Editor’s Note: There are times when one encounters a built persona that can leave an unforgettable impression. The Prism House is one such powerful presence with its monolithic temperament. An experiential piece of design with sublime details, it rejoices with the raw and self-sufficient side of architecture. ~ Nishal Sevak
Today, many of the notable architectural projects, be they of residential or of public nature, focus on innovating structural systems and majorly styling façades or their appearance, probably driven by a strong urge to develop iconic landmarks within the urban fabric. This narrative often misses out on acknowledging the vast creative process hidden in the dialogue between the client and the architect. Prism House by Matra Architects is a refined excerpt of residential architecture.
Prism House by Matra Architects is a Refined Excerpt of Residential Architecture | Matra Architects & Rurban Planners
Visit: Matra Architects & Rurban Planners
“There will never be great architects or architecture without great patrons” – Sir Edwin Lutyens. Designing successfully bespoke residential architecture involves engaging with the clients, their values, stories, and idiosyncrasies. It may turn out to be an opportunity to explore unknown archetypes.
“I describe the design process as the tip of the iceberg. What you don’t see is the long haul: all the endless auditing and things like that” – Sir Norman Foster.
“Prism,” a residence built on two amalgamated plots, each of 668 sqm in the south part of Delhi, attempts to dwell on experiential qualities and spatial nuances of living in a “house.” Spaces within the six-bedroom house, mindful of ecology, climate, and Vaastu, defer to the requirements of three generations of the family.
The large double-height entertainment & guest block (gazebo), with building-related services located in the basement, has been planned thoughtfully along the north part of the central garden. It faces the central garden and the main house, equipped with formal-informal living areas on the ground floor and bedrooms on the first and second floors.
Terraces, a study, and a gym with personalized private courts on the mezzanine/attic floor create a complete and complex living experience.
The plot where the building, as per Vaastu’s directions, had to be located, is shaded during the winter months by the neighboring building. The key idea was to find a design strategy to harness the favorable southern sun from the roof. This was realized by not only providing skylights that generally are higher on maintenance on top of the roof but also by placing small and large courts directly under the roof cutouts.
These then feed light through all seasons into the adjacent spaces, i.e. the attic and the bedrooms in the lower floors. Thus, the section of the building became pivotal to the entire project and resulted in a distinct roof landscape. These sloping roofs reduce the perspectival height of the building, enhance the plasticity of the monolithic concrete blocks, and provide spectacular views of the roof landscape, the neighborhood, and the sky without compromising privacy.
The design ensures that the external experience of the imposing and rhythmic saddle roofs continues into the interiors of the main house, subtly organized around a well-lit double-height central vestibule with a sculptural staircase that serves as a dramatic and dynamic connection for the family’s activities.
“I don’t design nice buildings – I don’t like them. I like architecture’s raw, vital, earthy quality” – Zaha Hadid. The extensive use of light grey exposed concrete walls continued uncompromisingly with precast and insulated concrete sloping roofs, dare to set off against the exuberant interiors and the landscape, akin to the shell of a fruit that has to endure the test of time only to protect the main fruit.
Fact File
Designed by: Matra Architects & Rurban Planners
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: The Prism House
Location: New Delhi
Year Built: 2021
Project Size: 12916 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Verendra Wakhloo
Photograph Courtesy: Edmund Sumner, Ashish Sahi, Mayank Sharma, Sergio Ghetti & Matra
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Website Link: Matra Architects & Rurban Planners
Firm’s Instagram Link: Matra Architects & Rurban Planners
For Similar Project >>> A Striking Brick House with Hints of Traditional Design and Essence of Reformed Living
Rooted in a newer extension of the vibrant city of Ahmedabad, this abode represents a fine tune of modern design sensibility with timeless material expression and spatial volumetric connections. A home for a family of 4 which balances openness with privacy, functionality with aesthetics and luxury with warmth. The physical orientation of the east facing […]
Perched gracefully along the edge of a manicured golf course, this C-shaped weekend retreat blends the spirit of Balinese home design architecture with a clean, modern palette. Designed as a sanctuary for rest and reconnection, the home opens inward and outward simultaneously—embracing a central courtyard while framing uninterrupted views of the fairway. This Balinese Home […]
Located in HMT Layout, Bangalore, Isha_Srinidhi Nilaya stands as a multi-generational home designed on a compact 60×40 ft (2400 sq. ft) East facing plot, with a total built-up area of 8000 sq. ft. East Facing a lush public park, the residence responds to its urban setting through a layered design that balances privacy with a […]
Located close to the historically-rich South Indian city of Mysuru, Solum embodies the endeavour towards living simply and close to nature. The client hails from a business background and yet harbours a fondness for the modesty and simplicity of an agrarian lifestyle. The young entrepreneur had always dreamt of developing a full-fledged farm self-sufficient in […]
“Even within the smallest green lies all the purity and freshness of Eden.” This idea became the seed for Eden Moss, a home nestled in an ecological environment and imagined as a breath of freshness, evoking the scent of mud after rain, and seamlessly intertwined with nature while still embracing comfort and contextual charm. Nestled […]
Adorn, a home filled with earthen design and the laughter of a family of four, nestles in the peaceful neighborhood of Selvapuram, Coimbatore. “On one side, it shares boundaries with cozy family homes; meanwhile, the other side opens to expansive fields dotted with tall trees.” The fresh air scented with greenery sets a calming atmosphere […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]