Bricks@47 House / Design Plus

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An idea that spreads sustainable construction methods, was the re-use of custom shuttering.Understanding that the couple is known for hosting impromptu gatherings, the public function was taken to the 2nd floor [top floor] instead of impeding into the areas that the family was expected to occupy at any time. This public function was the Bar. While the indoors accommodate a gathering of 18, the adjacent terraces could account for a gala. To assist in hosting the frequent galas, the terraced landscape carried functional elements like the built-in Barbeque, a platform for lighting a bonfire, permanent wood-clad furniture, and of course abundant plantation. The fact that the owner is always the life of the party, and never away from a jovial narration, the terrace carried a small amphitheater for his potential audience.Construction Technology [Building Construction classes at the site]-The project offered the potential to be a playfield for several design and construction techniques. From designing elements using custom-writtencodes, such as the parametric brick wall and parapets or the double curved canopies, to relying oncentury-oldmethods of spanning distances like the jack arch. The house was a testing bed for Hi-tech design tech marrying low-tech construction tech. An AEC pipeline which we believe is India’s great strength.The site also helped our principal, Mr. Arun Bij, to organize building construction classes for the studio, especially since some of the elements needed unfortunately dying skills. Terrazzo flooring for instance. Once a thriving and economic flooring system has completely gone out of the current preference list. The proportions of chips to cement, water content, laying profile, and temperament were all highlighted via self-demonstration. These classes made us romanticize an era where the architect himself was the master builder.An additional interpretation of the requirement was the expandable kitchen. The lady of the house is also a professional chef, who would conduct frequent training sessions. The kitchen was designed with one of the walls as collapsible doubling as a worktop to allow for 5 students, with vantage to the various culinary activities. One of the beautiful conversations that ensued during the design development was the idea ofcarrying memoriesfrom the couple’s ancestral home. The ever-present scent of theNimbuTree, the monochromatic geometric flooring inlays, the clean terrazzo floor, and the enjoyment of lazy winter afternoons at the veranda, fused the essential romance to the developing spaces.Brief [Design as you please, but this is my budget]-Any project where an architect receives an open hand is an ideal project. However, as the studio acknowledged during Bricks@47, it's also an immense responsibility. It helped that we knew the occupants well, personally, and could discuss accurate programmatic solutions during the formation of the brief. The house is designed for a young nuclear family with 4 permanent residents. Apart from the proverbial bedrooms the program evolved with 2 studies and several overlapping, yet shared family spaces. Each of these was constantly engaged with the 18’ high dining.Sustainable Green Home [Our shared ethical responsibility]-The clients were completely synchronized with theStudio’s Philosophy of beingEthically Green. The house has received aPlatinum certificationfromIGBC Green Homes. Some important aspects covered are as follows: