We believe that architecture is a response to many parameters, context, site, vegetation, geography, and climate. When building in a dry and arid place like Bharuch, the heat, locally called “loo” in Guajarati was a big such parameter that the architecture had to respond to.
The Cool House Is A Classic Example Of Contemporary Architecture | Samira Rathod Design Atelier
VISIT : Samira Rathod Design Atelier
When making a house, it is imperative to take cognizance of many practical parameters of comfort, and for this house in Bharuch it was particularly tackling the summer heat.
The name Cool House has come from the way the house has been designed, a respite in the summer, a tree’s shade under the scorching sun, the house as in the words of our patron is like a funnel that channels all of Bharuch‘s wind into the house, making it a cool comfortable haven to live in.
Designed like a track with rooms on either side the house is punctured vertically making two courtyards on either side of the central track-like corridor. The courtyards begin from the first floor and frame views of the sky from the house.
Being in a tight row house fabric in the town the context really is another house in great proximity. The house is designed like a box, rather inward-looking with windows that are strategic to bring in the cool breeze and diffuse the sharp light.
The south facade is kept fairly dead and the wind is allowed to pass from the southwest courtyards and escape from the northeast courtyard ventilating the entire house.
One courtyard has shallow waterbody that cools the incoming wind before it enters the house. This courtyard also has a jali that allows for the wind to be channeled and then thrown into the house like a whiff of a cool breeze on a summer afternoon.
The other courtyard has trees on the first floor making a sort of context for the house from within and allowing internal windows to see the tree crowns.
Although inward looking there is a constant choreography of inside and outside movement within the house where you encounter the courtyards and can step out to them from the central track.
To help with beating the heat, the house also has thick external walls and a cool soothing interior done in lime “chuno” that helps cool the rooms from within.
The Cool House is a classic example of contemporary architecture that heavily relies on our innate knowledge of climate and materials that work in such harsh climate regions.
The house, like a box from the outside, has unique materiality, one painted black and the other very tactile using small custom cute siporex bricks, the semantics makes the logic of a track corridor and volumes on either side very evident. Small pockets have been identified within the mass that punctures it and green is allowed to grow from within.
The ‘Cool House’ in Bharuch has been a surprise for us all. Although everything has been consciously designed within the house, the breeze in the house at the peak of summer has really blown us away, literally and figuratively.
Fact File
Designed by : Samira Rathod Design Atelier
Project Type : Residence Architecture
Year : 2022
Location : Bharuch
Project Name : Cool House
Area : 10500 Sq.ft
Principal Architect : Samira Rathod
Project Architect : Jay Shah
Structural Consultant : Rajeev Shah
Photography Credits : Niveditaa Gupta
Firm’s Website Link : Samira Rathod Design Atelier
Firm’s Instagram Link : Samira Rathod Design Atelier
Firm’s Facebook Link : Samira Rathod Design Atelier
Source : Archdaily
For Similar Project >> THE LAKESHORE HOUSE ON THE BEAUTIFUL LAKE OSMAN SAGAR, HYDERABAD
Nestled within Prakriti Farms, this residence epitomizes rustic farmhouse interior design charm and a deep connection with the natural world. Its elegance lies in its emphasis on elemental materials and its seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. With three bedrooms and a spacious living area, the home was strategically designed in an L shape to […]
House of Heights: How design shapes relationships and well-being? “A house can transform its people. The living room, the tallest space in my home, is where we socialize, express our feelings, and spend the most time—an open arena for life’s conversations. The impact of front elevation design on home and harmony further emphasizes how thoughtful design […]
Spacious, inviting, and intimate, courtyards have an integral place in the vernacular architecture across India. Beyond their climatic purposes, courtyards assume the role of a social space, a space for contemplation, and a space where something happens. Their presence in various forms, proportions, and sizes has been a ubiquitous feature in Indian vernacular architecture. The […]
Located in Bangalore, opposite a large neighborhood park, a set of 4 houses was to be built—one of which was to be the personal house for the client, and the others were to be let out. The intent of these Bangalore homes was to create a quiet presence on the street and evoke a sense of […]
The modern residence integrates contemporary architecture with biophilic design principles, offering a luxurious and nature-connected living experience. The exterior features clean lines, landscaped lawns, and vertical green walls that soften the structure while promoting sustainability. The minimalist contemporary interior designs of this are designed with an open-plan layout, double-height ceilings, and large glass openings, ensuring […]
Some homes are big on square footage but don’t maximize space—and then some compact ones make the most of precious space at a premium. Located in Bangalore, this 3,000 sq. ft. villa interior design exemplifies this residential project, exploring staggered volumes that led to creating spaces at multiple levels, including a mezzanine floor. As per […]
In the heart of Gurugram, where the city’s energy pulses with both hard work and hard play, a 2600 sq. ft. rooftop terrace design has been transformed into the ultimate hangout spot. Designed for the young and the young at heart, this terrace captures the spirit of a city that knows how to balance the […]
In the vibrant town of Kannur, Kerala, the contemporary house design of this residence is more than a home—it’s a sanctuary designed to nurture both body and soul. Built for a family of five, it blends minimalist elegance with everyday comfort, creating a space that feels alive, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature. Editor’s Note: […]
The one-acre site of Saukhya Farm is nestled in the lush valley of Beze Village, on the outskirts of Nashik. Surrounded by small farms, it offers sweeping views of Beze Dam and the surrounding hills. The clients’ brief was to transform the site into a farmhouse and to cultivate part of it into an orchard. Work […]
Nestled on the bustling Karnavati Road in Ahmedabad, this modern residence spans over a 10,881 sq. ft. corner plot, seamlessly integrating form, function, and tranquility. The house is thoughtfully planned in an L-shaped configuration of this house design, with its entry oriented to the east and a lush garden strategically placed in the southwest corner […]