A Sustainable, Tradition-Inspired Building by Sanjay Puri Architects

Screen 504, a project by of Sanjay Puri Architects, takes cues from the traditional architecture of the region, resulting in a building that is energy efficient and sustainable.

Screen 504 is a 21-storey apartment building with 78 apartments and a total constructed area of 20,000 sqm, located on a 3,690 sqm site in Udaipur, Rajasthan. At every level, 4 apartments are planned in each quadrant to allow visibility and views of the surrounding hills.

Traditional architecture in the region dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries has multiple examples of projected screened balcony spaces to combat the excessive heat of the summer months, which can vary from 35° to 48°C, providing privacy simultaneously. Taking a cue from this, a mix of screened decks and open deck spaces front each room of each apartment to mitigate heat gain and provide transitional spaces between the indoors and the outdoors.

Each apartment has 5 balcony spaces fronting the living room and the bedrooms. Some of these are open, and some are screened with sliding screens perforated with a traditional pattern. The screened decks can be opened partially. One of the decks in each apartment is 20 feet high. The residents have the option of using single height 10 feet high decks, or 20 feet high decks, which can be completely open, partially open, or completely screened, depending on the weather.

Based upon the client’s brief and the governing rules, a total area of 20,000 sqm is permissible on the plot of 3,690 sqm. The height restriction of 70 m and the mandatory 14m open spaces on all sides necessitated a building block of 36mx30m in plan with a height of 70m. Within these restrictive parameters, the apartments are designed with minimal internal circulation spaces and with all rooms facing the external views, facilitating natural light and ventilation. Community spaces including a gym, swimming pool, community hall, and games room are located at the ground level and there is a rooftop terrace and garden.

Fact File

Location: Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Gross Floor Area: 20000 sqm
Site Area: 3,692 sqm
Structural consultant: Shalini Gupta and Associates
MEP: Resonance
Landscaping: Satatv Design Consultants
Completion: January 2025
Photo credits: Vinay Panjwani
Source: V2com

The entire perimeter of balconies and the rooftop terraces are collectively drained to a rainwater harvesting tank. In addition, water is recycled and reused for gardening. All the internal walls are made of fly ash brick. Locally sourced sandstone is used for the perimeter walls of the site and within the landscaped spaces. All these factors render the building sustainable.