Nestled within the bustling urban landscape of North India, this urban residence celebrates the juxtaposition of industrial and serene living. Unlike most residences, where the focus is on creating spaces that overlook expansive open greens, this building exemplifies bringing the outdoors into urban living with an introverted architectural concept. Characterized by porous massing that underpins the whole layout and facade, it presents an intriguing interplay of volumes and textures, defining its vocabulary of built and unbuilt spaces.
Editor’s Note: This introverted residence brings in an intriguing surprise with its outer stark facade and porous interplay of mass and voids inside. Fostering a multi-generational family, with its unique spatial experience and formation of an urban oasis indoors, creates a warm and welcoming space for its dwellers. ~Rajvi Dedakiya
This Urban Residence Stands Strong Amidst The Industrial Chaos | Sian Architects
Amidst a city with noisy terminals and mills, The Urban Oasis spans across 15,000 sq. ft., standing strong, almost like an industrial edifice. As a result of heavy pollution and a severe monkey menace in the area, the building’s design works like a coconut– a hard shell outside and the softness of home within. The grid motif in the building’s skin and layout allows sunlight and fresh air to permeate every corner of the house, effectively moderating this metaphorical ‘bastion’.
At first glance, the building’s facade is distinguished by its rustic appearance. The plot’s entrance is flanked by towering 40-foot metal columns, while beige-colored fly-ash bricks, set in dark raw concrete, illustrate the facade.
Upon entering, the ambience transitions from rugged exteriors to refined, expansive interiors. This area features a plush bench next to a planter, with the plant stems touching the ceiling. A simple but striking installation of mirrors takes center stage here, adding to the overall grandeur and drama of light and shadows in the space.
Designed for a multi-general family of three brothers, The Urban Oasis addresses diverse family needs. The three levels of the building house kitchens and expansive living and dining areas, functioning as individual units as needed. There are eleven bedrooms accommodated on the ground, first, and second floors, while also making room for guests.
Guided by Vastu principles and driven by functionality, the layout is punctured with a central courtyard, light courts, and indoor gardens on the upper floors. The central courtyard forms the home’s nucleus, offering a seamless visual connection to surrounding common areas.
On the upper floors, the private spaces open up to shared indoor gardens, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. Adorned with arched glazing, and customized bumper bricks, these courtyards act as vital hubs fostering connections and family living.
In addition to standard living and sleeping spaces, the building boasts an impressive view pavilion overlooking a water body– working as the perfect informal lounging space for a family of 11.
An ecologically sustainable source fuels the water body, and the design strategically channels the west-to-east breeze through the house, cooling the building via the courtyard and indoor gardens.
Additionally, the team plants native evergreen species in the landscaped area, requiring minimal maintenance and water while preserving the natural ecosystem.
Spatially, the design employs minimal walls and barriers, promoting visual continuity in deep, elongated spaces that transition across multiple scales. Further, large glass panels throughout the house allow natural light to flood the space. As they create an airy and bright ambiance while blending indoor and outdoor spaces.
The interior palette follows a minimalist design narrative, with textures as the key element, channeling a pared-back aesthetic. Monotones of grey perpetuate its organic ambience, serving as a cooling antidote to the warm and earthy browns. Moreover, the flooring features lustrous Indian marble with a unique combination of bricks, taking forward the narrative of rugged yet refined.
Here, the stone layout follows a pattern that mirrors the facade design, adding sophistication while maintaining a cool temperature. Therefore, making it comfortable for occupants year-round in the harsh North Indian climate.
The project maximizes its impact by creating an environment that supports the local economy by featuring local craftsmanship. With most of the furniture crafted onsite, rugs intricately woven by local artisans. Further, wall art conceived and executed onsite, bespoke tiles and wall lights enhancing its allure, this home revels in authentic detailing done regionally.
A testament to collaborative thinking and hyper-local craftsmanship, the architects recognize the value of diverse perspectives to cultivate innovative solutions and enrich the creative process. Moreover, the soft furnishings are sourced from the client’s cotton enterprise. Furthermore, the bells in the prayer rooms are hand-painted by resident women, imbuing the space with familiarity and warmth.
In its essence, this residence transcends conventional urban living, offering a transformative experience within an industrial environment. The fusion of rugged and refined comes together to create a calm, well-lit haven. As, it is a sanctuary that epitomizes contemporary living amidst the clamor of industrial cities.
Fact File
Designed by: Sian Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: The Urban Oasis
Location: Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Year Built: June 2024
Built-Up Area: 15000 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Surbhi Singhal & Deepanshu Arneja
Name of Client: Mr. Inderjeet Garg, Mr. Deepanshu Garg
Name of Client’s Firm: M/s Sree India Surgical Pvt. Ltd.
Photograph Courtesy: Ekansh Goel
Text Credit: Tanvee Khurana
Firm’s Instagram Link: Sian Architects
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