The Nine X Nine house is a t shaped house design located in Gandhinagar, India. Fluid volumes traverse between 9 existing trees on the southern side of a 3311 sq. m. plot, with 2 of the trees punctuating the open deck areas & the others in close proximity of the house. The entry to the plot is located between a large cluster of trees on the northwestern corner revealing the house slowly as one moves inside, from the gate.
Editor’s Note: “Set against a slow and dramatic view, this house features fluid volumes that traverse and are punctuated by native trees. To enhance occupant comfort, the ‘T’ shaped plan and sectional design respond to the prevailing hot-dry climate of the region. Features such as the courtyard, water bodies, and crafted thresholds complement other strategies like IEQ and water management.” ~ Baarat Krishna
This T shaped House Design Allows Nature To Guide The Spatial Flow | Sanjay Puri Architects
The location of the built spaces towards the southern side generates a large garden on the northern side. Moreover, all the rooms are oriented towards the garden.
This is planned in response to the hot climate prevalent in this location with temperatures in excess of 35°C for most of the year & the sun in the southern hemisphere.
The House forms a ‘T’ shape in plan & section simultaneously. Entered from the northern side a central spine branches towards the east and west with a focal spiral stairway at the center. Sectionally, the house is entered at the ground level with one level above & one level below.
A generous sunken courtyard space on the western side allows natural light & air to the subterranean level linked to the ground-level garden by an open stairway along an undulating wall with a waterfall.
This waterfall on the western side and a shallow reflecting the pool on the northeastern side provides passive cooling to the spaces. 6 of the existing trees onsite were retained within the sunken courtyard & another 3 on the southeastern side.
The entrance level of the house has the common areas including the living, dining, kitchen & a guest bedroom. The upper-level houses 3 bedrooms for the family, each one opening up on 2 sides towards trees and the garden. The subterranean level includes entertainment spaces and a small gallery to display the owners’ art collection.
Every space in the house opens onto large, cantilevered decks, with partial shelter and open areas that let users adapt these transitional spaces in different ways depending on the weather.
These deep recesses serve to keep the internal volumes cool throughout the hot summer months when temperatures can rise to 50°C. Additionally, the internal palette is minimal with white marble flooring, wood furniture & subdued accents throughout.
The design ensures energy efficiency by eliminating the need for air-conditioning almost throughout the year. Additionally, it allows ample natural light into every space while incorporating water recycling, rainwater harvesting, and natural materials in the interior.
The Nine X Nine home responds to the site by retaining all the existing trees and building around them. As a result, it responds to the climate by reducing heat gain through its planning and orientation. Thus, creating spaces that seamlessly merge with nature.
Fact FileDesigned by: Sanjay Puri Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: NINE X NINE House
Location: Gandhinagar, India
Year Built: 2025
Built-up Area: 35639.31 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Sanjay Puri & Nina Puri
Design Team: Ayesha Puri, Nilesh Patel
Photograph Courtesy: Vinay Panjwani & Ishita Sitwala
Landscape Design: Studio 2+2 (Mr. Shivansh Singh)
Mep Consultants: Maheshwari Consultants
Manufacturers: Defurn, Hans Grohe, ICA Pidilite, Asian Paints, Lafit Lighting, Poliform, R.K. Marbles, Space One Veneers , Torfenster Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd.
Source: ArchDaily
Firm’s Website Link: Sanjay Puri Architects
Firm’s Instagram Link: Sanjay Puri Architects
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