Fact File
Typology : Residence
Name of Project : Prince Galada
Location : Vepery, Chennai.
Name of Client : Prince Foundations Ltd.
Site Area : 1.01 acres
Built-Up Area : 2,50,000 sq.ft.
Completion Date : 2019
Photographer : Illuminate Studio
Located in the heart of the city and surrounded by a residential neighbourhood in Vepery, the edifice marks its presence with its bold and contemporary style. Since the units were planned to be spacious, with a tinge of opulence, the challenge was to achieve a huge FSI in order to accommodate maximum number of units with large footprints in a highly linear and compact site, along with other constraints such as Vastu compliance. So, achieving an FSI of 3.5 on a constricted site, the tower displays efficient planning and design. The concept evolved by keeping functionality, efficient planning, and user comfort at the centre of the design strategy.
Following a biophilic design approach, and with an aim to break down the huge built mass, the floor plate has been split into two, at the centre of which is a huge garden for the residents. Both the blocks are equipped with a central core, allowing each unit a generous frontage with views of the landscaped area below and the city’s skyline. A well-designed circulation can significantly affect the unit size and functionality of the overall scheme; so, by minimising the circulation areas within the two blocks, the units are designed to be more luxurious and spacious.
There are two basement floors for parking. Restricted vehicular access to the periphery of the plot ensures pedestrian safety. The stilt floor accommodates retail, offices, and amenities. The 14 floors above house 70 units, including 42 lavish villas, and 28 spacious units. The swimming pools, party lawns, and terrace gardens are housed on the terrace floor of both the blocks. The central landscaped garden has a children’s play area, seating spaces, and paved pathways. A multipurpose hall on the ground/stilt floor opens out to the lush green garden. Indoor games and other recreational activities are housed at the rear end on the same floor.
The block accommodating the villaments faces the road and frames the panoramic view of the city as well as the garden area below on both sides. With the available frontage on all three sides, each space within is connected to the outside through large openings. Each villament is designed lavishly with a foyer, formal and informal living rooms, grand sit-outs, and bedrooms with walk-in closets.
The elevation is minimalistic yet striking, with a colour palette of grey and beige for the apartment facades. The plumbing shafts accommodate the outdoor AC units to ensure easy access for maintenance. The shafts are lined with closely spaced louvres, maintaining a clean appearance. Fire protection services are housed within the central core of both the blocks, along with the elevators.
Sustainable strategies have been incorporated into the design of both the blocks, rooting them to the context and enabling the residents to enjoy utmost comfort in Chennai’s hot and humid climate. Double walls made of aerocon blocks provide insulation to keep the interior spaces cooler. Windows and openings placed strategically ensure cross-ventilation and ample natural daylight. Both the blocks are zoned to cast shadows on each other all through the day, reducing the harsh heat ingress. Rainwater harvesting system and a sewage treatment plant for recycling wastewater optimise water usage.
The design of the residential project aims to offer residents the experience of living in a villa within the apartment, along with privacy, a lush green landscape, and all the amenities, for a top-notch urban living experience, laced with comfort and security.
Ar. Varsha Jain & Pramod Jain, Founders CAI
