Gujarat’s First IGBC Green Home Platinum Rating Housing Project | THE gRID Architects
Vision
Sustainable compact green building. Endorse and encourage community living. Inclusive of quality public spaces. To connect with the earth, sky, water and nature.
Ideology
The imminent need to build homes to reduce carbon footprint. To design an energy-efficient building. The approach was to have living spaces organized and planned to facilitate multi-family needs and revitalizing public and private spaces. The incredible journey to a residential abode amidst nature.
YOU SAW IT FIRST ON THE ARCHITECT’S DIARY
Project note
The design is a spontaneous response to the site surroundings. Its genesis lies in the need to integrate social housing into the urban fabric and the architects’ ethical obligations towards the society to endorse community living for a positive impact on the values and lifestyles of the human race.
The design philosophy embraces the green movement and encourages atmospheric settings for relaxation. The driving force was the focus on having a sustainable, energy-efficient residential housing project that would also endorse high-quality community living. The design of the buildings was resolved in such a way that there were two high-rise towers on the north and the south, and two low-rise blocks on the east and west. The result labyrinth of spaces, in combination with energy conservation systems and careful selection of materials, helped in the continuous flow of wind and protected the community from direct heat from the south (the high-rise to the north was created to balance the design forms). The buildings are quite linear, and are mostly composed of cubes and cuboids as these geometries allow optimization of space.
The volumetric, grid-based complexity of the structures is tautly balanced and simplified by the central garden, which is dominated by curvilinear forms. All the units are meticulously planned and have a view of this naturally integrated green space filled with birdsong, rippling water (via channels and waterbodies), interspersed with pathways and benches. The hardscaping is moulded as part of the artistically planned landscape. The organic forms of the pathway intermingle with rhythmically incorporated water channels. Placed strategically, are benches rendered from waste pipes, which acts as its structural member as well as a planter. The two high-rise towers bestow a sense of protection to the central garden. This space thus creates a festive cultural environment and adds a sense of calm to life within the community. Terrace gardens further help in creating a large social area and sit-outs for gatherings.
The gated community features three layers of greenery: the landscaping; the huge trees; and the terraces, which have been converted into gardens, activity zones and a hangout place. The ground floor is a car-free zone, and all the blocks on the ground level are like a huge clubhouse and a zone for interaction as there are reading areas and indoor games, a gym, a home theatre and walkways.
The objective of designing an energy-efficient housing community led the architects towards researching and using regional materials and local labour. The material palette features high-pressure laminate, sandstone, exposed concrete, Stonecrete, aluminium powder-coated louvres, glass, vitrified tiles and eco-friendly colours. It also uses greywater recycling strategies that reconnect the urban residents to the natural water cycle and increases the productivity of the ecosystems. The design was developed in shear wall structure to free up space for the residential units and car parks. All car parks have been accommodated in the basement.
This housing project benefits from the ideology that it is people who occupy a home and make it beautiful. The design deliberation centred around finding an equilibrium in the structure, landscape and a sequence sensitive to human interaction. The planning thrived on creating a sense of ‘arriving home’ and creating a programme in which public spaces became extended living areas.
CONCEPT SKETCHES :
Location: Ahmedabad Gandhinagar highway
Details of the space (area in sq ft) Plot Area: 7102.00 Sq.M / 76445.92 Sq. Ft.
Concept & Interior Design: tHE gRID Architects (Snehal Suthar/ Bhadri Suthar)
Principal/ Creative Director : tHE gRID Architects(Snehal Suthar/ Bhadri Suthar)
Team: Hada Vishwajeet – Keyur Patel
Photograph credits: © PHX and Kirit Engineer
Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL) blurs the boundaries between structure and nature with the conceptualization and design of the elemental villas at Ananta Spa and Resort, Ajabgarh. Nestled amidst the majestic Aravalli ranges, the design of the resort draws inspiration from the vastness of its surroundings and natural elements. Each villa type, including Earth, Lagoon, […]
The design of Habitat 0 begins with the central concept of a vacation home community organized around a circular form. This layout places individual spaces radially around a central circular courtyard, creating an environment where every space has access to expansive views of the surrounding greenery. The circular design is essential in fostering a deep […]
Nestled in the tranquil village of Thenipalam, Malappuram, Aman is a 2,800 sq. ft. residence, manifesting its Urdu namesake, meaning peace, sanctuary, and security. Designed by Vaktra Architects, this traditional Kerala home is a testament to simplicity, blending Kerala’s tropical ethos with contemporary elegance. This Traditional Kerala Home is Rooted in Simplicity and Modern Elegance […]
Pranjali – The Doctor’s Bungalow is a peaceful and practical modern bungalow design located in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The name Pranjali, meaning “a graceful offering” or “a gesture of respect,” reflects the spirit of this residence—a calm, humble, and thoughtful space created for a doctor couple seeking balance in their busy lives. The design goal […]
The contemporary style architecture house is located in the lively urban context of Thaltej, Ahmedabad nestled within a private cluster of four bungalows. Though the home enjoys the benefits of community, it also maintains a high degree of privacy and seclusion. This is achieved through a carefully considered spatial arrangement, despite the proximity of a […]
Screenwriter and director Megha Ramaswamy approached Fractal Chaos to design an organic home as a weekend retreat in Pasli Gaon, Velhe—a village about 150 km from Pune. The site is located between the Deccan Plateau and the Western Ghats, which gives it a unique ecology with 4 seasons. Drawn to the land by a bordering […]
Situated in the bustling residential neighbourhood of Koorkenchery, Thrissur, Dr. Lakshmi’s residence stands as a refined architectural response to a narrow 15.53 cent plot. The 4214.07 sq ft home is a seamless blend of modern traditional kerala house, with an Indonesian inspired grey white exterior that exudes sophistication. The design strategically employs linear planning, integrating […]
Imagine a home that breathes with the breeze, where sunlight filters through lush foliage, and the vibrant hues of nature are an extension of your living space. Tropical houses are architectural marvels; a profound dialogue between human habitation and the natural world, born from centuries of adapting to warm, humid climates. Far from rigid structures, […]
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 […]
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 […]