search
  • Reinterpretation of Building Materials by Deepa Suriyaprakash

    Welcome to a discussion on the innovative reinterpretation of building materials, presented by Deepa Suriyaprakash at the Indian Interior Design and Architecture Summit (IIDA) 2023. This event, featured a panel of distinguished architects and designers from across India. The theme of the summit was “Architecture and Beyond: Building Community by the People, for the People.”

    Deepa Suriyaprakash: A Brief Background

    Deepa Suriyaprakash is a prominent architect and founding partner of Between Lines, Bangalore. She holds a degree in architecture from the National Institute of Technology. Furthermore, she pursued studies in the theory of architecture and design at Ohio State University. With extensive experience from working with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP in Chicago, she has been at the forefront of innovative architectural practices since her return to India in 2008. Her interests span travel, teaching, critical theory, graphic design, and material studies.

    Journey into Material Exploration and Waste Management

    Suriyaprakash’s journey as an architect has been deeply influenced by her fascination with materials. Starting as a student, her continuous exploration led her to fully immerse herself in waste management around 2015. She founded a company to help manage and segregate waste, which heightened her awareness about the lifecycle of materials.

    Reinterpreting Building Materials

    At the summit, Suriyaprakash discussed her approach to using materials in architecture. Additionally, emphasizing the need to return to methods where communities can build with their own hands. Historically, building materials were local, reusable, and accessible, a practice that has diminished with industrialization. Her philosophy advocates for a “cradle to cradle” model, promoting sustainable practices that minimize waste and maximize material reuse.

    Material Innovation in Projects

    Deepa shared several examples demonstrating innovative use of materials:

    1. Granite Scraps to Gabion Walls: Utilizing discarded granite pieces to create aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound gabion walls.
    2. Composite Wall Systems: Using leftover quartz and granite trims to protect mud walls, blending traditional methods with modern aesthetics.
    3. Adaptive Reuse: Employing car windshields as façade elements, showcasing how materials can be repurposed without significant energy expenditure.
    4. Hume Pipes as Cabins: Proposing the use of Hume pipes as sleeping cabins for a resort, demonstrating an inventive reuse of industrial materials.

    The Secondhand House

    In one notable project, Suriyaprakash built a house for her aunt in Chennai using predominantly secondhand materials. From bricks to grills and tiles, all elements were sourced from the seconds market. This project exemplifies how architects can create cost-effective, aesthetically unique homes by repurposing materials.

    People’s Participation and Empowerment

    Suriyaprakash emphasized the importance of community involvement in construction. By empowering people to participate in building their own homes, architects can foster a sense of ownership and sustainability. She cited examples from a small village, Tanur, where locals reuse materials from historical structures for their own building needs, embodying the principle of adaptive reuse.

    Conclusion

    Deepa Suriyaprakash’s presentation at the IDAS 2023 Summit highlighted the potential of reinterpreting building materials through sustainable practices and community involvement. Her work challenges contemporary architects to rethink the lifecycle of materials, advocate for eco-friendly construction methods, and empower individuals to participate in the building process. As the world grapples with environmental challenges, such innovative approaches to architecture are not just relevant but necessary for a sustainable future.

    Modular Home Design: 10 Cutting-Edge Innovations

    Modular homes, sometimes known as prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction, is a growing phenomenon. As per data published on Reuters, there was 7% increase in the adoption of this forward looking project in 2023. But before going even deeper into designs, what exactly is a modular home? Modular Home Definition A modular home is a type […]

    Read More

    Farmhouse Designs in India: 15 Inspiring Styles To Know

    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 […]

    Read More

    20 Designs For Kitchen Window Over Sink In India Homes

    When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]

    Read More

    50 Timeless Pooja Room Door Design For Indian Homes

    Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]

    Read More

    50 Indian Door Design For Main Door To Enhance the Curb Appeal

    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 […]

    Read More

    50 Best Pillar Design Ideas And Inspirations For Indian Spaces

    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 […]

    Read More

    50 Best Wall Moulding Design Inspirations For Your Interiors

    Wall Moulding Design is a great way to amp up your space and elevate the overall look of your home. There are a wide range of moulding designs that can add a distinct character to your space. Wall moulding design comes from different kinds of materials, such as PVC, plaster, wood, etc. The right choice […]

    Read More

    20 Eye-Catching Street Furniture Elements for Modern Cities

    Street furniture, an integral facet of urban planning, encompasses a diverse array of elements strategically positioned to enhance the functionality, aesthetics, and overall experience of public spaces. From classic benches and street lamps to innovative public art installations and interactive chess tables, street furniture contributes to the unique character of cities worldwide. These thoughtfully placed […]

    Read More

    Anthropometry in Architecture: Unlocking the Secrets of Proportions

    Anthropometry in architecture is the study of human body measurements and proportions to design and layout spaces, furniture, and other elements. It is important to create environments that are comfortable, functional, and cater to the needs of occupants. Anthropometry in architecture considers cultural differences in body size and shape, ensuring diverse backgrounds and characteristics are […]

    Read More

    50 Magnificent Gate Design That Will Protect Your Home

    Gate Design is an important feature of any home. Numerous scopes for experimentation open up when delving into the design possibilities. Materials like wood and black steel are popular options in Indian homes. At the same time, designers also experiment with a combination of materials that suits their aesthetic. Buying mass-produced Sydney automated gates has […]

    Read More
  • The Ultimate Guide to Timber Fence Installation in Melbourne: What You Need to Know

    Treasures of Tradition and Heritage by Parul Zaveri| Abhikram Architects