of the Y-shape of the building. The proposal gives an identity to an otherwise nondescript site, standing out amongst the rest, and marking the development from a distance.
Approximatelya 40-minute drive from Tainan City and the sea, the design of the villa derives from the optimum volume for the house but then raises the living spaces to give residents prime views over the surrounding landscape, rather than their next-door neighbour's fence. The more communal spaces of the house – the living and dining rooms – are given priority in the top of the volume, which is bent into a Y shape to form the private swimming pool. Below this, bedrooms including; two children's rooms, a master bedroom and a guest bedroom, are stacked above a ground-level tea room meant for entertaining guests. Both stairs and a lift give access throughout the house.
Y House sits within a tranquil pool with small gardens and stepping-stone pathways, the positioning and orientation of which is all arranged according to the practice of Feng Shui. Large, circular windows puncture the concrete shell of the building giving light and airy interiors without interrupting the Y shape of the villa. In the top volume, the dining space is sandwiched between two tribunes which not only provide access to the solarium and changing rooms before leading up to the rooftop pool but give extra storage and spaces on which to relax. Even here windows are cut, looking both down into the calm pool below and up to the one above; letting the dappled light shine into the living room that floats above the dining area.
| Fact File | |
| Project Name: | Y House |
| Location: | Tainan, Taiwan |
| Year: | 2014+ |
| Client: | Wonders Information Co. Ltd. |
| Size & Programme: | 330m2 private residence |
| Structural engineers: | Envision Engineering Consultants |
| Photographs: | MVRDV |
Y House's distinct concrete façade with circular window openings creates a light-filled experience with its furniture integrated fully into interior spaces, that is, stairs merging with living deck, and a concrete roof evoking sculptural elements.
MVRDV was set up in Rotterdam (the Netherlands) in 1993 by Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs and Nathalie de Vries. MVRDV engages globally in providing solutions to contemporary architectural and urban issues. Its unique approach to design range from buildings of all types and sizes, to urban plans and visions, publications, installations and exhibitions. The work of MVRDV has received numerous international awards. MVRDV works with BIM and has official in-house BREEAM and LEED assessors. Together with Delft University of Technology, it runs The Why Factory, an independent think tank and research institute providing an agenda for architecture and urbanism by envisioning the city of the future.
MVRDV's current projects include housing projects in the Netherlands, France, China, India, and other countries; a public art depot in Rotterdam, the transformation of a mixed use building in central Paris, an office complex in Shanghai, and a commercial centre in Beijing, a transformed elevated highway into a public park called Skygarden and the dual entertainment facility Paradise city, both in Seoul.MVRDV is also working on large scale urban masterplans in Bordeaux and Caen, France and Glasgow, Scotland. Larger scale visions for the future of greater Paris, greater Oslo, and the doubling in size of the Dutch new town Almere are also in development.
MGM COTAI Reveals Design Vision of an Architectural Icon Opening in 2017
The jewelry box design
The striking jewelry box design draws inspiration from local culture and modern design. The stacked boxes of each tower have been shuffled and cantilevered to create a single modern sculptural form. Through the creative use of immaculate Chinese decorative imagery for the façade expression, the abstract composition effortlessly brings to life a grand and vibrant representation of Chinese jewelry boxes, MGM's recognizable gold tones and extraordinary architecture in Macau.
Jim Murren, Chairperson and ED, MGM China Holdings Ltd, says, "MGM COTAI is already emerging as an architectural icon. The resort's diverse offerings and design elements, like treasured jewels in a jewelry box, complement each other yet follow a central concept of class, quality, and excitement, creating extraordinary experiences for our guests."
Ken Rosevear, President, MGM Resorts Development LLC and Non-Executive Director, MGM China Holdings, adds, "Desiring a unique and iconic design for MGM COTAI, we initiated a competition between internationally recognized architectural firms with experience in designing extraordinary resort projects. KPF was appointed when they proposed a design that not only resonated with our existing MGM property, but took it to a new level of excitement and visual excellence, thereby maintaining the tradition of unique iconic structures that MGM is known for."
MGM COTAI offers exceptional architectural experience at night. On the exterior, a subtle, and unique light design shines with gold, bronze and silver undertones.To achieve this effect, MGM developed an integrated lighting system across all four elevation of the towers where roughly 60,000 LED fixtures have been placed to wash the surface of the projecting feature fins, creating a beautiful glimmer.
Hunter Clayton, Executive Vice President of MGM Resorts Development LLC, says, "The architectural complexity is highlighted by the outward look and feel of the building in a profound but graceful manner. Our General Contractor, China State Construction, has done a beautiful job in bringing the design to life. From any given angle, the intricate layering, colors, shapes and sizes of the tri-colored stacked jewelry boxes seep with sophistication."
An engineering feat - The Spectacle structure
MGM COTAI's epicenter of entertainment lies in the dynamic world of the Spectacle, an innovative, multidimensional sensory experience designed to thrill and excite visitors as they shop and stroll in the heart of the complex, which connects MGM COTAI's main lobby directly to shops and restaurants. Towering above the extraordinary, Spectacle experience is a meticulously engineered column-free long-span diagrid structure as long as a soccer field, where the form of the roof has peaks and valleys that allow it to support its own weight.
Building the Spectacle roof was a feat of its own, where a forest of temporary columns, like trees, were first rooted to install digitally-engineered custom nodes which were then interconnected with angular steel to complete the framework. The columns were then removed, revealing a ceiling structure that forms a subtle wave in the sky. The Spectacle was designed to extend over the nearby restaurants and retail outlets, demonstrating the attentiveness of design experts to deliver an immersive and diverse experience.
MGM COTAI
At more than four million square feet, MGM COTAI embodies the collective efforts of architecture and design industry experts, collaborating to offer infinite layers of creativity across every square meter of the building. It is the largest property and the first private sector project ever to achieve the China Green Building (Macau) Design Label Certification.Expected to open in 2017, it plans to offer approximately 1,400 hotel rooms and suites, meeting space, high-end spa, retail offerings, F&B outlets, as well as the first international Mansion at MGM for the ultimate luxury experience. It will offer Asia's first dynamic theater and a spectacle to wow every guest.MGM COTAI is being developed to drive greater product diversification and bring more advanced and innovative forms of entertainment to Macau as it grows as a global tourist destination. MGM COTAI is the largest property and the first private sector project ever to achieve the China Green Building (Macau) Design Label Certification.
John creates compelling designs combining imagination and practicality, which are also grounded in a sustainable approach to how buildings work. His detailed understanding of what makes a successful city has contributed to a strong track record of effective planning applications and has positioned him as an authority on a range of architectural issues.
He has achieved planning consents across many London boroughs. In Southwark, he led the design of the transformation and extension of South Bank Tower, which converted a previously unoccupied 1970s office tower into a new mixed-use building with residential, office and retail spaces. Along the River Thames in the Nine Elms area, John has achieved consents on two landmark projects: AYKON London One, a distinctive composition of residential and office units, and Market Towers, which when approved incorporated the tallest residential tower in London.
He led the design of One Crown Place, a rich mixture of refurbished Georgian and new residential and office buildings. He designed the iconic transformation of Unilever House, which preserved and restored the building's historic exterior while completely renovating and modernizing the interior. The project was the recipient of over 17 awards, including MIPIM, BCO, ULI and the AIA National Chapter Honor Award for Architecture, the Institute's highest honor. John also led the designs of Sixty London, a speculative office building that responds in form to its urban context and involved the rebuilding of an original Victorian gatehouse, and the award-winning Thames Court.
The Wave House by Ar. Mario Romano
The Brief: The lyrical organic structure is inspired by the patterns of nature, where there is no repetition. Patterns vary and change. There are no two snowflakes, or patterns of zebra or giraffe that are the same. The Wave House, and each of its design elements, is as unique as nature itself. The design brief was to create a work of art for living; a home as inspiring as the natural world around us, with a program exquisitely crafted to facilitate the life of a modern family.
Approach: Lines between roof and walls are blurred; first and second stories connect organically. Shadows and light change with time of day and year. The house and its forms collaborate with nature, and with light. The lines draw the eye, and the eye follows, the lines direct our vision and our experience. White aluminum blends with cloud and sky.
| Fact File | |
| Location: | Venice Beach |
| Year built: | 2016 |
| House size: | 5,700 sq.ft |
| Lot size: | 10,862 sq.ft |
| Architect: | Mario Romano |
Digital Technique: The design-build of this rippling rain-screen required parametric aircraft design software, including Rhino's Grasshopper. The architectural team digitally scripted a "rule set", allowing them to freely adjust hundreds of individual pieces into a self-organizing form.
Undulating White Aluminum Façade
The aluminum skin was digitally rolled and unrolled, then cut by a CNC machine and finally attached to a complex metal sub-structure made of straight lines, leaving a space between the white aluminum panels of exactly 1 ¾". The shadow lines flow continuously nearly 60 feet from the top of the parapet, down the roof, finally cascading to the bottom of the front wall in one single flow, more than 300 unique custom-cut pieces. Terms like roof, wall, and eaves, gave way to expressions found in nature — fins, icing, river lines, and feathers. Layered onto the courtyard wall, an intricate two-story overlapping of "feathers" keeps the house cool and dry, allowing air to circulate beneath. The feathers pitched at 30 degrees cast constantly changing shadows throughout the day.
Interiors: The Wave House program connects all of its spaces into a holistic integrated plan, creating a seamless flow between ground floor and upper level bedrooms and interior and exterior, with broad sliding glass doors opening from the central kitchen, dining, and living space onto courtyards and outdoor rooms.
Wall and Flooring Systems: These are also custom designed and carved by computer, based on organic, non-repeating patterns. These large scale, non-repetitive designs radiate, morph and ripple over the surfaces of wall and floor. The patterns are sensual, graphic and lyrical, bringing the natural patterns of our environment inside the home. These unique wall systems are anti-bacterial, waterproof, and virtually indestructible.
Mario Romano is an artist specializing in architecture, design and digital fabrication. He is committed to advancing the language of complex geometries and manifesting them into the physical world. He blurrs the lines, from floor to roof, from wall to floor, by building facades that undulate like ocean waves and interior carved walls that blur into floors, calling his architecture a "Second Nature". Trained in construction methods, and having studied at UCLA university, he blends machines and computers to literally Print his design.
With an affinity for Nature’s forms, Mario has pioneered his own design-build systems incorporating customized digital tools, CNC machining technology with hassle-free construction techniques. He has designed and built over 50 million dollars worth of high-end residential projects from the ground up.
Mario literally sculpts his homes, sometimes standing across the street directing the building process. In one instance, he composed a facade to emulate the intricate weave of bird feathers. In another building envelope, he wrapped a home with monolithic white-metal ribbons. In one way, Mario is rocketing into the future, in another, he is returning to the organic. With Three more large project to come, each one will be unique, but like a snowflake, recognizable.
Spirit & Form at CRPF Campus Kathgodam, Uttarakhand
The majestic CRPF campus designed by GRID plc architects Rajiv Khanna and Meenakshi Khanna, is regimental in spirit and comfortable in its living
The magnificent CRPF campus is nestled on a scenic, hilly, sprawling site of 160 acres of contoured land in Kathgodam. The brief called for a campus that would reflect the ideology of the institution vis a vis creating a spatial, functional facility with the true energy and spirit of the CRPF personnel. The group centre for Central Reserve Police force with a complete administrative set-up including residential and recreation facilities, was to be designed, merging with the local ethos and environment of the land.
Within the contours of the building, multilevel zones have been created for optimum utilization of site levels and for segregating different work zones, with clear movement patterns, and the most efficient and ergonomically designed articulated spaces. The highly secured campus comprises of the Administrative block located in the heart of the complex - also the power and nerve centre of the complex. The Recreation and Guest blocks are planned in relative proximity to the main building. The staff housing units have been segregated from the work and operation zones, and given softer contours to reflect the comfortable living and relaxing purpose of the building. The units too afford a panoramic view of the blue sky, hills and valley.
High security blocks are discreetly located away from the civil zones, but all the locations of the various blocks leverage the desired level of required minimum time mobilization and reach. The shooting ranges, the exercise zones, and the stadium /parade grounds are located near the barracks and the hostel blocks. The seating arena in the parade ground is tucked into the sloping terrain with a backdrop of hills in the distance.
| Project at a Glance: | |
| Plot Area: | 6,47,553 sqm (approx150 acres) |
| Covered Area: | 50,000 sqm |
| Year of completion: | 2013 |
| Project Cost: | approx Rs.125 crore |
The challenge of constructing near a hilly terrain and hills surface runoff has been technologically managed with a network of sieves and drains, and connecting them with natural reservoirs. Use of new, innovative building materials and technologies has made it possible to complete construction in a shorter span of time. The new materials have further reduced cost of regular maintenance.
Ar. Meenakshi Khanna & Ar. Rajiv Khanna
The campus has been designed keeping eco-friendliness and sustainability in mind with a commitment to preserving the environment of this very scenic terrain. With average heights ranging between G + 2 to G + 3, the view of remains unblocked from any part of the complex.
The construction has made use of locally available stones for walls, landscapes, roads, edge stones, drainage, wing walls, etc. Rocks and stones have been cut intelligently for filling and for construction. The floors were designed to avoid sinking of the earth, and there is extensive use of solar lights and solar panels.
The outcome was a picture perfect blending of the buildings with the natural surroundings, and a view of the hills and sky in the background. The project was completed as per schedule in a phased manner, and took around three years for final completion. Working with Government projects means one learns to achieve the desired result within the stipulated budget and time frame.
Transformative Lighting by Aurecon in Buddhist Temple
Global engineering and infrastructure advisory firm Aurecon was appointed by the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum to provide specialist lighting consultancy services for a significant upgrade of its lighting system, which included an overhaul of the Temple's interior and exterior lighting sources.
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum is one of the most striking landmarks in Singapore's Chinatown district. Opened in May 2007 and consecrated in 2008 as a Chinese Buddhist temple, the Tang-styled Temple has particular importance to Buddhists as it is home to a religious relic; a Tooth of the Buddha, which is the centrepiece of the building and sits in the Sacred Light Hall on the Temple's fourth storey.
Aurecon's Principal Lighting Designer, Angela Woo-Scott said, "It was clear to us that we had to strike a balance between maintaining the serenity expected of a place of worship while also creating a system that would best highlight the incredibly detailed design of the building along with its array of artefacts. Lighting can play an important role in defining how people will behave within a given space and this project was an opportunity to use that to maximum effect."
Upgrade and improve
Aurecon proposed new lighting system, to be installed in both public interior and exterior areas (excluding the Temple's museum). In particular, emphasis was placed on improving lighting of the Temple's façade and landscape, as well as the existing lighting control systems. Much of the Temple's beauty lies in the detail; lack of adequate exterior lighting meant visitors and passers-by were not able to fully appreciate the intricacy of the building.
Rather than simply update what was in place, Aurecon was able to show the client how a new lighting system would improve the ambiance and immersive experience to create better overall appreciation of the building.
Working in a culturally sensitive manner
Aurecon's project team approached the execution phase with sensitivity, given that the facility would be operational during the upgrading work and out of respect for the religious landmark. Aurecon ensured a consistent flow of information as the project team reviewed and assessed the Chief Monk's and the management's responses as they adapted to new controls and multiple light programming. By ensuring such clear and frequent dialogue, adjustments could be more easily and accurately tailored to accommodate preferences and to improve the system further.
Solutions to technical challenges
Since the Temple was a finished structure, lighting replacement required extra careful handling to ensure no damage was caused to the building's polished surfaces and finishes, which could not be altered to match lighting fixtures.
Running new electrical cables in many areas proved impossible. In response, Aurecon's project team developed bespoke, onsite solutions to adjust the output and beam angles from light fittings to suit each space.
Throughout the project, the Temple remained fully operational from morning to night, and also when religious ceremonies were taking place. Tasks such as light testing, commissioning and turning were performed in the early mornings. Rope access could be used at these times too, to facilitate facade lighting replacement work.
Commenting on the project's success, Angela, said, "Overall, the client was happy with the new lighting; many spaces in the temple are brighter and lighted correctly with the proper tuning and adjustment of light levels and aiming. The façade lighting has helped the temple display its magnificence at night. Maintenance requirements have also been reduced; it is now easy to control lighting in all spaces. The Temple's fine and intricate details are now highlighted better. Through use of LED technology, electricity consumption has also decreased, thus making an important contribution to the sustainable and responsible use of resources."
Wanzara Bungalow, Pune
Where Style Meets Warmth
Upon entering the spacious living area, one is struck by the wide expanse of Italian marble flooring, and a room furnished with sculptures, chandeliers, and a mother of pearl center table, all of which exude an instant sense of good living and high living
Spread across 1800 sqft, this apartment in a prestigious tower at Andheri West, was interior designed by architect Milind Pai and his team. The brief was to create a home that was functional, modern, with a design bordering on the flamboyant.
Upon entering, a small lobby leads into the living room, where a stripped wood and mirror panel serves as a screen and also acts as a backdrop for a statue of Buddha. In the living area, one is struck by the wide expanse of Italian marble flooring, and a room furnished with sculptures, chandeliers, and a mother of pearl center table… all of which exude an instant sense of good and high living.
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| Laminated veneer on the ceiling with embedded lights, is matched and contrasted with the cabinets, dining chairs and table, to create light and space | High-end sanitaryware fixtures complete the luxurious look |
The living room space glows with light and warmth radiating from the lighting on the ceiling and the reflective surfaces of the mother of pearl and black mirrored center tables, the wood and mirror partition, the Bravia stone, and the mirror panels on the wall. Light coloured sofas and the heavy curtains add a touch of dignity to the room, and have a subduing effect. The area is accentuated by a cut mirror artwork, while the backdrop of walls is highlighted by attractive wallpaper. The living room opens up to a wooden floor balcony thus extending the illusion of richness and elevating the living experience.
| Project: | Residential Apartment |
| Location: | Andheri West, Mumbai |
| Client: | Desai family |
| Status: | Completed |
| Design firm: | Milind Pai Architects & Interior Designers, Mumbai |
The dining room extends seamlessly from the living room. Here, laminated veneer on the ceiling with embedded lights, is matched and contrasted with the cabinets, dining chairs and table, to create light and space.
A passage leads to the three bedrooms: the master bedroom and the others for the son and daughter. Warm accents in black and white lends a dramatic touch to the interiors of the son's bedroom. The linear simplicity of the design is broken by use of abstract wallpaper. The duct area extends into the room to become a study corner. In contrast, the daughter's room exudes a minimalistic appeal with its white wall. But sparkle is provided by the background design behind the bed with Leatherite panels with Swarovski studded in the center. Laminated wooden flooring adds warmth to the stark modernity.
The master bedroom is a blend of aesthetics and lavishness that creates an ambience of luxury + privacy
The master bedroom is a blend of aesthetics and lavishness to create an ambience that can be defined as luxury + privacy. The bed, though simple, is enunciated by the bed back which flows up to the ceiling to give a picture perfect setting. Dark brown tones with a mirror design on the wardrobe dominates the room. The attached toilet has wooden flooring tiles contrasted by cream Corian decorative highlighters. High-end sanitary fixtures complete the luxurious look.The grandfather's bedroom is neutral with off-white walls and veneer finished furniture. Here too, use of mirrors on walls bring a sense of spaciousness.
The apartment has Plaster of Paris false ceilings, a simplistic play of diffused cove lighting, light colored walls, while extensive use of veneer finish bring a warm look and feel. "We have managed to give a concrete form to the Desai family's vision of what their apartment should look like. The place skillfully juggles the diverse materials with the artworks to make every single day a special experience for the residents," says Ar. Milind Pai.
