Rajyash Richmond Case Study

A house in an Indian Context is as much an intangible sentiment as it is a tangible possession. Every space within is a reflection of the residents over a changing period of time and generations.

Sustainable habitats transform into liveable environments. Housing is a crucial catalyst in socio-economic development of a community and a region as whole.

The design addresses all those aspects that goes into the derivation of a unit. Simple geometric articulation of form, punctured at corners create fragmented planar aesthetics that makes each dwelling orient differently & exist independently. It is much beyond a shelter that weighs equal on its quantitative and qualitative dimensions.

The sense of neighbourhood, the scale of built-form and spatial hierarchy of semi-public, public and private spaces all derived from the city's socio-economic patterns are governing factors of planning and design.

Contemplating upon regional beliefs and social behaviour, the design thoughtfully weaves values that still prevail in an Indian household and are reflected upon in their lifestyles and how the entire system operates.

A Block here defined through staggered stacking of cubes cut in the corners by openings convey a monolithic formation. The staggering of the cubes, as a by-product, provide for non-monotonous, non- repetitive spaces addressed uniquely at each floor. Extended and recessed volumes at certain floors act as decks or balconies for the others. It all-in-all creates a play of planes and dramatic volumes sculpted giving birth to a housing complex that resembles a work of art.

The ground is an interesting combination of hard & softscapes that run asymmetric throughout the floor area blurring the edges of outside-inside. Deliberately designed as a semi-open space, the foyer on the ground floor flows unobstructed into the central plaza which is essentially the light & the wind court for both the blocks. Spaces merge into one another with a chosen material pallet that is earthy and blends with nature. The perforated pre-cast blocks covering the entire staircase create a drama of light inside & forms an element of interest on the outside

Vertically stacked modules display a variety of organization in terms of their orientation, share of semi-open spaces such as balconies and the changing bedroom configurations.

Further, each module is spatially structured in the hierarchy of the functions with social & entertaining spaces taking the front in direct connection with the utility areas and looking inwards & sharing courts. While the more personal spaces align at the periphery facing outwards.

Sunrise & Sunsets

With each dwelling unit being a separate entity is connected solely through a foyer resulting in almost all sides open to natural light & the winds. The visually connected green-courts that run vertically through each floor assures nature's share to each residential unit. The design lavishly provides each bedroom with a view of the rising sun in the east and setting sun in the west.

Openness

The Corner windows appearing asymmetrical at each floor not only builds a fragmented interesting elevation but also enhances the experience at individual unit level. The fenestrations are tactfully located to achieve maximum cross-ventilation, diffused day-light penetration and visual connectivity to every space.

Self - Incremental

The entire house plan can be perceived as a combination of three spatial zones. The front zone houses the primary functions of the residence connected appropriately to the utility & servant areas, avoiding further interference in the house. The central part can be called the Green Connector facing courtyards on both sides. While the zone at the backend is comparatively private and houses all the bedrooms.

In an Indian home where a joint family breaks in order to expand, such a unit typology allows for expansion while maintaining the privacy of each sub-family

Hierarchical

The living areas look inwards with the luxury of courtyards open from 3 sides visually connecting to both the faces. The bedrooms are strategically located on the other end of the social zones to maintain the privacy while opening them to views of the surroundings. The design carefully pays attention to each space and hence every room here is a Master bedroom with no compromise on space, privacy views or daylight