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The idea and the concept of the project was dictated by the site itself. The site was at the existing road level in the south and west zone and a huge drop in the north and east zone. The structure has been designed to complement the natural existing contour minimising the cut & fill due to which there’s a lower ground in the northeast zone accessed by separate stairs and the southeast has an upper level connected with a different staircase.
The contoured site inspired multi-level design integration, with part of the building on lower ground merging with the terrain, while the entrance level connects directly to the landscape. This approach seamlessly blends the structure with its surroundings, offering each living space three open sides for a natural flow.
The northeast block beyond the entrance block, slightly skewed, provides expansive mountain views. Stone slabs, exposed concrete ceilings, and rough stone flooring create a robust, contemporary aesthetic inside. Interiors feature double-height spaces and crafted furniture for both visual appeal and comfort.
A 20-foot drop beyond the living area hosts a garden on a slab, enhancing greenery integration, with the space below designated for indoor games.
Sustainability guides the design, utilizing the natural terrain for efficient drainage with groundwater and storm water drains located in the northeast. Water naturally flows to a recharge pit created in the northeast corner, along with an underground water tank that serves the entire site. Adjacent, a swimming pool integrates with the bungalow's den area, following vastu principles.
Solar panels on the elevated southwest terrain cover the south terrace, generating ample power for the entire house. Surplus energy can be fed back into the local power grid, promoting renewable energy use.
Locally sourced natural stone flooring, within a 5-kilometer radius, ensures sustainable practices throughout the house. This holistic approach integrates environmental stewardship with functional design, enhancing both efficiency and sustainability.
Defining characteristics of the project include several key features. The main feature is the south wall, a solid insulation wall and also a projecting chajja (balcony) along with the insulated wall to protect the structure from intense heat and rain. Though the structure is ground plus one from the entrance level, the first level is recessed towards the north side. This design creates a human scale that is more relatable upon entry, presenting a clean wall that is not overwhelming. Another feature is the entrance experience: when you enter through the main door, the entire block is skewed towards the northeast, creating a vista and a broader perspective. A third characteristic is that all the living spaces have connections on three sides to the outdoors. Lastly, the entire north and northeast sections are treated with a maximum amount of glass, allowing natural light to flood the entire structure.
The brief emphasized achieving maximum sustainability and a near-zero carbon footprint. The client entrusted us with the planning and conceptualization, allowing us to leverage the site and its resources to their fullest potential based on our vision for the project.
KNS Architects is a multi-disciplinary, national & international award-winning design firm, established with objective of creating contextual, artistic & bespoke design solutions. We believe in looking at each project with a fresh new perspective,a fact that finds resonance in our belief in creating vibrant, out-of-the-box solutions that strike the right note between practicality and aesthetics; constraints and aspirations
A vision of Ar. Kanhai Gandhi, Ar. Neemesh Shah and Ar. Shresht Kashyap; who came together in 1997 to set up the Design practice. Since its inception the firm has undertaken wide spectrum of projects.
In addition to projects in India, have successfully concluded projects globally as well, like the MAHEC-Restaurant & Lounge in Dubai and a few others in Singapore and the United Kingdom. We are currently designing a Private Villa in Washington, USA and Mombasa, Kenya as well as an Indian Seafood fine-dine restaurant in Milan, Italy.
