VAYU House, a unique southwest facing home situated on a compact corner plot, revolves around effectively addressing the challenges and stands as a testament to innovative principles aimed at meeting the diverse needs of a multi-generational family. The abode, conceived with a vertical approach, optimizes the available space with a particular focus on the element of Vayu, representing air or wind in Hindu philosophy while responding to the environmental and cultural context of the region. The emphasis on Vayu underscores a commitment to establishing a harmonious living setting that respects architecture and functionality equally.
Editor’s Note: “This residence in Nagpur with its solid structure and wooden screening embraces design aesthetics, functionality and environmental consciousness. The inclusion of Biophilic elements and gardens allows for better ventilation and a cooler atmosphere within. The abode is an enchanting tale of thoughtful design and cultural sensitivity.” ~ Simran Khare
A Unique Southwest Facing Home Situated On A Compact Corner Plot | The Grid Architects
The box-like architectural form is a direct response to the constraints of the plot’s size and its south-facing orientation. This choice minimizes openings on the south side to mitigate excessive sunlight exposure, while recessed openings on the west side allow filtered sunlight and controlled airflow.
The resultant structure establishes a visual coherence that complements the natural surroundings. This thoughtful architecture and the integration of solids and voids in the form of courtyards and balconies create a dynamic interplay, allowing for functional voids that enhance air circulation and sunlight penetration, generating an environment that feels open, airy, and harmonious with its environment.
The incorporation of Wooden screens in the exterior façade, strategically placed in the southwest, serves functional and aesthetic purposes, controlling light exposure and ensuring privacy. These screens align with a biophilic approach, fostering a connection with nature and enhancing occupants’ well-being. The facade prioritizes the optimization of natural light and ventilation, featuring recessed windows and balconies.
The southwest facing home is sensitively organized to cater to various needs and preferences. The ground floor hosts common areas, including a visitor’s lounge, servant rooms, and general facilities. Multiple entry points, including a regular entry for vehicles, pedestrian access, and a dedicated entrance for visitors, ensure seamless connectivity. The introduction of elevators facilitates vertical movement, enhancing accessibility to different levels of the residence.
The subsequent levels exhibit considerate spatial organization. The first floor serves as a semi-private zone, housing formal living, family living, daybed, dining, kitchen, and utility.
On the second and third levels, private zones unfold, featuring bedrooms designed for both children and adults, thus providing ample space for privacy when desired, with meticulous arrangements to accommodate a diverse range of extra-curricular activities. The result is a dynamic and versatile living environment, seamlessly blending personal retreats with communal ones.
In response to the vertical design, each floor incorporates small gardens and courtyards. These green spaces contribute not only to the visual appeal of each level but also play a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality. The integration of carefully selected plants aligns with principles of sustainability, creating a refreshing and nature-infused atmosphere throughout the residence.
Nagpur, situated in the western region of India, experiences predominantly hot weather. The planning takes this climatic reality into consideration, aiming to provide a comfortable living environment year-round.
The inclusion of small gardens on each floor, along with well-planned landscaping, assists in temperature regulation, ensuring that the indoors remain pleasant even during the hotter months, enhancing energy efficiency.
The fourth floor is dedicated to a terraced oasis fashioned with meticulous landscaping. The terrace provides ambiance for relaxation and social gatherings, extending the indoor living to the outdoors and also offering panoramic views of the surroundings. It stands as an apex element in the form composition.
The house transcends the conventional definition of a dwelling; it is an architectural narrative that skillfully weaves together aesthetics, efficiency, and environmental responsiveness. The Designers have created a dwelling that goes beyond mere shelter.
The home stands as a testament to the synergy between thoughtful design, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to crafting spaces that significantly enhance the quality of life for its diverse occupants.
Fact File
Designed by: The Grid Architects
Project Type: Residence Architecture Design
Project Name: VAYU House
Location: Nagpur
Year Built: 2023
Project Size: 10000 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Snehal Suthar & Bhadri Suthar
Photograph Courtesy: Ashish Bhonde
Firm’s Website Link: The Grid Architects
Firm’s Instagram Link: The Grid Architects
Firm’s Facebook Link: The Grid Architects
Source: Archdaily
For Similar Project >>> This Aesthetic Courtyard House With Lush Landscape Design Offers A Calm Aura To The Users
“Viraam,” a 4000 sq ft house design that embodies its literal translation: “a pause.” The vision is to create a sanctuary for relaxation, introspection, and to escape from the constant demands of daily life – an urban void for personal retreat. Editor’s Note: “Viraam is not just a house, it’s a pause. A place to […]
The facade of this Indian contemporary house design strikes a careful balance between solids and voids, with sculpted forms that reveal the inner workings of the space. The design plays with light and shadow, creating visual depth and intrigue from the exterior. The form resembles a cuboid that has been scooped out, while the outer […]
This 5 storey building takes inspiration from ancient haveli architecture. “Hailing from north India, the family held deep nostalgia for haveli, large residences with communal courtyards called chowks, projecting balconies called jharokhas and intricate brick or stone lattice screens called jaalis, vernacular to many western and northern regions of India,” said SJK Architects partner Vaishali […]
Set in the serene landscape of Nashik, the Dabholkar Residence by GDA is a home, embracing stone clad walls. Here, tradition and contemporary design exist in harmony. Designed to reflect the family’s deep connection to tradition and art while embracing the style of contemporary living, it is a space where architectural details, heritage furniture, artwork […]
This remodelling project aimed to revitalise a load-bearing house while respecting its original integrity and adapting it to contemporary needs. The design approach prioritised minimal structural intervention, allowing the existing framework to guide spatial reconfiguration. Careful consideration was given to preserving the load-bearing walls, which formed the backbone of the original construction. Openings were strategically […]
Redefining Indian temple architecture, the relocation of the existing shrine due to a new residential project presented an opportunity to design a space that seamlessly integrates tradition with contemporary needs. The given 400 sq. ft. site was envisioned not merely as a shrine to Lord Datta, a local deity, but as a vibrant community space, […]
Nestled within a 30×40 ft plot is the compact house design in Banashankari 6th Stage, Bengaluru. This residence for the Ellappans, reimagines traditional Indian living in a contemporary, spatially dynamic form. Designed for a family of three- Mr. Ellappan, his wife, and their teenage son- the house expresses a deep connection to vernacular roots while […]
This multi generational home is a testament to the ability of the design practice to blend aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. Keeping environmental sustainability and the welfare of the community at the forefront, Bhowal designed a home that was truly ahead of its time. His visionary approach and the Design Consortium’s expertise in providing 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 […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]