Residence Designed on the Notions of Swastika | Reasoning Instincts Architecture Studio
The Portal House is conceived with the idea of creating multiple overlaps of personal and public domains catering to the idea of solitude as well as gathering.The residence is composed on the notions of “swastika”. The centre holds ‘the house’ which is the heart of the residence and the four radiating arms orient the bedrooms or ‘cabanas’. The spaces in between this massing organization are the transitional spaces which define the essence of the overall experience by blurring boundaries between inside and outside. These spaces have been articulated uniquely as decked spaces, open dry courtyards, covered canopies, reflective pools, connecting pathways etc.
The access to the residence is celebrated through a six-meter-wide pedestrian ramp restricting the vehicular movement into the site. This ramp elicits the sense of distinctiveness and tranquillity. The slow approach delays the sense of arrival and serves as a transitional zone between the hustle bustle of urban life and the calmness in solitude. Strategically aligned pigmented concrete landscape walls dictate the movement pattern within the residence in congruence with the position of the existing trees.
ArchitectsReasoning Instincts Architecture Studio
LocatioUmargam, India
Architects in ChargeUjjaval Parekh, Bhairavi Dhoot
Area665.0 m2
Project Year2017
PhotographKrunal Mistry
Manufacturers: Nitco Limited, Hybec
The ‘house’ and the ‘cabanas’ are the main components of the design. Each of these built components is wrapped with a distinct corten steel portal so that their fragmented spaces get artistically composed as one entity. The portals not only bind the elements of the ‘house’ and the ‘cabanas’ but also act as a common expression throughout the site. They mark the position of these components in the scheme of the “swastika”. The filtration of light from the high canopies of the trees inspired the design of the perforation pattern of the corten steel panels. This helped achieve a contrasting expression of crisp metal surfaces with organic and soft canopies.
Taking forward the concept of the ‘served and the servant spaces’ each built component is split into two volumes, wherein the services are housed in lower volumes and the livable and functional spaces are contained in the higher volume.
‘The house’edifices public spaces such as living, dining and recreational areas. With the intent to extend the living areas into transitional spaces, there is no formal entry. Instead, large openable surfaces in clear glass across the sixteen meters long north facade encourage uninterrupted visual and physical flow between the inside and outside spaces. The presence of a rock face Jaisalmer wall across the open courtyard within ‘the house’ directs the connectivity of these transparent spaces.
Architects: Reasoning Instincts Architecture Studio
Location: Umargam, India
Architects in Charge: Ujjaval Parekh, Bhairavi Dhoot
Area : 665.0 m2
Project Year: 2017
Photographs: Krunal Mistry
Architects Team: Krunal Mistry, Meel Panchal
Structure Design: Rajeev Shah & Associates, Mumbai
Landscape Design: Green Pastels, Brinda Pancholi, Ahmedabad
Corten Steel Fabricator: Capsicum Wall Ideas Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad
In a landscape where aspiration quietly waits, Granthalay emerges as a circular building and sanctuary for learning—gathering people, knowledge, and place into a shared civic moment. Granthalay is conceived as a civic institution that extends beyond the conventional idea of a library, responding to the acute lack of educational and community infrastructure in the district […]
A dilapidated old manor house in Jaffna peninsula, with warped roof beams, warped door windows and many structural defects were presented to the architects for refurbishment- by clients- to be refurbished as a retirement home for themselves who were returning to Sri Lanka after escaping to overseas due to the 25 years old North East […]
This residence is a sincere exploration of how architecture can remain simple, climate sensitive, cost-effective, and emotionally grounded, without compromising on spatial quality or design intent. Conceived as a 3BHK modest home for a small family, the project stands as a testament to what is possible when thoughtful planning, craft-oriented construction, and material intelligence come […]
Design, when it emerges as a living tapestry, turns the experience of living into a vibrant everyday narrative. Baldota House in Alandi, Pune by ARCHOS accommodates three generations under a single roof in the area spanning 7500 Sq. Ft. Spearheaded by the family’s desire for a generous space and a theatrical essence along with balanced […]
Few homes are celebrated for their iconic interiors, while some are celebrated for their open layouts. True to its unique context and subtleties, this home with a monochromatic palette, designed by Ar. Saumya Khanna & Ar. Sudhir Ambawata Co – founders & principle architects of SSDA Architects brings the essence of volumetric design and a […]
Adopting sustainable living today, both in design and daily life, is crucial for reducing our environmental footprint and preserving resources for future generations. In the design of this bamboo pavilion, this means using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and creating spaces that harmonize with natural surroundings. In daily living, sustainability involves mindful consumption, reducing waste, conserving […]
Tucked into the lush landscape of Thiruvananthapuram, Aashiyana is a residence that balances context, climate, and craft. Designed by architect Srijit Srinivas, this bungalow is conceived as more than a tropical retreat-it is a spatial journey where bold colour, filtered light, and thoughtful materials orchestrate a distinctive atmosphere. Nestled Amidst Lush Landscape Aashiyana Balances Craft […]
Situated on a compact 1200 sft south-west corner plot, this residence was conceived as an inward-looking sanctuary for a family of four — a home that balances privacy and openness, light and enclosure, within the dense urban fabric. This Residence Was Conceived As An Inward-Looking Sanctuary For A Family Of Four | The Insideout Studio […]
Project 1374 is located in one of the plotted developments in the north of Bangalore, characterized by well-demarcated plots, open spaces, spacious roads, and organized infrastructure. Trees flank the wide streets, dividing the plots with dense canopies offering shaded avenues. Abutting the plot stood a cluster of trees- a quiet presence. We borrowed these trees […]
‘Roots’ was an experiment to build sustainably but not confer to the design language typically associated with sustainable buildings. This residential project re-considers the expression of sustainable architecture through a minimalist and materially grounded lens. Located on a 4,000 sq.ft. plot, the designers conceived the house for a family of three and their pet, organizing […]