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The home of Daaji, the world spiritual leader of the Sahaj Marg path of meditation

tHE gRID Architects

Villa  /  Completed
tHE gRID Architects

The land, initially, was full of rocks with a few existing trees. These rocks is said, are primeval entities, one of the very first in the world. Sensing their intrinsic preciousness and uniqueness, Daaji wished to keep them in situ. This became a challenge while planning the organization and executing the footprint of the house. Daaji’s notion of a home a place where "you" and "I" are supplanted with "us", where we can cultivate a comfortable and warm atmosphere in addition to its physical location. The paradigm of togetherness and being oneself was thus set. We took inspiration from water to create a fluidic planning that wrapped around trees and flowed around rocks. The development minimised the vertical & house is low and spreads over the site in order to blend with the surroundings.

The site was paramount when it came to formalising the built-envelope. The movement of the home was controlled by the positioning of stones and trees as Daaji wished to keep them in situ. The home is part of a gated community living. The surrounding landscape has been developed by adding ponds which collect the rainwater that is used to irrigate the area around the home as well as the communal landscape. The development also houses WORLD” S biggest meditation hall. The alignment of the built-form and ecosystem became a part of the construction process. The trees, rocks and the built form enriched the space to be grown as a part of nature rather than out of it. There were no specific execution drawings since it was derived with respect to the existing ecology. Daaji said flow with nature.

A conscious choice of natural materials reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship, Reducing Carbon Emissions. The organic locally procured material palette comprised of red bricks lime plaster and Kota stone. The biophilic idea of living with vegetation played an important role. The usage of charcoal, a natural fertilizer, played a huge role in developing the greenery around. The surrounding landscape has been developed by adding ponds which collect the rainwater that irrigates the area around the home as wells as the communal landscape minimising ecological impact and conserves water. The large local mature trees act as natural sun-breakers. Kanha Shanti Vanam named “The Pride of Telangana” “Haritha Haram” Indian Green Building Council Platinum Award for Kanha, three years in a row.

  • In just 6 years, Kanha Shanti Vanam, including the "Daaji Home," transformed 2000 acres of barren land into a vibrant and sustainable spiritual institute, harmonizing nature and human well-being.
  • A home following biophilic ideology influenced by Biomorphism
  • ¾ of the total plot area has been left free ¼ - built form
  • The organic material palette includes locally made red bricks, lime plaster, Kota stone, with natural stone promoting energy efficiency and climate responsiveness.
  • The skewed wall in the living room for instance allows a massive rock to come inside the room, so that the monolith lies partly enclosed and partly outside in the adjacent courtyard. The angular deployment also ensures sufficient light from the south, southeast and the northwest directions. The outdoor verandah incorporates a cut-out to accommodate the growth of a tree.
  • The surrounding landscape has been developed by adding ponds which collect the rainwater that is used to irrigate the area around the home as wells as the communal landscape
  • The usage of charcoal, a natural fertilizer, played a huge role in developing the greenery around.
  • The Building height respects existing trees, symbolizing nature's dominance and importance in the design.
  • The waterbodies foster a micro-ecology, allowing local plants to establish their own ecosystem.
  • Interior spaces are surrounded by green pockets, linked to the central courtyard, while mature trees act as natural sun-breakers.

Daaji's home embodies a symbiotic relationship with nature, drawing inspiration from Indian household values of togetherness, sacrifice, and love. Preserving ancient rocks and trees, it honors their primordial significance. A home goes beyond physicality, creating a loving environment wherever you go. The plants providing medicine and oxygen while exchanging vibrations. The design prioritizing habitat preservation balance and a deep connection with nature define the essence of a home.

Credits

 Hyderabad
 India
 Daaji’s Home (Daaji, the WORLD spiritual leader of the Sahaj Marg (Heartfulness) path of meditation). 1. Padma Bhushan (2023) by the Government of India. India’s most admirable spiritual leader. 2. India’s Most Admirable Leader Award – The Brand Story TV
 personal permanent residence
 12/2022
 1045 mq
 Confidential
 tHE gRID Architects
 Snehal Suthar & Bhadri Suthar
 inhouse
 inhouse
 local
 Vinay Panjwani

Curriculum

tHE gRID Architects views designing as more than just a profession, embracing inclusivity and collaboration. Their buildings prioritize the well-being of individuals on psychological, biological, and sociological levels, with biophilic design at the core. Practicing heartfulness, they infuse their designs with elevated consciousness. As visiting faculty at prestigious institutes like NID, NIFT, and architecture schools, they actively engage in global panel talks, juries, and presentations. Their work is featured in renowned platforms such as Archdaily, Plan Mag, Design Boom, Dezeen, Forbes, AD, and showcased in national/international publications. Recognized as HOT 100 architects of India, they have earned 50+ prestigious awards and have been featured thrice on BETTER INDIA for their green and sustainable initiatives, promoting accessible sustainability. Their vision embodies designing with inner consciousness and heartfelt thoughts, ensuring honest and meaningful designs for society

https://www.thegrid-arch.com


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