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
The Liquescent house, located on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, is a testament to organic architecture, a dialogue between the built and unbuilt, and the careful integration of natural elements. The architect’s inclination towards the design language is imbued with a natural fluidity, shaped by a childhood immersed in clay. This formative experience—working with a material […]
The rural residence is thoughtfully situated on a 9,000 square foot plot in Pappanadu, a village renowned for its rich communal life and cultural heritage in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Designed to accommodate a couple and their mother, the objective was to create a distinctive home that not only stands out aesthetically but also remains accessible […]
The design philosophy of Bhide’s Farmhouse in Pune, deeply rooted in organic living, embraces modern minimalism while incorporating elements of rustic charm. The emphasis is on creating a harmonious relationship with the natural surroundings, drawing inspiration from the lush landscapes of Maharashtra. The design prioritizes simplicity, authenticity, and sustainability. Editor’s Note: By beautifully incorporating rustic […]
This modern house by the lake is inspired by traditional Wada architecture while incorporating contemporary aesthetics and functionality. Embracing nature, the architectural design reflects cultural heritage, technological advancements, and natural surroundings. With its exposed brick exterior, central courtyard, landscaping, a swimming pool by the lake, and a narrow alley entrance reminiscent of old Wadas, this residence […]
If you were to step into this Hyderabad house, you would sense harmony in paradox as it harmonizes two distinct units. With both units seamlessly woven together with open-to-sky transitional spaces. Moving around, you get the impression of belongingness, thriving in complete balance with a respect for individuality. This Hyderabad House Harmonizes Two Distinct Units […]
Reflecting grandeur, this Delhi house, also called as Nievus Villa reinterprets classical architecture through a contemporary lens, resulting in a sophisticated, and inviting home. FAB Studio undertook the challenge of creating a residence that seamlessly integrates into Delhi’s architectural landscape, while blending timeless elegance with modern comfort. Editor’s Note: “By merging classical elements with contemporary […]
The sentiment of togetherness is conceptualised the best way by Shreesh Design Studio LLP in this luxe house and has executed it with brimming affection. ‘The Luxe Wave,’ as so appropriately named, is a residential haven located in the warm arms of a homely neighborhood in Rajkot, Gujarat. The coming together of familial bonding and […]
A building that is constructed and designed to be environmentally responsible and resource-efficient design is called a green building. Green buildings are designed to maintain or improve the quality of the environment around them. Deep under its stylish mien, with Nature running through the veins of this house of 3732 square feet, is a green […]
Coloured glass is incorporated into the east facing elevation of the house with a plan designed to interact beautifully with morning sunlight. As the sun rises, light filters through the coloured glass, casting vibrant, colourful rays throughout the interior and creating a dynamic, uplifting atmosphere. Each piece transforms into a radiant, gem-like feature when struck […]
When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]