earth sheltered building

‘Style’ emerges from the project and not from the architect. Every project deserves its own style based on the site, user requirements, available materials and technology.                ← Space - design Consultants

  

AIIS

Architects: Space-Design Consultants

In the age of ’hero’ architects or architectural heroism somehow I tend to veer towards this credo of Space - Design Consultants. I am asking myself why it is so that style (first &/or only) attracts most of us more than anything else!

Space Design Consultants is Delhi based architectural firm which is concerned about sustainability in buildings. Energy efficiency, material selection for reduction in wastes and pollution are their guides for design.

 

The building of American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS) has a very traditional look and yet it has adopted innovative and simple energy conserving and passive cooling measures. The walls of the building are insulated. A simple strategy of orienting the windows in most favourable directions has been used.

The roof has a terrace garden to keep the building naturally cool. Two courtyards (and that too sunken ones) bring natural light and ventilation. To create a peaceful ambience the courtyards are created with vegetation and water bodies.

Natural materials like brick, exposed concrete, and sandstone have been used.

 

traditional Kerala architecture

Architects: Stapati Achitects

Stapati Architects are noted for use of traditional elements in modern context very successfully.

Just a  glimpse of their work :-

This traditional house by the lake entice me so much that I am ready to leave my metro city any time!

the wooden columns and railings in the verandah

Most prominent feature in Kerala’s architecture is its gabled roofs and all wood constructions.

 

wood & more wood interior (Kumarakom resort)

The skillful choice of timber, accurate joinery, artful assembly and delicate carving of wood work for columns, walls and roofs frames are the unique characteristics of traditional Kerala architecture.

 

The gorgeous wooden staircase which has decorated pages of practically all the interiors magazines in India!

I already  started feeling cool breeze all over my spirit!

Kumarakom Lake resort

eco-friendly Vyathiri resort

face of modern Indian interiors

Architects: ZZ Architects

Proper integration and maximum utilization of space have been achieved by ZZ architects so beautifully that they are ten steps ahead in creating these modern environments.

Their vision is clear. Let the design evolve on its own don’t borrow from anywhere!

It is better to let these spaces speak for themselves so I stay quiet!

exotic Indian interiors

What visual bliss other than having them (of course peacocks!) dancing around in my courtyard!

Architects designers: SE ARCH - Studio for environment and architecture

From vivid array of work done by SE ARCH team theses interior spaces have been chosen keeping in mind the traditional Indian exotic outlook.

Step inside through this columns and arches; an exotic world awaits you.

Those banana leaves should be on my dining table!

The meal is being served right here. But let me have an eyeful of these carvings first.

The Indian thali. Wow! I am going to get all 32 dishes!(traditionally 32 various dishes used to make a royal meal)

Satiated, I am going to laze in the courtyard. How can ikat  be faraway.

Verandah has these jaislmer stones warmth but colours give a feel of amazing attangudi tiles.

Central courtyards always serve a purpose in extreme climates. They are so designed as to work as air shaft. Warm air rises and is let out at second level through ventilators and cooler breeze comes in through thinner slits and openings at the periphery of the house.

But I am thinking of 100 other ways to décor the courtyard!

If still not satiated go out, green grass is not at the other side of the fence!

welcome to learning street!

From outside it looks pretty much the same- the  deceptive box architecture. But this educational facility in the heart of Mumbai opens up for a complete redical re-think.

Designer architects : Planet 3 Studios 

Here walls bend, curve and tilt to challenge accepted notions of structural stability. Orthogonal rigidity is eschewed. A cleverly designed porous polycarbonate skin allows the structure to be naturally aerated at all times.

The entire structure dispels pre-conceived notions of design and construction. Read about design patterns here.

If you think it is only a box of asymmetric spaces, go take a walk! It is a very complex design assimilating every possible need of a higher education facility and Much More!

You are onto the learning street; Friends! Enter as the building does not have gates (!) only large punctures which connect inside with the outside.

The building architecture is devised as a group of distinct facilities (four engineering faculties) connected by a self guiding interior promenade with nooks and alcoves to accommodate student activities.