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
The way we design spaces that people inhabit goes beyond mere functionality. It requires an intentional sensitivity to how each detail shapes the overall experience and interaction with the surrounding ecological context. Nestled in the suburban periphery of Nashik, the project occupies a 3700 sq. ft. plot located at the dead-end of a street, adjacent […]
Kerala style homes have courtyards surrounded by rooms on each side. Traditional Kerala-style homes have a central courtyard known as Nadumuttam surrounded by rooms. These homes promote natural light and ventilation according to the region’s climate. These homes, due to the feature of courtyards as their core spaces, offer beautiful opportunities for social gatherings. This […]
In a time when design is often reduced to trends, Yaahvi’s light design stands as a reminder of tactility, tradition, and craftsmanship. Founded by Nikita Bansal, who journeyed from Assam to the global design stage, champions a philosophy where contemporary aesthetics meet age-old Indian craftsmanship. In this exclusive interview, Nikita reflects on her early influences, […]
India, a nation bustling with innovation and a constant drive for progress, is increasingly embracing an unconventional yet incredibly promising architectural trend: container architecture. We are witnessing a fascinating transformation, as discarded shipping containers, once traversing the high seas laden with goods, now find new life as dynamic, sustainable, and surprisingly sophisticated living and working […]
This bungalow style house influences the site context and can be visualised in multiple facades of sharp edges & cuboidal form. Her,e salient features like U-Projection are an expression of the bench on a level one. The house divides itself into three bays. On the ground floor, where first bay acquire all public activities like […]
Imagine yourself on the terrace of your hidden mountain retreat, drinking a fresh cup of coffee as you admire the sunrise emerging from behind the rolling hills across the valley. This serene atmosphere is exactly what Hello Wood’s latest project, the Console House, is designed to offer. The Console House showcases modern architecture design while […]
As cities continue to grow and evolve, there is a growing desire to incorporate elements of rural living into urban design. By embracing rural living principles, cities can create more eco-friendly and sustainable spaces. Rural living is not just about wide-open spaces and rolling hills. It’s also about community, sustainability, and a connection to nature. […]
Located in the thriving city of Ichalkaranji, this is an example of luxury residences is a seamless blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication. The striking exterior, adorned with brick and natural stone cladding, exudes warmth, character, and permanence. These rich textures create a visually captivating façade, harmonizing tradition with contemporary design while making a […]
Throughout history, stone has embodied permanence, artistry, and raw beauty in architecture. From the grandeur of Roman amphitheaters to the earthy elegance of modern villas, stone remains a beloved material for its strength, sustainability, and aesthetic richness. As design trends evolve toward natural materials, eco-conscious decisions, and biophilic design, stone has found new expressions — […]
The space adopts a biophilic office design and climate-responsive approach, creating a workspace that reimagines urban interiors by deeply embedding them with nature. The style is earthy, minimal, and modern with a strong contextual sensitivity to its location. Also, a lush canopy surrounds the bare-shell site on the first floor, allowing for abundant daylight and […]