the indian review of world furniture, interiors and design volume 17 . issue 06 . november95 - december 2020

00 GEZE 01 KAFF APPLIANCES BONTON 06 02 EBCO HAFELE 07 03 CONTENT KLITE 08 04 AHEC KLITE 09 ifj : the indian review of world 05 AHEC CONTRIBUTORS 10 furniture, interiors and design editorial 11 photo courtesy: editor & creative head Biodiversity by the Bay- sylvia khan a celebration [email protected]

essay assistant editor 12 12 AR. Dean D’Cruz mignonne dsouza 14 Ar. Neelam Manjunath [email protected] 16 Ar. Suhasini Ayer editorial consultant 18 Ar. Girish Doshi shailendra mehta [email protected]

ifj writetank

transformation editorial correspondents 20 20 The Garden Shop, Miyabi aadrita chatterji 22 TAOCANG ART CENTRE [email protected] 24 MUSE, RIVERSIDE HOUSE darielle britto [email protected] focus studio head 26 sustainability harish raut [email protected]

graphic designer focus projects praful prasannakumar 32 34 42 MM Architecturei [email protected] 36-41 Anna Heringery to contribute editorial matter 42-47 Biome Environmental Solutions [email protected] 48 Chronicles of Mud to advertise 50-55 Damith Premathilake Architects jasmeet kaur 56-63 Footprints E.A.R.T.H. [email protected] +91 98338 05467 64 Gian P. Mathur & Associates 66 IMK Architects 68 Faulkner Architects & DZINE Concept 70 Nomo Studion 72-77 Snohetta, Oslo 78-81 Studio Alternatives 82-87 Studio Inscape 88-93 unTAG Architecture and Interiors 94 Urbanscape Architects 96 Zero Energy Design Lab

industry forum 98 SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS available online at: news 110 108 Biodiversity by the Bay- published by a celebration Printed and published by Sylvia Khan on behalf of Liyakat Ali Khan. 110 Reuse Recycle REMAKE Published by Index Media Pvt. Ltd. 112 FEATHERLITE 703, 7th Floor, Brahans Business Park, inside backcover CANADIAN WOOD Paper Box Road, Off Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri (East), backcover UMG DIGITAL Mumbai 400093, India. Tel. : +91 022 2687 9081-88, 022 2687 8050 / 51

Editor : Sylvia Khan While all constructive inputs and editorial material are welcome, the editorial team does not undertake responsibility for either printing or return of unsolicited material or printing of responses in an unedited form. While every attempt is made to ensure veracity of material, the editors are not responsible for verification of the accuracy of information which is accepted in good faith from contributors and shall not be held liable to any extent. All rights of printing and publication reserved by the publishers. No part of this publication may be reproduced elsewhere, without the written permission of the publishers.

member of corporate office Index Media Pvt. Ltd. international alliance of 703, 7th Floor, Brahans Business Park, Paper Box Road, furnishing publications Off Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri (East), Mumbai 400093, India. Tel. : +91 022 2687 9081-88 CONTENT FROM FOREST TO FINISH T.ZED Architects have wrapped KOA Canvas - a unique new residential community in Dubai representing a new era in modernized urban property development - with thermally-modified American tulipwood. Over 750 square meters of tulipwood have been used to create the cladding element which shades and prevents overheating of the double-height co-working and closed office spaces, and which also transforms into an outdoor shaded walkway and elevated public balcony. This is the first time that thermally-modified tulipwood has been specified in these quantities in the region and the architects are confident that the material will weather and stand the test of time in this arid desert climate.

For more information visit www.americanhardwood.org

Image © Mark Goodwin

monologuedia Virginie Clusiault

Asif Rahman Andrew Le Sarthak Sengupta Ar. Alicia Casals San Miguel

Anjanakshi Baskaren

Ar. Karl Johan Nyqvist Zi Low Sahil Bagga Des. Dhara Kabaria Is it really over ? Ar. Damith Premathilake this strange annus horribilis that went by the innocuous number 2020. Everybody agrees that we cannot be the same person stepping out of 2020 as we were blithely stepping into it. The Abhinayah Sundaramoorthy learnings ranged from ‘never wearing tight jeans again’ to Ar. Chaitanya Padal ‘climate change is real’. One of the bigger issues thrown into relief is the work of architects who plan buildings and spaces, Kate Bombony as if Earth matters, (with apologies to Schumacher); those who Ar. Gauri Satam have said no to the bright and shiny, eschewed Satuvario for compressed earth, and truly walk the talk of sustainability. Maria Kafel-Bentkowska Ar. Sachin Rastogi Ar. Yatin Pandya Discussing this with Ar. B V Doshi, he said he felt hypocritical writing on sustainability while the poor were dying as they walked back to their rural homes; that there was no point Ar. Anna Heringer in people like us, or glossy, stylish magazines like IFJ writing Parikshit Borkotoky about it. He said sustainability in its barest form, was human Ar. Tejesh Patil sustenance and human life, suggesting that I look at a whole different slew of work. As always after a conversation with the only person I call Guruji, it gave me pause. I then struck off those Ar. Suhasini Ayer Ar. Mitu Mathur IFJ IS GENIUS, THANKS TO LEEDS-box-ticking projects on my list, and followed his advice, focusing on people who were living exemplars of sustainability at work, some quite unsung. THE GENIUS WITHIN. This then is our big edition of the year, on a single topic of importance. We have covered the high-tech and the vernacular; not seeing a dichotomy but rather appreciating technology as the driver of a new a tech-rich model of sustainability. Ira Maurya Now that we’re done with 2020 there is a faint flicker of hope Ar. Priyanka Khanna that 2021 will be the year of redemption. That all those plans will Ar. Girish Doshi finally fructify and that we will bring the learnings of this terrible year with us, to the table of dreams.

Raghav Gupta After the learning of the year and re-wiring our brains, that Ar. Neelam Manjunath flicker of hope speaks to a relearning of old values. A re-thinking of what’s acceptable. A re-definition of normal. And that now sung-out phrase: the new normal. At the end of our time, we Ar. Kinnera Varma Ar. Rudraksh Charan will have understood whether or not we did learn lessons of value or whether we went back to the bad old ways. But I did Ar. Kjetil Trædal Mike Beck Marte Cázarez say ‘hope’ did I not ?

Your friends at IFJ wish you the realization of those hopes, dreams and plans in the year ahead. Good wishes for the new year! Ar. Rahul Kadri Des. Sonali Phadke

Nanda Kumar Diogo Vasconcelos James Dart

Ar. Dean D’Cruz Amit Shah I look forward to hearing from you. Soundaryan Umapathy Please send your thoughts to me at [email protected] Ar. Radha Neela Shibani Dasgupta Jain Adrían López Velarde Ar. Sharath Nayak out of Goa laterite seemed like a that need to respond to each other. practices need to step in and maybe essay more sensible choice to use for You can see this happening in local accommodate a longer internship us. While laterite lends a touch of Goan villages- the little streets with period wherein part learning (skill) solemnity to the building, we felt people in the ‘balcao’ in front, the happens in the college and part of over time the need to introduce chapel forming a focal point for the the learning (implementation) is more transparency in our buildings. village to gather- there is a traditional hands-on in good offices. It is an Slowly we moved towards a pavilion- response. extremely superficial approach to style of architecture that rendered a In the last 15-20 years of being architecture that we see today with much greater connect with nature, involved with the Goa Foundation, the speed of execution demanded. ON SUSTAINABILITY: allowed ample air flow resulting in a Goa Bachao Abhiyan, Goa Heritage That said, the youth are energetic and more appropriate climatic response. Action Group, and being a part of lot have great potential in their hands- Most of the traditional architecture of social forums has made me even with new tools of software for design, that one sees in Goa often does not more sensitive to peoples’ issues. I prototyping and assessing knowledge ARCHITECTURE & PRACTICE perform well climatically. I feel like look at architecture not as isolated from around the world. These are a hybrid response to some of the buildings but as community efforts. great assets that we did not have, but A Perspective by Dean D’Cruz characteristic features of traditional must be used carefully. architecture is critical in creating a We need to change this paradigm of space that is climatically sound. I what is good architecture from being While specialised architecture is think it is very important to assess visual to effective. reaching new levels of proficiency, architect dean d’cruz, co-founder and principal architect of one’s building post-occupancy and there are still possibilities of a see how much of what we have tried While designing a community centre fresh interpretation and the idea of mozaic, writes about his readings and learnings from a three- has actually paid off. This is a practice in Nerul, essentially a hall used for brainstorming on bigger platforms, we follow at our studio where ten- community functions and get- where architects meet and discuss decade long tryst with the landscape of goa. years post-construction we visit the togethers, atop a hill with beautiful projects is essential. One such buildings to learn for ourselves. These panoramic views, the question we collective called the Gubbi Group, learnings I feel are very critical and asked was, can a community centre where the 20 of us are trying to work can influence future works. be more than that? How can one in the area of sustainability, and have

A lot of the built forms that we see today are eyesores, like blots on the It has been 32 years since I came collection of different pieces in a design landscape. So it is important that to Goa. In the beginning, I worked for Gerard puzzle that we could bring together in architecturally we understand what D’Cunha and in time entered into a partnership some form. Our expertise here is to offer a enhances nature and how it can be with him which was called Natural Architecture. comprehensive solution. incorporated into our built world. Gerard had worked closely with Laurie Baker who Till that time, we can at least let was always very hands-on, maintained a down-to Initially our projects mainly composed of nature take over these buildings in earth approach to architecture where one actually low-cost houses which we developed primarily some form. builds oneself! So, it was a very interesting through learnings from the building construction learning this integration of technology and the process, the understanding of materials, costing, Every time I look at architecture, Baker-approach to architecture. As I grew, I was reaction and longevity. Once we developed especially while working on influenced more by the humanistic approach to this skill, we were offered hospitality projects- the regional plan, trying to architecture rather than the final sculptural form. small and big, jungle resorts, institutional work, and some commercial work. Every few understand peoples’ perspective on development- I have realized that Initially the practice was experimental. Back years we evolved our process, and tried to the problem most people have with in the day, the word sustainable was not yet in push our boundaries to avoid getting stuck in so-called development of buildings the ‘architectural dictionary’ and it was really a particular style. We consciously tried to avoid keep it alive throughout the day? no qualms in sharing our work and is visual clutter. The moment we see just about being direct in your approach. I our architecture from being labelled as a ‘Mozaic What are the various activities one thoughts and analysing it together. development, we see degradation realise now that maybe that mindset resulted building’ or ‘Dean Cruz’s building’. likes to get engaged in and what If we have more such platforms of the environment, and it does in such simple design solutions. Influenced by is missing presently? With a school we could get professionals to share not have to be that way. If we are Baker’s principles, for years now we have tried to For me context is not necessarily responding to nearby, we decided to integrate their work without egos and receive sensitive to what a building needs maintain an approach which is direct, simple and the building next door but responding to the play spaces which most community constructive feedback which would to be, and how it connects with the low-cost. When people talk about sustainability, needs. It does not necessarily have to be local centres do not offer. In this manner, then help us improve the quality of outside, the resentment towards one immediately thinks of technology, and in terms of a visual language. It is important we began creating a brief based work produced. This can really help development will reduce. new materials. But I think it is more about the to me that the building is fluid without being on what we sensed the community people in their design process and simplest way to keep things low cost. A mix functionally fixed, but to see how it can morph needed. We are now looking at every be more sensitive and careful in the There is a famous Australian architect of these approaches was our way of perceiving over time. As I mentioned, the most basic form village having their own community future, because what is important who said, “Buildings don’t interest good design. of sustainability is about how little it costs and centre which they can use for to realise is that our work impacts the connect with the local environment. The fact me anymore, people do,” and I think cultural, recreational or informal a lot of lives. Thus as a fraternity it it is extremely important for every Mozaic came up much later into the practice that Goa is among the rich biodiverse spots in the gatherings- with the core idea being is important to realise the serious architect to realise this eventually. in partnership with Reboni Saha who is a world, one does feel the need to connect with to get people together effecting social nature of our interventions and our Architecture is about creating a safe product designer from NID, Ahmedabad. As the outdoors and create buildings that are as change through architecture. responsibilities to make a positive haven for people to interact in. At the a collaboration between an architect and a transparent as possible. In our practice we strive difference to people's lives. end of the day, your building is just designer, we would look at the broader aspect to keep this in mind. It is time for architects with a backdrop for human interaction. ESSAY of how interdisciplinary practices could offer substantial experience to give Very often we look at a house in holistic solutions. We believe that all design Influenced by Baker, our initial architecture back their learnings in some way isolation while in a larger context it is disciplines have a common thread and that is was fairly opaque I would say. The difference because there is a real drop in the actually a conglomeration of houses how we decided to name the practice ‘Mozaic’- a is Baker worked with brick, but being based standard of education. Professional NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 12 13 14

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER and man is merely astrandinit”,isdawningand manismerely scienceandtechnology is thehighestorder of realization thatconsequence. Andanew “Nature slums etc-anunsustainable anddisastrous polluted air, water, overcrowded anddiseased pathhas beenleadingusupthegarden to knowledge istechnologicalpowerovernature” industrialization that whichadvocated “Scientific There isastrong realization that modern the awakening What economic development andsocialjustice. economic development ecologicalprudence, interconnected domainsof for claritysustainability isdefinedthrough the considered unsustainable. inherently Hence is times andinthefuture. Development etc andsocietyare inbalancebothcurrent resources, investments, technologies, usage of other words, itisastate inwhich development, thebiosphere andhumanstoco-exist.In of tothecapacity generally time,itrefers In today’s order tomaintainecologicalbalance. natural resources in example, judicioususageof .For be maintainedat acertainrate orlevel” As perOxford languages,itis”theability to resources.” (Sylviculture Oeconomica) natural meaningful handlingof and economically 1731, definessustainability as“theecologically earliestby Carl one being Vongiven Carlowitz in experts andscientistsfrom timetotime.The bydifferent definitionsgiven There are several sustainability isthemostwidelyused wordintoday’s world.ithas suddenly become themostimportant wordacrossprofessions ,be is Sustainabilityafterall? it marketing,buildingprofessionals, advocacy,policyandsoon; essay everything mustbe labeled sustainable to makeitcredible!

be Development hand personal spiritual process are • global concept And web one from traditions Development spiritual global contradiction • understanding • nature’s laws. inharmonywithnaturelearn tolive andthe andmeaningfully,healthily heshouldonceagain that hehastolive hecannotcontrol nature. If over thehumanrace.Manhasnowunderstood of thepeople. traditions of Slowly, agenciesandeconomists development Sustainability –ascientificsolutiontothe been areligious issuesincetimeimmemorial. It alsoexplainswhytheenvironment has growth. helpsspiritual manner definitely Sustainability withoutSpiritualityislike a powerful thanthem. is bringinghumilitytopeopleandan Nature’This submissiontothe‘Power of holistic andconsistentwiththe spiritual also recognizing that development isa also recognizing that development another, tofuture generations andtothe we willthenbeable torealise the of life of whichweare astrand. merely lifeof of the perspective of ourrelationship to of the perspective with social change. The New with socialchange.TheNew warming issueisbasedondeep civilisation ! that hastoencompass boththe “Brotherhood of man”–atrue “Brotherhoodof of and material aspects of life;that and material aspectsof and religious experience.When transformation hastogo handin we cantalkabout aparadigmshift: in terms. Living inasustainable in terms.Living paradigm musttherefore is consistentwithspiritual that Nature isway more Ar. NeelamManjunath SUSTAINABILITY Fig.1: Community practicedat agriculture Dayalbagh, paddy planting Agra, Fig.1: common So, forgotten 5. The waste vermiculture composting, faming, 4. Organic are turningtowards3. They medicines alternative are learningthethree2. They R’S–Reduce,Reuse 1. peopleare learningtosay ‘NO’toexcessive technologies where: environment friendly the world alongthelinesof acrossSustainable communitiesare beingdeveloped sustainable communities better communitylife. responsibilities andactionstogether, towards across theworld. everybody alone –“Manisasocialanimal”definitionlong cannotsolvetheirproblems anything alone.They realization cannotdo bythepeoplethat they these communities.(fig.1) thenature technologiesbeingusedin friendly of are some etc., rainwater harvesting water recycling, source orwholeness. intelligencefrom its adisconnectionof is merely equilibrium, includingman.Andhenceanydisease innature isin based ontheprinciplethat everything Homeopathy,like Ayurveda, whichare TMetc., and Recycle energy, commoditiesetc., and wastefuluseof people are comingtogether, taking best result of this drive for sustainability thisdrive isthe best result of thecommunity–resulting in goals of is beingrealized withfullforce by Whatever hedoestotheweb, hedoestohimself.” heismerely astrandinit. life, not weave thewebof connected like the bloodthatunitesusall.Mandid Seattle “All of thingsare Chief of In thewords of Sustainable!being truly ourties-That wouldbe realizing theimportance of And thisstartsbyacceptingourconnectionand harmony withMotherNature! in itisour dutytolive physical andspiritualfaculties, mental, developed it.Withourfully and aresult of “manwithinNature”; tiedtoit maninextricably of ) symbolizestheidea on it.OurCGBMTlogo (fig.2 species that has causedadisproportionate impact withoutNature. Wecannot survive are justanother Nature. withoutus,buthumans Natureof cansurvive Humansare Nature.alive. We are thepersonification that is embracing theearth,itssoilandeverything in relation tomanisthebiosphere, theenvelope Naturephysical world. Themostintimate partof Nature. the Natureis intherealm of isthewholeof Nature, amisrepresentation.actually Manisapartof oftenhearthephraseManandNature whichis We change required rightnow! arenumbers toolowtomake thetransformational butthe techniques. Itishappening, contemporary sustainablefor andsocially environmentally provide increasingly inspiration vernacular living, Sustainable practicesthat were at thecore of man. to brotherhood of And thisisspiritualityinreal termswhichtranslates areasonablenon-humans onthisearthtolive life. humanand available resourcesthe equityof for every asimplelife,thebasicprincipleistoaccept living Andin safe andhealthylifeissustainable bydefault. which weare able a tofulfil ourbasicneedstolive ,by living opinion are synonyms.Asimpleway of Sustainability, SimplicityandSpiritualityinmy the threes’s and Technology, Bangalore depicting manwithinnature. CGBMT, :Logo of Fig.2 Centre for Green BuildingMaterials

15 ESSAY 16

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER on agricultural productivity duetoclimate productivity change,theflowon agricultural water quality&supply. extreme weather Withthe impactof &sanitation, solidwaste,roadsenvironment, and sewage sixcategories –airquality,weighted average of built equally The urbansustainability index(USI)isameasure of population, rural andurban. theIndian forcare over50%of continues toremain aluxury thenational wealthwhilebasiceducation and health 77% of theIndianpopulation washolding disparity? By2017,10%of do weaccountfor economicandsocial thisever-increasing andoverall prosperity toallitscitizens,sohow development 2004? Post reform, theIndianeconomyissupposed tobring of residing backtothelevels inslums .Howdidweregress this number rose, have andwepresently 35%urbanpopulation inslumsorunauthorizedsettlements.Butby2018, India lived in urbandwellers in 2014,aspertheWorld 24%of Bank,only Thisproportion improved and overthenext25years housing. water, sanitation, landtenure, basichealthcare, education and or unauthorizedsettlementswithnoassured accesstoclean inslums In 1990,pre-reform, urbanIndialived about 55%of estimate. conservative bythemost even at least780millionby2050,doublingitself and thisisprojected from togrow 377million(census 2011)to consumption andwasteproduction isbytheurbanpopulation (CII).Themain IndianIndustry and theConfederation of as quotedinthereport Network released byGlobalFootprint India’s’’ toprovide for itsconsumptionandabsorb itswastes, ‘two now(2015)demandsthebio-capacity of that Indiaasof andResearch Center,Development Jaipur)Ithasbeenestimated According toMr. PrahladShekhawat (Director Alternative resources placesonit. andthedemandthat development sustainable betweentheavailable ornot,isthegap natural inIndia, challenges todevelopment theprimary One of direction, onewouldsay. we ranked 117th,soweare progressing notreally intheright Indiaranked 115thandin2020, by 2030.Asperthe2017rating, planet whileensuringthat allpeopleenjoy peaceandprosperity will address issuesthat leadtoinequityandpoverty, toprotect the andprojectsand committedtoimplementpolicies,programs that the193countrieshassigned states in2015andIndiaasoneof or The Global Goals,were adoptedbyallUnitedNations member Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) essay Sustainability

Indian Ar. SuhasiniAyer context in the within the framework of theapproved of within theframework made and designdecisionsare notusually townships, planning it housesorintegrated disparity.contribute totheproblem of Be islimitedtothe 1%whoaresustainably influenceand reach toplananddesign of a desire ourrange for design.Soessentially access tolandandfinancingbutalsohave have theurbanpopulation whonotonly of aclientbasethat comprises the1% service said that inIndia,architects anddesigners itisoften the designfraternity? Anecdotally on Sustainability inIndiaasitpertainsto disparity?Isthisnotanessaythis growing beconcernedwith architects anddesigners Be that asitmay, whyshouldweplanners, zones impactingwater, food andmobility. main vehiculararteriesandperi-urban areas andwetlands,along occupy lowlying they theunauthorizedsettlement grows, of labor.on migrant Asthenumber andextent theconstruction industry the dependenceof coronavirus calledCovid19,haslaidbare index? Thepandemiccausedbythenovel slumsontheurbansustainabilitygrowing ever- theimpactof rated buildingoffset Howwillmore LEEDorTeriGrihainevitable. tourbanareas distressed is migrants of the lowest commission rates globally and the lowestcommissionrates globally which iswhyIndianarchitects have oneof the valueattached totheinputisminimal, architects, among the1%whodoengage aestheticexpression inbuildings.And of to thus imitationfill theniche issufficient nondifferentiated from styleorfashion, contractor andanarchitect asdesignis do notdistinguishbetweenanengineer, the patrons. Mosteducated Indiansstill profession isvalued bythelay publicand is possible,itessentialtoseehowthe this action? To if evaluate realistically to cometogetherandinitiate suchan Indiabeable of architects anddesigners goals. Would theentitled andestablished mechanismstomeetthese regulatory aregovernment working they toenforce and with theproperty market, developers with defined goals andtimeline. Together to sustainability withclearactionpoints architects inUKcalledfor acommitment in UKanopenlettertoallpracticing In May-June 2019thetitledarchitects controls decisionmaking. that money powerstructure andcostof of honestitisthemurkybrutally combination tobe analysis, concept orevidence-based human settlements;rural orurban. climate changeandsustainable the issuesof wecanaddress development, and inclusive withequitable economic andsocial.Only informed decisionstoreduce inequity, participation toempowerpeopletake planning andbuildingregulations toinvite inurban academia –publictoengage between successfulprofessionals – The remedial action willneedapartnership bamboo, thoughtheseare importanttoo. build net-zero projects usingearthand howto recipes of distilled intoasetof multi-pronged action,whichcannotbe goals willrequiresustainable development meeting thenational commitmentto thecontext,scaleandurgency,Given collaboration. disciplinary andcripplingcross-architects anddesigners leading tochronic mistrust amongthe the practice, of to ensure economicsurvival commissionsrequired number of against quality practices betweencapacity todeliver This situation putsastrainonmost amount orschedule. feepaymentcommitment totheagreed andloosewiththe most clientsplay fast

17 ESSAY 18

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER Girish strong sense of communitycelebration. strong senseof Wada becamemyextendedplayground andhelpedmebuilda empathy inme.Thesurrounding Peth areas andadjoiningRaste harmonyand collective was responsible for sowingthis seedof to keepin all herendeavours theneighbourhood together. Ma also sharing theirsorrows, together. always I was herassistant treats for theentire community, togetherand celebrating festivals preparing byregularly everyone she cared alotfor thewellbeing of ourneighbourhoodand who weallcalledMa,wastheleaderof Mymother living. collective which nurtured mystrong senseof shared together.and celebratedlived, their lives This is the place old Pune.GunjanHousingwasaplacewhere 12Gujarati families cosmopolitan area Peth, of atraditionally inRasta Baniya Family urban middle classmilieu,ayoung ladbrought upinajointGujarati upinayoung country,Indian independence.Igrew inaregular Madras, nowChennai,justaboutAugust 1958in after 11years essay Doshi speaks of hispath, of Doshi speaks A journey ofpassionor

I was bornon27th sustainable building H.M. Kadamin themorning working parttimewithArchitect the year !Thisresultedfailed in year somuchthatmy first I our moralehigh.Ienjoyed helpedkeepArchitect Palshikar group. like Seniorprofessors convent-educated with thenew old citymiddle classmixed urban andrural mix,traditional backgrounds, boys from diverse expanded. We were girls and Peth Rasta community of architecture studies,mysmall year of In 1973,inmyfirst 1970s. the early architecture schoolinPune Kala Mahavidyalaya, theonly to studyarchitecture inAbhinav school,Iwent my final year of architectural studies.Soafter who directed metowards and anexpat from EastAfrica She wasastaunchGandhian besides myimmediate family. whocared persons for me first the Manorama ben,wasoneof ourneighbour,housing, upinGunjan While growing Ar. GirishDoshi of mylife. of era anew andbegan perspective construction. Itchangedmy thenunder me visitSangath, made him. Myinquisitiveness mind; Idecidedtowork with deepinmy Doshi iscarved glimpseof kurta. That first with longhair, wearingapurple to anenigmatic personality convention, wewere introduced CEPT Ahmedabad for aNASA architecture Ivisited final year of Sikri.Duringmy and Fatehpur Delhi places like Chandigarh, diverse me toarchitecturally professor introduced history and enthusiasm.Padhye sir, our energy architecture withnew I entered thesecondyear of master architect. professional behaviour andthe exposed metopracticalskills, architecture. Thisoneyear abstraction in the conceptof learned about light,spaceand LeCorbusier,and writingsof library. Idiscovered theworks and afternoonsinthecollege

for himself. built aferrocement houseandaworkshop small villageinMaharashtra where he inthelate ‘70satwith theAdivasis Pen, a startedworkingsmall villageandfinally big city, working ina dreamt healways of Delhi for Despiteworking 40years. ina in office Stein’s of the structural division exceptional structural engineerandheaded It wascalledVishnuPadhhat.Hean execution. and possessesgreat easeof construction by25% reduces thecost of which (Ferrocement-Origami), ‘Ferrogamy’ modular hollowconcrete blockwith bearing construction methodusinga load- Vishnu Joshi inventedamethodof build practice. was theturningpointfor mydesignand construction at Pen inMaharashtrawhich Guru. Iassistedhiminarural workshop for technologies from him,whomIconsidermy sustainable economically and theuseof resources, I learnthowtobuildwithfewer inIndia. ferrocement technology pioneer of Stein, DoshiandBhallaat Delhiandwasa was theprincipalstructural engineerwith introduced metoengineerVishnu Joshi. He During mydays at Doshi Sangath, from day one. family andmy sustainmyself to financially YASHDA. Thiswork proved tobeacushion Workshe mademeClerk onhisproject of return toPune.SoasaconcernedGuru, onmy myfamily would take care of apprehensive about howI,ayoung father, When Iwasleaving Doshiwas Sangath, studio Navkar. next day onmybirthday, Iinitiated my bustoPune.The and boarded theevening lunchwithhisfamily 1987 Ihadafarewell On Doshi’s 61stbirthday on26thAugust manwasevolving. a responsible family happening at andat Sangath thesametime trainee architect toproject architect was then afather. from being Theevolution Iwasabachelor,years thenahusbandand five thefirst architectural practice.For my placemaking laidthefoundation of curiosityandzestfor space/ everlasting enlightenment, architecture, afeelingof in generalconcludedapassionfor with Doshionscale,space,lightandlife Mydiscussions Sangath. the ambianceof Doshiinthestudioelectrified presence of people.The to alargercommunityof inAhmedabadMy years exposedme date, overforty years. Guru-Shishya, relationship that isintactto the my beingnoticedbyDoshi,thusbegan hard work persistent ledto Two of years are myinspirations. collaborator thesepeople PrasannaMorey; andmy Vishnu Joshi, myfriendAjitRao fromvaried fieldsandbackgrounds Doshi, like curiosityattracts metopeople from things;almostchild- bynew I amfascinated time,withspaceandplacemaking. of using thismethodare standingthecourse execute VishnuPaddhat.Thehousesmade whobecameassetsto trained four builders solution materialised duringsitevisits.I processes inconstruction, withthefinal followed bypragmatic designthinking, of way duringconstruction. Anorganic evolved wasdesignedinstudioalways Whatever remote areas. easy tousein electricity henceitisvery making blocksonsiteitdoesnotrequire andwhile making machineiscosteffective a conventionalframedstructure. Theblock nine kgwhichismuchlessthanrequired for the steelrequired for onesquare meteris is atwentypercent savings inconcrete and inside comfortable. there Inourobservation thick concrete filler blocksthus keeping the terrace slab is200mmthickwith150 plasteringtheentire house.The the costof and withlimepunninginside,thussaving thewall Further wefill theexternaljointsof plumb.less itiseasyfor masonstoachieve wall iseasytobuild,andsincethejointsare helps reduce theinteriortemperature. Block ventilation. Thecavity withintheblockwall helpscrossold school-typeventilators having andthepossibilityof height doors Having full- flat filler slabs helpachieve same technique. concrete blocksare alsobuiltusingthe resistant. Thefootings andfiller slabs using composite structure whichisearthquake asreinforcementsteel bars thusforming a are furtherstrengthenedthe corners using together actasloadbearingwallswhile 200X400X200(h).Theseblocks in unitsof material, and hollowblocksasaprimary around acourtyard andusesconcrete cavity technique for Arunodhay, apartments Vishnu Padhhat originated asabuilding

19 ESSAY text : : aadrita chatterji transformation photography : : pulkit sehgal

The Garden Shop, Miyabi mumbai commission : natasha aggarwal creative living, mumbai Stripped down to its bare minimum, the ‘I’ beam trusses originally constructed to support the mezzanine were extruded in height to create the frame for a pergola. They were then embellished with artificial creepers and hanging lights to create an aesthetic mood.

An open layout allows the user free movement, and the verandah is divided into two spaces by a wall-to-wall, full-height chequered partition with a mirror. Embroidery patches are used to create a dynamic artwork symbolizing changing trends. Apart from a central seating area and a private study, the trial rooms are made of fabric as it offers flexibility and can be integrated into the studio when needed.

Spread over 750 sq. ft., Miyabi Earthy colors with Kota stone flooring and (meaning ‘elegance’ in Japanese) is a wedding fashion stone-textured repainted plastered walls store converted from an abandoned space in an industrial were used for the décor, with metal display estate. The site was redesigned as a vibrant, leisurely and racks and partitions. A ladder was repurposed comfortable retail experience that allowed clients to as a prop stand and vanity corner. Minimal browse and plan their looks while sipping on coffee. wooden-finished furniture in bold colors with cage lights and bird floor lamps add an outdoor aesthetic to the space.

BEFORE on i ormat f trans NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 20 21 text : : aadrita chatterji transformation photography : : wen studio

TAOCANG ART CENTRE jiaxing commission : roarc renew, china

The main galleries have four entrances with newly- added corridors, where visitors can move from either side to the center through freight entrances. Running east and west, the main granaries create an energy field; the horizontal form fits into the parallel nature of the old granaries while the ascending trajectory in the vertical form leads to the sky.

A wheat-ear pattern is formed by combining red bricks, reminding one of its monument-like structure. The undulating brick pattern drains the rainwater out, while concrete arches support the bricks ending with a double-curved effect.

Spread over 2448 sq. m., the project is built from two granaries surrounded by the TaoCang canal and lotus marshes. Built in the 1960s, the granaries were once used by residents to store grains while the lotus marsh and pond were used for firefighting purposes. The on western granary was conceived as a commercial i

gallery while the eastern granary was meant to ormat f be an art gallery. trans

23 text : : aadrita chatterji transformation photography : : andrew smith

MUSE, RIVERSIDE HOUSE salford commission : spaceinvader design ltd., manchester

Following an agile layout, desks to the core, whilst ease of use and can be cleared at the end of the connectivity are prioritized in the workday, and belongings stored joinery and loose furniture pieces. in a locker. Natural elements such Aesthetically, it represents the as water and wildlife, particularly formation of clouds with fully- The Riverside House, built in the 1860s, is a Grade II-listed kingfishers, inspired the color controllable LED luminaires that building adjacent to an old railway goods yard and alongside the River Irwell. scheme. The firm further inspected enable the ceiling to complement Abandoned for several years, it was redeveloped into an award-winning the various strata of the sandstone or contrast with the external workplace. The heavily-damaged main building structure and the brick riverbed to create a horizontal environment and a wide, outward façade were to be retained while constructing a four-story office that fosters layering of tones of red combined swinging door allows connectivity collaboration. Sustainability and waste reduction were major aims concerning with industrial textures for a to the terrace. water and nature with biophilia and outdoor decking. sophisticated finish. Living planters come with air- Beams and lighting units were purifying and pollution-reducing moved to suit the meeting room qualities, along with promoting layout and floor grilles were moved employee productivity. Eight stand- to suit desk layouts minimizing up desks and a stand-up desk in cost, disruption and waste. The the project space allows colleagues wall linings were uplifted in some to stand or move around while locations; a slatted timber finish working. A feature ‘wave’ ceiling, is created for the perimeter walls part of a commission, in the client to open up the floor plate, while lounge is created by independent arched window linings frame the Manchester-based artists. A local views out towards Salford. photographer celebrates the space with location-specific photographic The zones that captured the best artwork, displayed in the meeting views were reserved for active around a ‘Manchester Pub’ theme. areas on the second and third floors, such as shared desk spaces, a project room and a staff kitchen. Noise, lighting, circulation and toilets met BCO (British Council of Office) standards – an acoustic consultant was brought to ensure the appropriate amount of acoustic finishes to control noise. Upholstered seating, full-height booth seating and acoustic wall treatments were designed using durable materials along with base build finishes.

On the second floor, project and communal spaces flank the edges with openable partitions that allow on engagement. Movable furniture i and partitions support wider ormat working practices, maximize natural f

daylight and views. Ancillary trans support functions are placed close 25 focus text : : aadrita chatterji photography : ivaan kvaal A Change for the Better photography : gauri and tejesh patil satam

powerhouse brattorkaia, norway | snohetta, oslo vrindavan, sindhudurg | untag architecture and interiors, mumbai

sustainability finally gets the green light We must cater to people of diverse age structures. According to Ar. Mitu Mathur, shift in the architectural methodology groups and social groups, providing for Director, GMPA, New Delhi, “Buildings ameliorates land, resource and wild from architects via the use of eco- education facilities, social zones, relaxation typically consume large amounts of degradation while creating energy-efficient friendly materials, environment-friendly spaces and entertainment options. It is materials and produce waste; sustainably- spaces for human habitation.” important to have economic sustainability designed buildings reduce environmental designs and a carbon-neutral approach as well, for which we need adequate impact through energy and resource Finally, sustainable design works in favor of building entrepreneurships and financial efficiency by changing perceptions of what everyone, from clients to countries meeting facilities.” spaces should look like.” their emission targets to Planet Earth, Ar. Sachin Rastogi, Founding Director and At a time when concepts like ‘climate Ar. Kjetil Trædal, Founding Partner, Ar. Amarnath Duleep, Founder and Principal, Zed Labs, New Delhi, explains, change’, the Paris Agreement and the ‘New Green Deal’ command Snohetta, Oslo, adds, “For a decade, we Director, Chronicles of Mud, Pune, gives us “Sustainable design prioritizes energy- global attention, it seems that the idea of sustainability, especially have researched and experimented with a simpler explanation, “There are several efficient strategies, minimizes negative when it comes to architecture, is dominating the conversation. energy-positive structures that are net- interpretations to sustainability; if we impacts, promotes healthy living and There is very little doubt among architects that they must now carbon neutral over their life cycles. We were to forego the jargon, it is the need improves building performance. It aims to factor in sustainability when it comes to approaching, designing focus on returning clean energy to society, to preserve our natural environment and meet present needs without compromising and executing a project. offsetting the fossil energy and carbon ecosystem to protect our species over on future requirements, such as by dioxide footprint that otherwise exists in the the generations. Both the personal and minimizing waste and reducing dependence Indeed, some have even made it their life’s work to develop energy grid.” collective come together on this concern. on non-renewable resources. We can blend this particular category of architecture, while others have Rapid urban development disregards the together vernacular and modern technology progressively begun to adopt such changes in their work. Says Architects are now seeking to counter the delicate ecological balance that binds to develop environmentally-compatible and Ar. Rahul Kadri, Partner and Principal Architect, IMK Architect, drawbacks of conventional buildings and together the ecosystems. Thus, a paradigm economically-viable buildings.” Mumbai, “Sustainability focuses on meeting the diverse needs of the present and future, while being sensitive to the environment stone house,spain | nomo studio, spain and contributing to a high-quality life. As the name suggests, we follow the local context of the region with indigenous building materials, architectural language and climatic considerations. photography : j oan g uillamat photography : vivek muthuramalingam

hornbill house, nilgiri | biome environmental solutions, bengaluru sustainability: choice or necessity? The architecture and design recorded in the first half of 2020 as community devises strategies on how compared to the same period in 2019. to minimize environmental impact Over the last 200 years, the world has with their projects, as they believe that witnessed an unprecedented migration it is their responsibility to do so. Ar. of people from rural to urban Anna Heringer, Founder, Studio Anna areas. This ‘urban pull’ has created Heringer, Germany, says, “We must care widening gaps between the growing for our resources and keep our planet city population and the physical safe for the coming generations, and it and social infrastructure required must be a series of everyday choices. to accommodate it – leading to a fletcher photography, drone promotions (aerial) promotions drone photography : joe fletcher photography, It doesn’t have to be one epic decision; wastage of energy. Today, urban areas it could be something like, should we alone account for up to 70 percent use environmentally-friendly paint of greenhouse gas emissions. There and insulation material? Or, should has been a massive shift in design we build large windows to bring in strategies with an effort to develop the sun and ventilation? Everything we ‘Green Building Concepts’, focusing on do matters.” designing and maintaining sustainable buildings, minimizing the utilization Do extreme weather changes, a of resources and prioritizing occupant desperate need to save natural well-being.” resources and the desire to be responsible customers result in a Ar. Karl Johan Nyqvist and Ar. Alicia stronger push for sustainability? Ar. Casals San Miguel, Partners, Nomo Rahul Kadri replies, “We have seen Studio, Sweden, believe, “Companies a rise in annual natural disasters all have realized that they must have a miner road house, california | faulkner architects and dzine concept, california jhopdi, pune | chronicles of mud, pune around the world, which has only green profile when pitching to new increased the need for sustainable clients, which has pushed them into Ar. Chaitanya Padal, Ar. Kinnera Varma and there are consumer-conscious choices along with thick walls acting development. As per the Aon making a change. Secondly, many Ar. Radha Neela, Founders, Studio Inscape, that vote for sustainable products as thermal buffers for reducing catastrophe report, titled ‘Global governments have already started Hyderabad give a modern perspective on Indian and practices. Consequently, both heat gain. Catastrophe Recap: First Half of 2020’, with higher taxes on non-sustainable sustainability. They say, “We believe in modern eco-entrepreneurship and eco- there has been an increase of at materials, waste and production – and regionalism, which is contextual, traditional consumerism are on the rise in the We must design the size and least 27 per cent in natural disasters it will be cheaper in the long run.” and modern. Sustainability comes naturally to architecture and design field.” orientation of the buildings Indians, such as reusing palm and coconut tree accordingly, such as window-shading house of silence, kalalgoda, sri lanka | leaves, fruits, husk, bark and shell to be used in Our traditional systems seem to devices with effective wall-to-window damith premathilake architects, sri lanka national institute of design, bhopal | gian p. mathur & associates pvt. ltd., new delhi multiple ways.” have the answer: Ar. Sachin Rastogi ratios and fenestrations to maximize says, “The country’s architecture has daylight. Using local materials, Ar. Mitu Mathur, says architects must move employed several designs for energy- water bodies and natural vegetation ahead with the ecological environment around efficiency, such as jaalis (latticed counteract the heat-island effect. us. “Climate change, global warming and screens), chajjas (sloping eaves and Rainwater harvesting strategies depletion of natural resources are chronic canopies) and jharokhas (overhanging such as recycling and reusing problems in modern life. Therefore, buildings balconies), particularly in India’s water for cleaning and horticulture must be carbon neutral. To achieve this, northern regions these address the are a vital step towards water buildings must follow high-performance need for lighting and ventilation – conservation. Organic and inorganic eresh weerasuriya eresh photography : ar. efficiency standards and produce renewable while protecting occupants from the waste should be separated and PV energy to counter less helpful emissions.” harsh sunlight. Aangans (courtyards) panels installed on the roofs to fulfill facilitate air circulation and light, hot water requirements.” Speaking from an Indian perspective, architects

Gauri Satam and Tejesh Patil, Founders, Untag manav sadhana activity centre and creche, ahmedabad | footprints e.a.r.t.h, ahmedabad Architects, Mumbai, say, “Our Indian cities, in the tropics, face issues in the urban heat due to excessive use of glass without shading – causing heat and glare and increased energy consumption, leading to a higher carbon footprint. A reduced forest cover worsens the situation as greenhouse emissions on the rise, thereby making our cities disaster-prone. On the other hand, vernacular architecture teaches us how to live within nature, be self-sufficient and minimize our carbon footprint.”

Taking a more customer-centric outlook, Ar. Amarnath Duleep says, “The environmental crisis is worsening every year, but ecological awareness has risen exponentially. Therefore, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 28 a blend of materials and technology

Today, sustainability isn’t simply a topic read about in books. Architects attribute their interest in sustainable architecture to genuine ecological kanande photography : ravi concern, as Ar. Anna Heringer says, “Humans are deeply connected to earth on both a physical and psychological level; though concrete is helpful in many cases, we must prevent its overuse to cope with climate change. I believe that building with natural materials also brings a human touch to it, which gives birth to a community. Last but not the least, natural structures can return to the planet once they have outgrown their use.”

Technology – it depends on the project – for certain structures, I rely on water and labour, while in other areas, I rely on machinery due to the high labour taxes. I believe in designing sustainable projects at the grassroot level, instead of simply building a structure with aluminium and steel, and just adding solar panels on top – it’s unsustainable.”

Ar. Amarnath Duleep adds, “Natural building involves the mason’s constant engagement and attention, and we prefer manual work apart from

studio shed, pune | studio alternatives, pune auric hall, aurangabad | imk architects, mumbai a few power tools.” what does it take? crystal corporation pvt. ltd.office, new delhi | 42 mm architecture, new delhi Integrating green building concepts Finally, the space can be accessorized while planning a project can help with revamped furniture, art from challenges and costs achieve ‘net-zero designs’, which are scrap materials and sourcing locally modern education and training institute, bangladesh | anna heringer, germany energy-efficient and sustainable. Ar. antique products.” Though sustainability is a long-term Vernacular architecture such as Rahul Kadri agrees, “We must cut out need, are we equipped to deal with it? placing longer facades facing the materials that are not environment- Ar. Damith Premathilake, Principal Anna Heringer says, “If we simply trust North and South, large windows that friendly, which add to carbon Architect, Damith Premathilake that decay is a part of life and nature, allow glare-free light, sunshades in the emissions. Instead, our designs must Architects, believes, “Sustainability we would cease to use cement, concrete, South West that prevent heat gain include locally-available and natural shouldn’t be a secondary aspect; it steel and waterproofing to make long and open spaces are inexpensive materials, such as Compressed Earth must be incorporated into the project standing buildings. Sustainable projects alternatives. A courtyard and jaali Blocks (CEB). Buildings are designed conception itself by minimizing are expensive in Germany, and we need screens aids in cooling, cross-ventilation to maximize natural light and footprint and orienting the building to ensure that sustainable raw materials and ample daylight while reduces ventilation through façade screens, accordingly. We are inspired by are affordable enough for all to use. artificial lighting and mechanical shading devices and courtyards to traditional architecture such as Local materials should not be taxed, as cooling.” Speaking of the importance of reduce energy and maintenance costs. water bodies, courtyards, light wells they give rise to the cheapest and most rural communities, Ar. Amarnath Duleep Rainwater harvesting, solar panels and and repurpose materials for our logical building designs – all we need to says, “Rural areas are more favorable sewage treatments are sustainable and designs. For our residential project in do is to educate ourselves.” for sustainability, as local materials renewable energy sources – along with Diyathalawa, we have used reclaimed are readily available. Consumer bias natural vegetation.” timber from pallet boxes as the Ar. Rahul Kadri says, “The initial cost of and misconceptions are equally tough primary material. ” sustainable systems might seem high; hurdles, especially when the clients Ar. Priyanka Khanna and Rudraksh however, one will enjoy the returns choose readymade material such as Charan, Architects and Interior Architects Gauri Satam and Tejesh Patil, in the lifecycle cost of the project in cement. Also, skilled craftspersons for Designers, 42 MM Architecture, New Founders, Untag Architects, Mumbai, the next five years. We have seen a lime and bamboo are harder to find over Delhi, discuss the aesthetics of the focus more on solar orientation. They significant advancement in the model people oriented towards conventional space saying, “Using renewable explain, “A building can be sensitively and simulation platforms to simplify materials. Natural materials don’t resources such as natural light and designed by studying the site’s solar the process of designing sustainable exhaust energy sources in their planters accentuate visual appeal and geometry and incorporating active buildings, such as BIM (Building production, extraction and processing.” spatial quality, along with recycled and passive solar techniques. Software Integrated Modelling) and software that wood, cork and ceramic. Speaking simulations to integrate passive solar

assists in the lifecycle analysis of these Architects Gauri Satam and Tejesh Patil OCUS of technology, energy-efficient strategies to assess the performance structures. Finally, most architects see add, “Apart from the lack of alternative F lighting, double-glazed windows of a built form, rat-trap bonds for sustainability as the responsibility of the technology and skilled karigars, solar and automation optimizes energy insulation and evaporative cooling environmental consultant rather than as photovoltaic cells, mechanical cooling

consumption as per the user’s need. reduce temperature.” photography : vivek muthuramalingam a part of the design. systems and rainwater harvesting need hornbill house, nilgiri | biome environmental solutions, bengaluru NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 30 31 bamboo hostels, china | anna heringer, germany

a higher capital investment with long-term sourced materials with new technology gains, and it could be difficult to convince for building projects. Intelligent decision- a client. Use solar geometry for orientation, making, capacity and knowledge deliver channelizing local breeze through cross- sustainable solutions. The economic ventilation, recycling wastewater, recharging and environmental aspects of a building groundwater and bringing in natural light to conflict with each other, thus designs must reduce costs in a sustainable project.” ensure that they don’t impact the planet. Sustainable buildings are resource-efficient Pointing to the reality of building in a with a low operation cost make the projects less developed country, Ar. Mitu Mathur sustainable with alternative building says, “India is a developing country, materials, natural lighting, low-VOC paint and it is a challenge to combine locally- and recycling construction waste.”

stone house,spain | nomo studio, spain a house in a gaothan, dakivali | untag architecture and interiors, mumbai padal residence, kakinada | studio inscape, hyderabad stonex, kishangarh | urbanscape architects, new delhi

outlook for the future

Now that the importance of sustainable implement climate policy, decision-making

photography : j oan g uillamat architecture is well-known, how will it fare in the and legislation regarding sustainability as there future? Ar. Anna Heringer says, “We must accept have been several conversations around this. that death is a part of life, which will remove the Once considered a radical topic, sustainability need to add steel, cement and cladding to combat now influences public discourse in every architecture & interiors photography : untag architecture the vulnerabilities of natural building materials. discipline: technology, economics, philosophy, The governments must bring carbon taxes architecture and design – and we seek solutions. and make sustainable materials cheaper than Therefore, researchers and policymakers must conventional ones.” develop sustainable building and city designs. A multidisciplinary collaboration of architects Ar. Rahul Kadri agrees, “Sustainable and planners with socio-political participation, neighborhoods – a self-sustaining unit with technological innovation, public education and locally-available public facilities and amenities government leadership shall bring a change.” – could reduce travel time, carbon emissions and pollution. They ensure the optimization of Architects Gauri Satam and Tejesh Patil, sum up resources and services, reduce wastage and ensure saying, “Sustainability is a lifestyle about conscious efficient costing.” decision-making, recycling and upcycling what we have consumed. It is not limited to architecture,

Pointing to the importance of government but about incorporating productive landscapes OCUS F intervention and ownership of the problem, Ar. by creating local-food cycles, native diversity and Amarnath Duleep says, “The government must creating a worldwide awareness of ‘Less is More’.” NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 32 33 CRYSTAL CORPORATiON

PVT. LTD.OFFiCE,NEW DELHi a solid green wall, flanked by a strand- Concrete and reclaimed wooden flooring board wall cladding and a naturally- contrast with the bamboo ceiling, 42 MM Architecture, New Delhi illuminated and ventilated space. A which gives the project an earthy, double-height area with a light well organic feel. Minimalistic furniture on brings in filtered light percolating green grass comprise the breakout areas, Design brief and aim through a passive solar device, which which are meticulously integrated into To create a green office for an agrochemical manufacturer collects solar energy as well. the façade, while the light well brings using natural raw materials, which would showcase the in filtered light percolating through a essence of the company. passive solar device. How this was accomplished Built across 34,000 sq. ft., the first and second floors of the structure house the corporate office, while the ground floor was left undefined for future expansion. The reception area has a reclaimed wooden reception table that sits in front of OCUS F ravi kanandephotography : ravi NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 34 35 The building rests on a 50-cm- ‘cave system’ at the back. The MODERN EDUCATiON AND deep brick masonry foundation soft interiors of these spaces rendered with facing cement were designed for exploration plaster, along with a damp- or concentration, individually proof course, which is a double or in a group. The upper story TRAiNiNG iNSTiTUTE,BANGLADESH layer of locally-available PE is a frame construction of (polyethylene) film. On the four-layered bamboo beams Anna Heringer, Germany ground floor, the load-bearing arranged at right angles to walls are constructed using straw- the building. The end of the Design brief and aim earth mixture heaped onto the frames at the short ends of To construct a school that reflects the foundation wall to a height of the buildings and the stairs emphasis on developing the students’ 65 cm. per layer. After the fourth strengthen the building, which is potential creatively and responsibly. layer, a ring beam made of thick further connected by additional It strives to improve existing building bamboo canes is integrated into structural members and wind techniques and contribute to sustainability the ceiling as a wall plate. bracing on the upper surface of by utilizing the local potential and the frame. strengthening regional identity. A triple layer of bamboo canes is used for the ceiling of the A series of bamboo rafters How this was accomplished ground floor, with the central at intervals of the frame Most vernacular architecture in Bangladesh layer arranged perpendicular construction, provide support uses earth and bamboo as the primary to the layer above and beneath for the corrugated iron roof building materials; however, there are for lateral stabilization and and are covered with timber erroneous construction techniques such connection between the paneling and adjusted in height as a lack of foundation and damp-proof supporting beams. A layer of for sufficient run-off. It is light coursing in the buildings. The project planking made of split bamboo and open, with openings in aimed at improving the quality of life canes is laid out on the central the bamboo walls that offer in rural areas and to counteract the layer and filled with the earthen sweeping views of the treetops continuing migration to the cities. It also mixture as traditionally used in and village pond. The large prioritizes low labor costs and locally- European timber-framed ceilings. interior space enables free available resources such as earth and Three classrooms constructed movement, while light and bamboo. Traditional building techniques with thick earthen walls, are shadows from the bamboo were developed and passed onto the local located on the ground floor, contrast with the colorful saris on tradesmen, thus transforming the process. each with access to an organic the ceiling. Local craftsmen used applied techniques for bamboo weaving and rammed earth, labor-intensive tasks that benefit the community. The project aimed to reconnect with authentic cultural goods that blend the strength of bamboo and BAMBOO traditional basket weaving, such as ceramic vessels in Baoxi. The energy system is based on traditional concepts such as fire, sun, wind, shade, plants, and minimizing conditioned spaces. The cocoons are thermally controlled and further HOSTELS,CHiNA protected from the rain and heat. Fire is used as a heating source, apart from an oven that heats water for the showers, Anna Heringer, Germany Design brief and aims which is supported by solar collectors. To celebrate the beauty of natural materials for two hostels and one guest house.

How this was accomplished Spread over 1,153 sq. m., the project was part of the Longquan International Biennale that sought to build bamboo structures; 12 architects were invited to build them. The structure of the hostels is formed out of a core made with rammed earth and stones, which hosts all facility units and stairs. The sleeping units are designed like Chinese lampshades that light up at night, surrounded by a woven bamboo structure. OCUS F NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 38 39 ANANDOLOY, BANGLADESH Anna Heringer, Germany

Design brief and aim To construct a center for people with special needs and a studio for the production of Dipdii textiles.

How this was accomplished The project was built using local materials, local energy sources, local labor and global knowledge. Anandoloy was built out of mud and bamboo by local farmers, and a major part of the budget was invested in local craftswomen.

The building was initially planned as a therapy center, which was later extended to another block that hosts Dipdii Textiles, a studio for the women tailors of the

village. Spread over 174 sq. m., follows curves symbolizing diversity the concept provides therapy for among people. Apart from a fired people with special needs and aids brick foundation, there are bamboo them in learning, working and pillars, ceilings and roof structures. engaging in the community. Straw roofs are used for the lower Mud was used in creative ways level, while a metal sheet roof is throughout the project, as the firm used for the upper terrace. felt that it was far stronger and superior to brick and used a cob Note : Cob building is derived from

mud building technique, where no the Old English term for “lump.” OCUS framework is needed to construct A mix of clay, sand and straw is F walls. A large ramp leads up to the kneaded by foot into lumps, and first floor to include people from built into solid, monolithic walls all walks of life, and the structure nearly as durable as concrete. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 40 41 balcony spaces on all the floors wetland provides nesting spaces for summer facilitate interactive spillover spaces in the birds with its aquatic and semi-aquatic workshop and boardroom respectively. Higher vegetation. Operational energy usage was ceilings insulate the roof and local brick bat reduced through LED fixtures, energy-efficient coba is used for weather-proofing the RCC- fans, and air-cooling systems, which has framed structure. reduced energy consumptions by two-thirds.

Wire-cut bricks and adobe bricks were used Energy is produced by a 20kVa solar PV panel for the walls; the abode bricks were locally system installed on the rooftop, and rainwater manufactured by mixing black cotton soil with harvesting provides water for four months fly ash, cement and lime. Dedicated spaces while the excess is used for recharge. Water- were chosen for indoor plants and herbs, with efficient fixtures reduce water consumption. native fruit growing in the open areas. The ACTiON FOR SOCiAL ADVANCEMENT,BHOPAL Biome Environmental Solutions, Bengaluru

Design brief and aim and a steeped well. This prevents To design a non-profit flooding and encourages the development organization that replenishment of shallow aquifers, ensures livelihoods through while the stepped wall acts as a natural resource development. community space.

How this was accomplished Passive building planning, energy At the outset, the client wanted efficiency, water management the space to foster an inclusive and biodiversity remain pivotal and collaborative work culture. to the design. Deep overhangs Formerly an agricultural piece and courtyards reduce heat gain of land on the lowest level, the and glare, ensuring ample natural presence of black cotton soil made daylight. The eastern and western it prone to waterlogging due to facades have windows skewed to poor outflow. The firm took up the the horizontal sun glare without challenge and raised the building compromising on daylight and by a floor, while the sunken area fresh air. A landscaped court on was converted into a wetland the top floor, common court and NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 42 44

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER STUDiO, SWASTiKA double-height volume to be acoustically soundwithout double-height volumetobeacoustically sinking thebuildingallowsdancestudio’sPartially amultifunctionaltightsiteandrequirement. challenges of While constructingface the theproject, thefirmhadto How thiswas accomplished asavenue for workshopswould alsoserve andsmallevents. platform for theperforming artsat asmallscale,which construct adanceandmusicstudioasanintimate To andaim Design brief Biome Environmental Solutions,Bengaluru BENGALURU DANCE DANCE to the ground level, where thecarparking level, to theground A staircase supportedonabrickvaultleads during performances andevents. thespacesinteractive the studioandrenders of frontcourt, whichconnectsallthree levels inthrough thecommon light pours light andshadowsintheday. Additional concrete ringwindowscreate interesting A narrow skylightat theeastandprecast bricks tobuildthestructure aswell. provides thesoiltomake stabilized mud compromising onlightandventilation. It

photography : : vivek muthuramalingam become alargeperformance space.The openingupto by full-heightglazing, The musicstudioandplatform are separated common washroom. studio, anoutdoorplatform, anda anoffice whichcomprisesamusic level, to thefirst at theentrance.Ametalstaircase takes up alongwiththeWestfaçade Indianelmtree openings,whichforms the and cylindrical using construction debriswithaggregate made withmudrendered plumconcrete thestaircase was The solidcentralcore of waiting area. asatemporary area serves students inanopenenvironment. interactionamongthe that promotes lively connected byatriple-heightfrontcourt are vertically Thethreeand yoga. levels dance,music of suites for visitingtrainers performance area andleadstotheguest onthesecondfloor looksoverthe A gallery reused for thestudio’s requirements. and isharvested from theroof Rainwater corrugated sheets withacentralskylight. processed tetrapack madeof sloping roof double-height openspaceisshadedbya HORNBiLL HOUSE, NiLGiRi Biome Environmental Solutions, Bengaluru

Design brief and aim and construct eight more bungalows. To renovate an existing bungalow and These structures were spread across the build eight additional bungalows on expansive property instead of designed mountainous background. Care was taken to a 135-acre estate, to be rented out as as a close-knit development. Motorable ensure that no additional land was diverted farm stays. roads and footpaths were built, and from farming to construction and that there the bungalows built based on the was no change in topography, which leads to How this was accomplished views, easy access and privacy. soil erosion and construction waste deposit The project was realized at Oland in the streams. The walls are a composite of Estate, a tea and coffee plantation The Hornbill House is located in an old stone on the outside and mud bricks on the that borders forest lands. The brief drying yard, bordered by a waterfall, inside. The exterior stone wall blends with the was to renovate an existing bungalow, layered against tea gardens and a rock face near the location, while the mud walls provide warmth and shelter. The reused materials were retrieved from the old yard and the dilapidated watchman’s quarters.

Roads were repaired and slopes stabilized, which provided soil to make compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB) to build the walls. Broken Dado tiles were used to create a mosaic in the toilet. OCUS F

photography : vivek muthuramalingam 47 JHOPDi,PUNE Chronicles of Mud, Pune

Design brief and aim To experiment with natural building practices, Locally-found stone and boulders of site soil, render a rustic vibe. Motifs using local materials, reduced transportation, make up the foundation. Plaster gives with plaster finishes and natural surfaces biodegradable ingredients and sustainable a neat finish to the cob structure, with brighten up the mud kitchen, complete practices, while building a house. customized natural plasters made with a seating area for 12.

with suitable ingredients submerged How this was accomplished in water and left to ferment for two Approximately 35 sacks of sand were used for weeks. Fermentation breaks down the custom-made plaster, with 20 sacks of lime straw fibers present in the plaster mix to brought in from Mumbai. The structure was produce viscid enzymes that bond the made of natural material; the waterproof roof plaster to their substrates, ending with was achieved with recycled PVC sheets that were aged plaster applied using plaster trowels previously used as canopies for the nurseries and or by hand. greenhouses in the region. The cob was made out of local soil dug out of a mound adjacent to the The plaster art technique called Sgraffito, kitchen, while the straw used as fiber was cut from which entails multiple layers of plaster the surroundings and used in the mixture. in a particular sequence to create murals and other decorative reliefs, was used. Deadwood was used in the reciprocal-style kitchen Manually-extracted natural pigments from roof that lines the boundary of the property. The plants and minerals added an earthen karvi is an indigenous reed widely used by the feel to the site, made from materials that tribal communities in Maharashtra to make reed were crushed, hand-ground and mixed lattice, which was plastered to make the ceilings of with a carrier medium to obtain high- the structure. quality paint. A wood-fired oven and grill sculpted out of locally-produced clay soil lie near the outdoor cob kitchen, and clay and lime-based plaster, composed NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 48 a feature wall that runs along a narrow corridor that connects the dining area to the service area. Foot-long timber strips join together to form hollow cuboids, which creates fenestrations on the eastern façade. Apart from timber, steel and rubble were HOLiDAY HOME AT used in varying proportions to create the desired spatial quality.

Timber requires minimal processing energy and does SRi LANKA not emit greenhouse gases, compared to steel and DiYATHALAWA, concrete. It allows more spaces for insulation than Damith Premathilake Architects, Sri Lanka other building materials, and needs less fossil fuels. Due to lower thermal conductivity, it results in a Design brief and aim lower thermal diffusivity. To create a cottage in the dry zone about two kilometers away from the Diyathalawa military training school.

How this was accomplished Perched on a cliff in a forest of pine trees, the cabin is built in a climate that has a temperature of about 20 degree Celsius throughout the year. The hut follows an adaptive reuse of timber pallet shipping boxes to construct prominent features, especially in the upper floor of the cottage. Leftover timber strips during the construction process were reused to form a screen of handmade timber boxes along the side of the cottage.

The two-storied structure was designed

to suit the climate, which makes an OCUS F energy-efficient option as compared to non-renewable building materials. On- site construction waste was used to build NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 50 51 PERSONALiZED HOUSE AT ANDERSON ROAD, DEHiWALA, SRi LANKA Damith Premathilake Architects, Sri Lanka

Design brief and aim To create a personalized home experience. An entertainment area perched atop the southern wing How this was accomplished is centralized towards the residential fabric, buffering all Spread over 8,565 sq. ft., the residence was built on a 31-perch the private activities located at the northern connecting block of land that fringes on the otherwise haphazardly wing. A conventional material palette of concrete, steel designed neighborhood. Clear lines and simple flowing spaces and timber along with rubble walls is used, against the are devoid of unnecessary ornamentation, and showcase the subdued backdrop . Timber fenestrations add a pleasing luxurious lifestyle of the occupants. contrast, while white marble flooring adds luxury to the gardens. Steel columns leading to the upper floors are A classic U-shaped floor plan optimizes privacy and promotes clad with timber to conceal downpipes. the influx of ample natural daylight and cross-ventilation. Ascending from the entrance, a timber façade seamlessly Natural cut and polished cement walls contrast with weaves into the white-washed interiors that are flooded with the white walls, and reduce the enclosed aspect of the daylight. Bedrooms are extended to the passageway acting as U-shaped plan, allowing the trees to blend with the a balcony. Passive cooling strategies ensure an ambient indoor ambience. The tropical greenery extends into a cascading thermal climate and ventilation. Canopies shield the site from terraced garden merging with the pool. Three canopy excessive heat while the pool and surrounding foliage further levels, including wild black plum, kaim and a large contribute to the livability of the space. canopy reach up to the rubble wall. Strawberry, guava and amber trucks form the second canopy level, while ferns form the lowest level. eresh weerasuriya eresh photography : ar. HOUSE OF The two-storied house opens up into a double-height space, partially open to the sky, with two ‘dan’ trees rising up from the pond. Reused railway sleepers SiLENCE, and porous exposed brick walls break the monotony, as seen in the entry and garage door. Ivory-colored titanium floor and timber enhance natural lighting, KALALGODA, SRi LANKA and the use of vertical timber screens in the bedrooms result in greater privacy and natural ventilation. Damith Premathilake Architects, Sri Lanka Existing trees and terraces in the upper levels create interesting spaces, which complements the canopies on Design brief and aim the site. Visual effects and spatial flow are incorporated To design a house in a tropical context. for comfortable living throughout the two levels of the house, maintaining intimacy and aesthetic beauty. How this was accomplished The Kalalgoda House sits on a 14.4 perch land adjoining a Note : A perch is a unit of measurement of land in Sri paddy field, designed for its tropical context to achieve an ideal Lanka. 1 Perch = 25.29 Sqm. orientation. The front of the land faces the entry road while the rear side faces the paddy field, which facilitates natural ventilation inside the house. Cool earthy colors reflect nature’s greenery and blend in the outdoors and indoors.

At the entrance, the garden space is paved with red gravel and hosts several trees. A shallow pond in the center of the house leads to a brick wall, adding depth and texture to the space. OCUS F NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 54 weerasuriya eresh photography : ar. 55 ENViRONMENTAL Spread over 7,418 sq. m, the building was oriented to regulate breeze and solar gain and respond to the hot and dry conditions of the site. Increased massing towards the southwest exploits shaded areas to the northeast by SANiTATiON accommodating the activity areas, courts and streets. North-facing terraces on the upper floors, decks and open plinths offer multiple opportunities for interaction. Fenestrations iNSTiTUTE (ESi), regulate convective heat loss and optimize daylight, while brick cavity walls insulate the interiors from the high-ambient atmospheric SUGHAD, GANDHiNAGAR temperatures and incoming solar radiation. Footprints E.A.R.T.H., Ahmedabad A subterranean build with shared adjacent walls prevents excessive heat gain, and selectively-controlled massing provides mutual shade, breaks up continuous spaces and Design brief and aim spaces – open and semi-covered for reduces reflected glare. Overhangs determined To construct a sustainable and various purposes. by shadow-throw studies and sun-angle free-flowing institute that promotes analysis control solar penetration and reduce interaction, involvement and The entry is through the smaller atmospheric glare in the interiors. interchange. triangular plot on the southeast, where three trees act as visual The landscape facilitates microclimate control How this was accomplished guides in the process. The junction through local shading by trees against south- The ESI conducts training, education of the rectangular and triangular facing walls. Wind turbulences formed by built and awareness programs in the plots leads to the residential and form and vegetation prevent soil erosion and aid field of environmental sanitation service areas to the south, with in surface glare control. Landscape treatment in and health. The institute consists of a garden on the north. Higher the form of cut-and-fill on a flat site promotes academic areas, library and resource massing at the south provides solar passive design such as evaporative cooling center, computer rooms, outdoor views of the garden and shades the and berming. Kitchen gardens and orchards demonstration spaces, multipurpose lower masses on the north, and optimize available land resources and use halls, administration centers, are clearly visible from the bridge treated sullage for irrigation and mulched amphitheaters and residential across the canal. organic waste as manure, which are cost- efficient measures as well.

Rainwater harvesting (rooftop, open ground and garden) is practiced for sanitation, drinking and gardening. Organic solid waste managed through soak pits is repurposed to produce biogas for the kitchen. The lavatories are designed with a minimized water-borne carriage system that enhances sustainability and maintains sanitation. Solar photovoltaic and heating panels along with dehumidifiers and fans were envisaged as low-energy devices to supplement the solar passive design. pandya, kartik pandya, rathod photography : yatin The walls, roofs, slabs, doors and windows are made with simple hand-operated tools, partially using the help of the end-users. Cement-bonded fly-ash bricks and mold- compressed bricks made from landfill site waste residue, stabilized soil blocks, recycled glass and plastic bottles filled with ash and waste residue were used. Vegetable crate wooden paneling was used in the inner partition walls, while cement-bonded particleboard with a clay tile cover and a light conduit pipe truss with G.I. sheets with clay tile roofs promote sustainable use of architecture.

Shredded packaging wrapper and coated paper waste are a substitute for fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) for the door paneling. Oil tin containers as blades make the ventilation louvers and cladding in the toilets. Fly ash MANAV and waste residue molded tiles with inlaid ceramic industry waste as china mosaic was applied in patches for their demonstration. Broken stone, tile residue, metal scrap, stone cutter blades, bars of broken slabs and rag- SADHANA reinforced FRP panels were used in construction. ACTiViTY CENTRE AND CRECHE, Design brief and aim AHMEDABAD To construct an NGO within the largest squatter settlement of Ahmedabad, which serves as an Footprints E.A.R.T.H, Ahmedabad informal school for young children in the morning, an evening education facility for adults and is also a vocational training center and activity workshop for the manufacturing of craft-based products by women and the elderly.

How this was accomplished Spread over 11,00 sq. m., the space includes an administrative unit, all-religion meditation unit and dormitory, apart from the school. A creche and community center were later additions, along with a gymnasium and health center. The structure was built OCUS using components that included recycled municipal F waste, which reduces pollution, is cheaper and offers superior-quality building alternatives for the urban poor. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 58 59 UJASiYU,AHMEDABAD Footprints E.A.R.T.H, Ahmedabad

Design brief and aim To construct an Innovation Centre supported by the Solar Electric Light Company (SELCO), initiated by the Mahila Housing Sewa Trust and Sewa Bank – with a focus on a sustainable and affordable lighting and ventilation for the urban poor. Fiber-reinforced translucent corrugated sheets with built-in dormer windows allow for ventilation, How this was accomplished diffused glare and heat-free light, while the Non-mechanized, cost-efficient and sustainable steps aperture offers a natural passage for hot air were taken to ventilate the space, with natural daylight ventilation. Low-energy electrical fixtures offer 50 possibilities for health, ventilation and economical per cent savings on electricity bills, replacing old purposes. This increases work efficiency for home-based tungsten bulb lighting. workshops and production as well as environmental aspects by consuming less energy. OCUS F hriday creations photography : hriday 61 GANDHi- NU-GAM LUDiYA, KUTCH Footprints E.A.R.T.H, Ahmedabad

Design brief and aim To design a shelter system as a part of a rehabilitation program after the 2001 Gujarat earthquake.

How this was accomplished A total of 455 bhungas – traditional circular hamlets – were designed with conical thatched roofs with clay and mirror work relief, in an earthquake- resistant block. The structures include health centers, grass banks, sanitation blocks, shrines, rainwater harvesting ponds and check dams. The homes are climatically comfortable in the hot and arid desert environment and socio-culturally appropriate to the tribal lifestyle.

An earthquake-proof design due to its round form, the structures have a low slenderness ratio, thick wall, stiffened base, multi-layer plastering, earthen material and small openings with conical thatched roofs. There are smokeless stoves for a healthier kitchen environment and house-to-house sanitation systems for comfort and hygiene.

Solar photovoltaic cell lighting ensures minimum lighting needs with decentralized systems and the decentralized sewerage system ensures hygiene and sanitation. OCUS F NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 62 63 a regular cut-and-fill approach a canopy, penetrate the academic was avoided during construction. blocks, which allows a collaborative A contoured site and uneven soil exchange of intellectual and was used as an opportunity to technical knowledge. envisage an academic hub that evolved with the optimization of The interiors of the classrooms the natural slope. The site planning and workshops were designed as adopts a landscape-integrated per a modern studio, making it an approach, where the placement adaptable and interactive space. A of built volumes respects climatic dedicated auditorium was designed factors to create a visually aesthetic close to the academic block and environment. library, along with separate parking for 500 ECUs. The amphitheatre, The elements are designed as acting as a congregation spot, has a connect entities in their context, cafeteria underneath. forming a neighborhood- supporting community, needed The institute was designed to for all academic institutions. allow for future expansion and The faculty and students get the incorporates a solar passive design opportunity to engage themselves for energy-efficiency purposes. in an integrated process of Treated water from the STP (sewage designing, constructing, and treatment plant) is utilized for the NATiONAL operating buildings. The highest landscape, dual flushing systems point of the site is planned as and green building strategies the library, which is designed minimize operational costs, as a series of interactive nodes resulting in an IGBC Gold Rating. iNSTiTUTE OF and landscaped plaza flanked by Rocks that were broken down at studios, classrooms, and workshops the time of excavation were used in on opposites. The semi-open the planters and landscape on site. DESiGN, circulation corridors, crowned by BHOPAL Gian P. Mathur & Associates Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi

Design brief and aim To design a campus, which aims at maximizing opportunities for interaction, engagement and exchange of ideas.

How this was accomplished Spread over 30 acres of land, the rocky and barren terrain had a level difference of almost 12 meters from the highest to the lowest points. A minimalistic approach was utilized to reduce the excavation costs and environmental impact, and NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 64 AURiC HALL, AURANGABAD IMK Architects, Mumbai

Design brief and aim To design a socially-responsive office building spread over 2.5 lakh sq. ft., located in the Central Business District of A natural water body is located to the with 74.5 percent of the same planted the Aurangabad Industrial City (Auric). north of the CBD block, away from the with drought-resistant species. Irrigation Auric Hall. The Hall was relocated so the features such as central shut-off valves, How this was accomplished water body could add to the value of time-based controllers and pressure- Auric Hall was conceptualized as the district these spaces. Ceremonial gateways mark regulating devices achieve water savings administration and monitoring center for the smart city, the entrances along the compound wall, of 29.3 per cent. An on-site STP plant to house the main command control room and centrally and the internal driveway is inspired by reduces potable water requirement of manage the civic facilities on a real-time platform. It the Char Bagh concept with a cascading flushing, irrigation and construction offers incubation spaces to industrial houses and a sales water body, which is inspired by the requirements of 51.44 per cent. Aside center, which promotes engagement and interaction of Paan Chakki. Patterns are repeated on from controlled irrigation, the run- ideas. Post-tension beams enable the large spaces and the glazed panels, with a network of two off water from paved surfaces and service height clearances within a proportionate floor-to- aluminum screen modules of the same terraces are harvested for groundwater floor height. motif from the jaali for the office spaces recharge. Efficient plumbing fixtures and and terraces. wastewater treatment system save water Steel was used for the façade and roof truss due to by 30 per cent. its durability, structural flexibility and load-bearing The porch leads to a large linear and capacity. Structural steel components were easy to full-height atrium enclosed by offices assemble on site, while the laser-cut aluminum panels on three sides. Life lobbies open into are used for the external jaali as it is lightweight, durable green double-height terraces that face and low-maintenance. the south façade on one side and a long connecting corridor on the other. The building is oriented to allow maximum glare-free It serves as an exhibition space to light into the office spaces, and minimizes heat gain by display Aurangabad’s history with 83.40 per cent. Additionally, six per cent of the lighting staggered terraces punctuating the consumption of the building is derived from 15kWp solar volume and north light filtering through PV cells installed on the roof. The large central north- the glazed façade. facing atrium has a glass surface to optimize the northern daylight, with office blocks abutting it on the other sides. Every floor has multiple terraces to Wrapped in a modular jaali, the screen controls the encourage interaction. Open-plan airflow and lowers the temperature of internal spaces. office layouts enhance collaboration Multi-wall polycarbonate sheet roofing was fitted with and productivity among employees. ceramic fritted glass, which is lightweight and needs Entry-level spaces are free-flowing a lighter truss design. This blocks glare, reduces air- and transparent, promoting visual conditioning cost for the sun-lit volume and minimizes connectivity throughout the ground floor. solar heat gain. Targeting an IGBC Gold rating, over 118 per cent of the site area is vegetated, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 66 The entry is through a steel plate-covered MiNER ROAD HOUSE, walkway leading to the front door on the south, to be greeted by 20-ft. ceilings, and floor-to- ceiling glazing. A 12-ft-wide retractable glass CALiFORNiA Faulkner Architects and DZINE Concept, California wall opens up the patio and adjoining garden, part of an open-living layout desired by the family. Secondary bedrooms are located along an extendable hallway, along with an outdoor dining Design brief and aim area sandwiched between the family room and To construct a net-zero energy and sustainable kitchen. A mezzanine features a master bedroom home for a family of environmental scientists and and study stacked above the kitchen and nook. their sons. A screened pacing deck shades the upper level from the harsh afternoon summer sun. How this was accomplished The three-bedroom residence measuring 3,725 Cortel steel rain screens are used for the sq. m. was remodeled from a 1954 ranch house at exterior skin, while wood ensures zero-annual the foothills next to a seasonal creek. The existing maintenance costs and a shotcrete foundation footprint was reused under the shade of a Valley allows the formwork to be repurposed for Oak tree, and the fireplace – wrapped in concrete wood framing. Single-use materials such as the and utilized for structural support – is the only Corten steel and shotcrete foundation reduced surviving portion of the original house. complex detailing and labor costs, which allowed the budget to be reallocated for upgraded mechanical, insulation and glazing systems. Interior finishes produce acoustically-detailed, unfinished oak ceilings and walls.

The 14-gauge Corten rain screen provides a no- maintenance skin, and an 8.1kW photovoltaic system provides for renewable energy. High levels of insulation and glazing reduced heating and cooling loads, while rooftop rainwater is collected as a waterfall at the end of the hallway. Buried tanks store water for toilets and laundry, and grey water collected separately is reused for OCUS

irrigation. Electronically-commutated motors F and variable speed heat pumps further conserve energy use and control cooling and heating. An energy recovery ventilator provides fresh air. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 68 (aerial) promotions drone photography : joe fletcher photography, 69 STONE HOUSE,SPAiN Nomo Studio, Spain

Design brief and aim To design a family home.

How this was accomplished The structure is located on a hillside facing the north coast of Minorca, Spain. Superimposed stone layers (façade and fences) blend architecture and landscape into each other. The client brief was to include six bedrooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen, garage and auxiliary rooms. These are organized around a double-height space spanning across two floors. Thanks to the large upper floor glazing, the space brings in light to the otherwise narrow dark corridors of the house.

The house features a 100 sq. m. covered porch, which functions as an extension of the kitchen, dining and living room. The openable double- glazed façade acts as a thermal buffer and a wintergarden in the mild season, a shaded porch in the summer and the hot-air insulating system in the winter. Wild olive trees and the local vegetation surround a limestone platform with a The interiors are a combination of continuous sand-colored grey stone-coated swimming pool. concrete pavement, whitewashed walls, pinewood carpentry and white wooden beams. Built-in kitchen furniture and wardrobes The façade responds to a reinterpretation of the were custom-made by a local carpenter, and details such as a Minorcan custom of framing the windows and solid hovering stair with integrated handrail-lighting combine edges with white plaster, thus creating a geometric traditional and contemporary architecture. Kitchen, wardrobes, patchwork of off-white plaster light-colored stone. libraries and niches were built in masonry, and there is an Thin steel frames project beyond the solid façade emphasis on soft indirect lighting. The house’s highly-insulated to protect the windows from direct sunlight and skin, and the façade’s solid-glass proportion and flexible shading support the foldable wooden shutters. All the techniques guarantee sustainability. windows are aligned to the interiors and the frames are embedded from the outside, which creates the illusion of open holes on a stone wall. photography : j oan g uillamat For the façade, preserved wood Employee comfort was ASi REiSEN HEADQUARTERS, using a traditional Japanese prioritized through designing method known as ‘yakisugi’ communal spaces, meeting was used. Slightly-charred and rooms, relaxation rooms, AUSTRiA Snohetta, Oslo carbonized, the façade remains changing rooms and showers waterproof and durable without and a cafeteria. Shelves with Design brief and aim A ‘green curtain ‘of climbing painting and protects against plants offer visual relief, create To develop a new head office for an plants grows on a suspended metal insects. The basement and storage spaces and informal international trekking and adventure company frame, covering the blackened building are made of reinforced work zones. A bridge connects that would reflect the company’s work culture wooden façade. Composed of concrete, while wood was used the new building with an and commitment to offering sustainable 17 warm weather and evergreen for the mullion-transom-façade, existing structure that contains trekking experiences around species growing in planters, the windows, floors and acoustic meeting and relaxation rooms. the world. curtain serves as a glare shield panels. Rooftop rainwater to shade the glass surfaces. On run-off is collected in an An optimized energy concept How this was accomplished the western side, employees use underground cistern, feeding was tested and adapted using Combined with solid wood elements, the the metal frame as a balcony. the automatic irrigation system a thermal-dynamic building four-story timber building with an open Approximately 118 climbing for the façade and garden. simulation. A reversible air- office concept enables a long-term low plants change the façade’s With 1,215 new plants in the water heat pump system of 40 environmental footprint. As a result, the appearance throughout the year, open space consisting of 73 kW offers heat and coolness building optimizes material use, open-floor also adapting to its seasonal local species, the green façade via underfloor services. Sensors plans and sustainable energy concepts along thermal insulation needs and contributes to local diversity. measuring room temperature, with high-tech and low-tech solutions. reducing artificial cooling. humidity, carbon oxide, and The open-plan layout designed wind control the natural for 65 employees, can be ventilation using thermal lift adapted to future requirements. and wind pressure conditions Gallery spaces create a large and to circulate fresh air flexible office, with a variety throughout the building. The of individual workstations constantly-monitored room and collaborative zones. Glass climate regulates how wide surfaces offer panoramic views, and how long the ventilation while a large staircase and a flaps are open. The roof is double-height foyer (nicknamed covered with PV panels, and the Base Camp) welcomes the electricity generated partly visitors. covers the power consumption OCUS

of the building. F NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 72 photography : christian flatscher photography : christian flatscher 73 about 500,000 kWh of solar floor open to the public as an energy. Viewed from the harbor, educational resource. Interestingly, the façade’s sides slant inwards, the visitor centers expand on the which gives a sense of the building energy-saving concept and support ‘bursting with energy’. public knowledge and discourse on sustainable building strategies for On the opposite end, the sloping the future. roof reveals a cutout in the center that permits a natural inflow of The ventilation system provides daylight. Here, there is an atrium clean air to the indoor spaces, that functions as a public garden along with technical installations with horizontal glass windows on for air supply that regulate the sides, providing sunlight into ventilation. The building’s the canteen below. The skewed structural system consists of lightwell allows daylight to enter thermal mass low-emission the building and also offers concrete exposed through strategic stunning city views. Large glass cutouts in the ceilings, which windows and open spaces flood the absorbs heat and cold without area with daylight, contributing to using electricity. an inviting work environment. The Powerhouse Brattørkaia Also functioning as a small power has received the BREEAM plant, there is ample energy Outstanding Certification, the storage integrated into the building leading sustainability assessment footprint, which can be used in method for its efforts. Furthermore, the winter months with minimum it supports the UNFCCC Paris daylight. Energy efficiency is Agreement that strives to limit the accomplished through insulation global temperature increase to 1.5 and maximizing airflow to degrees Celsius. reduce the need for heating, heat recovery solutions to ventilate air and greywater, using seawater to heat and cool, and using energy- efficient electrical appliances.

In a concept called ‘liquid light’, artificial light is allowed to dim up and down as per the ongoing POWERHOUSE activity in the building. One of the many energy-saving strategies, the project thus consumes half the amount of energy typically required to light up a commercial BRATTORKAiA, building of similar size. Apart from office spaces, there is a café NORWAY and visitor center on the ground Snohetta, Oslo

Design brief and aim To build the world’s northernmost energy-positive building.

How this was accomplished The site is located in Trondheim, where the sunlight varies greatly between the seasons, making it a challenge to harvest and store solar energy. The 18,000 sq. m building is situated by the harbor and is clad with black aluminum and solar panels, reflected in the adjacent Trondheim Fjord. It aims to maximize the amount of clean energy produced by the building while minimizing the energy required to run it.

The site was chosen to ensure maximum exposure to the sun throughout the day and season. Its skewed pentagonal roof and upper part of the façade is clad with approximately 3,000

sq. m. of solar panels, which are strategically placed to harvest photography : ivaan kvaal POWERHOUSE TELEMARK,NORWAY Snohetta, Oslo

Design brief and aim To build an 11-storied building, symbolizing the district as a leader of decarbonizing new construction.

How this was accomplished The south-east façade and roof of the Powerhouse Telemark generate 256,000 kWh every year, approximately 20 times the annual energy use of the average Norwegian household, and the surplus would be sold back to the energy grid.

The skewed and slightly conical building features a 45-degree tilting on the east-facing façade west, northwest, and northeast, Flooring, glass walls, office that stands out in the industrial context of the the building is clad with wooden dividers, kitchenettes, lighting surrounding Heroya industry park. There is a balusters that provide natural and bathrooms were given the reception, office space, two stories of co-working shading on the exposed façade. same design, color and materiality spaces, a shared staff restaurant, penthouse Behind the wooden balusters, the across all floors. Flexible interiors meeting spaces and a roof terrace overlooking the building is covered with façade combined with the building’s fjord. Two large staircases connect the building’s panels that render a unified two-storied co-working space ground and top floors, from the reception area up expression. allow the clients and future to the staff restaurant and the penthouse meeting tenants to re-program (from rooms. A distinctive straight wooden staircase on Functioning as a passive house, the desk space to resource space) the ninth visually connects the staff canteen and building is insulated and features the building without the need to penthouse meeting room, leading visitors to the triple-isolated windows throughout. relocate. Following low-energy roof terrace. Concrete slabs make the building consumption and resilience, the similar to a stone structure storing building uses local wood, gypsum, The building has a 24-degree tilted roof that thermal heat during the day and and environmental concrete that gently slopes and surpasses the extremities of emitting heat during the evening. is left untreated and exposed. the building’s volume, which expands the roof’s A low-ex system with water loops Carpet tiles are composed of 70 surface and ensures a maximum amount of in the border zones of each floor, per cent recycled fishing nets and solar energy that can be harvested both from assures efficient cooling and wooden flooring was made from the photovoltaic canopy and the building’s heating through geothermal wells the industrial parquet of ash from PV-cell cladding the south-facing façade. To the dug 350 m. underground. wooden debris.

A series of low-tech solutions that A specially-designed foliating ensure thermal comfort, allows signage system allows maximum the office building to be used to flexibility in designing office spaces its full potential. The building’s without creating unnecessary skewed west-facing and southeast- waste. To obtain the BREEAM facing facades allow for maximum Excellent certification, vertical glass daylight and shading while creating slots allow for daylight penetration flexible indoor spaces. To the on the three topmost floors, while northeast, the building is levelled loose furniture with light surfaces to accommodate traditional allows for interior lighting. workspaces with enclosed offices. Throughout the building, small and secluded spaces are strategically moved away from sun-exposed facades to reduce the OCUS need for cooling while ensuring a F comfortable temperature. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 76 photography : ivaan kvaal 77 THE BLUE HOUSE,PUNE Studio Alternatives, Pune

Design brief and aim To reconceptualize used shipping container spaces into secure housing and accommodation spaces. Ranging from affordable to luxurious, their modular construction allows them to be deployed at remote areas, easily dismantled and re-installed at a new location. Sections can be added to maximize space, with services such as electricity, water and sewage either connected to the main grid, or use off-grid solutions.

How this was accomplished Made out of two 20-feet by 8-feet shipping containers (a third 20-feet container was added later), the residence is joined in an L-shaped configuration, creating a living space, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. The primary material used was discarded shipping containers, which were sourced, repaired and made leak-proof before use. Reclaimed roof tiles sourced from a local village house were reused as the roof over the extended living space

Reclaimed wooden window shutters were used for the While first installed at the first location, the tables were made from locally-sourced reclaimed entrance door, while the staircase was created out of third container was fitted on top of the L-shaped material. A discarded metal drum was upcycled to leftover container sheets, packaging crates and old configuration to be used as an office space. create a sink and washbasin, while the bathroom sleeper wood. There is an openable deck with a hinged Reaching its final location in Pune, the container door was made from an old door. Metal scrap such plane on the outer side of the first container, creating was integrated into the side to create an additional as gears and shower heads were used to make the an enclosed additional space in the living room. The usable space. Reclaimed wood was used for access handles, and discarded Jaisalmer stone used in modular construction makes it easy for the user to and openings, and the aluminum doors and the bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. A pattern on add more sections to increase the space for future windows are locally-sourced. Wall insulation was the bedroom floor was created out of the leftover requirements. An old spiral staircase was sourced from done with surplus nitrile rubber sourced from uneven edges of each slab to avoid wastage. scrap with a railing with discarded ACP sheets from scrap dealers, while ceiling insulation was made petrol pump fabrication, while fabric scraps were used from discarded thermocol/styrofoam packaging. Being a ready-to-install container, the joints to make cushion and bed covers. Wall cladding was made from leftover cement fiber were made specifically to sustain the rigorous sheets and recycled chipboard. The flooring and movement to be experienced during the container’s seating was created from mixed-scrap reclaimed transportation on trucks and cranes on bumpy wood from the local timber market. roads. Around 60 per cent of the materials were reclaimed and upcycled in the project, such its Fixed furniture, cupboards, doors and partition services, materials and fixing details. The firm also shelves in the bathroom were made from reclaimed collaborated with scrap dealers, and incorporated packaging pinewood and plywood scrap. Loose alternative insulation solutions and paints to furniture such as old chests, cupboards, center enhance the eco-friendly living experience. OCUS F

79 with discarded mosaic tiles recycled from a museum dry-fitted to the flooring to minimize the use of concrete. Doors of the used shipping containers were repurposed to create secure main entry and exit points.

Desks, conference tables, chairs, cupboards and other storage spaces were upcycled from old furniture. Lighting fixtures were created using discarded reflectors and air circulation through repaired and repainted fans sourced from scrap, while décor items were made from upcycled lamps.

Apart from the main lighting, side skylights made from discarded toughened glass bring in light. A dry stone wall supports and retains the natural level difference inside the studio space, with old tires repurposed for a staircase. Pinewood pallets and fiberglass scrap were used to create partitions as well as water bodies in the shed. A container wall displays segregated discarded material, which acts as a material library. STUDiO SHED,PUNE A living wall with creepers on the south side and a green roof above the containers reduces Studio Alternatives, Pune heat gain and dissipates the noise of the rain on the metal roof. Paint buckets, bathrooms and discarded FRP molds double as planters as well. Design brief and aim To upcycle a workspace.

How this was accomplished The firm designed the workspace to ensure 90 per cent use of reclaimed material, such as old shipping containers used as structural elements to form two sides of the shed. Small mild steel sections obtained from fabrication scrap were used in the construction, with bamboo for the roof structure to minimize the use of steel. Reclaimed doors and windows were enmeshed to create the other two walls of the structure, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 80 HOUSE iN THE FARM, ZAHEERABAD Studio Inscape, Hyderabad

Design brief and aim To blend a traditional courtyard house within a linear layout.

How this was accomplished Compressed stabilized earth blocks tandoor flooring and black oxide Designed for a couple, the lady wanted a traditional courtyard (CSEB) made of clay from the skirting used for the interiors. house with the rooms laid out around it, while her partner felt farmland, ergonomically-designed Reclaimed wooden doors that a linear layout would be more functional. Therefore, the sill levels and multi-functional and windows, toggle switches firm introduced a central connecting linear corridor and blended flexible furniture layouts comprise with exposed conduits create a courtyard house with a linear house. the design. an informal, economical and sustainable aspect. The farmhouse is built around an existing tree in the farmland Bricks made on-site with excavated spread over 19 acres with a built-up area of 2,600 sq. ft. soil were used for flooring in the The living spaces accommodate Designed around a visually-connected landscaped courtyard central courtyard, which also an L-shaped bench that serves from all ends, the house complies with the linearity of the space. makes up the skin of the structure. as an informal interactive space, Following the low-energy concept, more befitting a farmhouse than the brick walls and form-finished a formal sofa set. Furniture in the slabs were left bare to blend common space is so planned to with the surroundings. Lime- welcome both larger and smaller washed bedroom walls render groups, by visually connecting a comfortable ambiance, with them to the farmland outside. The wooden rafters of the sloped roof from the old structure are reused to create a flat roof for the extended sections. Mud blocks with lime finish are used for the walls, which allows a comfortable indoor environment in all weathers. The chances of termite attack are reduced as lime acts as a natural insecticide. Lime sandwiched between two terracotta tiles is used for the sloped roofs; being a natural insulator, it also cuts down on PADAL solar radiation offering no need for RESiDENCE, artificial air-conditioning. KAKiNADA Studio Inscape, Hyderabad

Design brief and aim To create an extension for a 250-year-old house.

How this was accomplished The client initially wanted to build a single room with verandahs on all four sides, while leaving behind the existing structure and creating a separate linear block to accommodate the extra bedrooms. This idea was changed to integrating the functional spaces into the existing verandahs and shifting the other spaces to the upper floor – allowing them to create extended spaces without increasing the overall footprint. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 84 The corridors were extended to cut down the height and open up the space adjacent to the ground-floor block, to make room for extracurricular activities. Oriented to the north-south direction, the build enjoys the full advantage of the northern light by using the linear windows on the top of the classroom walls. Existing roof trusses were reused by adjusting the angles and sizes, along with high ceilings.

Suitable materials were chosen so that local labor known for their skill in civil work could work on the structure. The firm worked with coarse rubble stone (CRS) masonry, which had been popular till the 1960s. It was used as the structural support for the new extended block and to support the roof in the linear corridor. Locally sourced from a quarry located 30 km away, CRS masonry renders a visual appeal as it acts like the skin of the structure. Athangudi tiles were used for the flooring, which brought down the layering costs. Terracotta were used for the roofs and common areas as it is readily available and possesses climatic and vernacular benefits.

REV. JACOB MEMORiAL CHRiSTiAN ARTS COLLEGE, TAMiL NADU Studio Inscape, Hyderabad

Design brief and aim To redesign an existing arts college.

How this was accomplished Spread over 15,000 sq. ft., the project required the demolition and rebuilding of the college’s roofs, corridors and pillars to make space for classrooms, administration rooms, and library. A double-height volume was created on the ground

floor to accommodate the lobby and access to the OCUS library on the first floor. The new volume at the F center of the linear block aimed to complete the existing structure, along with the addition of a main entrance into the block. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 86 87 workforce, the firm reinstates Goan art through architecture and simple replicable modular planning.

Bamboo screens with planters act as buffers against heat gain, which helps in the adaptable orientation of the platform. There are well-protected openings with large thatched roof overhangs. Locally-sourced laterite, bamboo, thatch and terrazyme mud floors with bamboo reinforcement make up the material palette. There is minimum use of glass, cement, concrete and aluminum with conventional construction techniques known to native craftsmen used. Minimum solid walls and plastered surfaces make up the linear pavilions with short-spanned structures.

Well-shaded and cross-ventilated spaces with large fenestrations ensure minimum electrical consumption during the day. There is a photovoltaic cell installation above the toilet block, with reed bed treatment BAREFOOT SCHOOL OF for wastewater disposal from the toilets. Percolation pits with gravel beds in the landscape to recharge the water table levels. The pavilions are planned on a replicable unTAG Architecture and Interiors, Mumbai cost-effective grid of 4.5 m, which enables CRAFTS,GOA adaptation to various site conditions and promotes cross-ventilation. Design brief and aim To construct an affordable, replicable and easily- buildable module for a school promoting local crafts.

How this was accomplished Envisioned as a composition of two linear pavilions, the school houses the classrooms/exhibits on one side and a large multipurpose space on the other side, the two separated by a green court and bamboo screens. They reflect the regional architectural style using native materials, local labor, traditional techniques and sensitization to the tropical climate. Apart from creating work opportunities for the local NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 88 A HOUSE iN A GAOTHAN, DAKiVALi unTAG Architecture and Interiors, Mumbai

Design brief and aim The farmer wanted his retirement village road. The jaali screen serves as a measure To build a cost-effective home home to be connected to nature of climate control by blocking sunlight, while within the gaothan for a yet be affordable. allowing the breeze to flow through it. paddy farmer and a retired schoolteacher. Spread over 1,400 sq. ft., one While ensuring the residents’ privacy, the house enters through a traditional has a road-facing entrance verandah on the west. How this was accomplished central courtyard (aangan). Large, controlled openings establish a connection Positioned on a 5,000 sq. ft. The courtyard with a young with the landscape, imbuing the compact indoor plot abutting the dusty kutcha champa tree creates a comforting spaces with a feeling of spaciousness, through (unpaved) village road, the site microclimate, and lowers the light and cross-ventilation. Multifunctional spaces was once a wasteland with a ambient temperature by three to optimize the floor plate, such as the double-height small bamboo grove. Flanked on five degrees Celsius. It is enclosed dining and pooja space that also serves as a library two sides by traditional village by a low-cost locally-sourced integrated with a metal staircase. homes in a closely-knit farming concrete fly ash-block jaali that community, the house had to be acts as a buffer for dust and Wall surfaces, openings and projections are both participative and reclusive. prevents direct visibility from the conceived through passive solar strategies to achieve optimum thermal comfort for the inhabitants and the terraces are painted white to reduce heat gain. Locally-manufactured concrete fly ash blocks, plastered walls and Indian kota stone foster economic and ecological sustainability. Recharge pits at key locations channelize the rainwater run-off into the ground, and wastewater is treated through phytoremediation (using living plants to clean up contaminated soil and water) and used for landscaping. architecture & interiors photography : untag architecture bedroom merge into a single space during the day, which gives the sense of a larger modular living area.

The entry is through a see-through vestibule that connects the main house to the kitchen. In the kitchen, there is a service court for the challah, enclosed by a stone jaali that shades the court. The house gradually steps down, following the site topography, culminating at a 14-inch ridged verandah that offers sunset views behind the distant mountains.

Laterite procured from a quarry three kilometers away comprised the load-bearing structural element that made up the body of the house. Porous laterite was laid using lime and cement mortar that behaves like earthenware and keeps the internal temperature at four or five degrees Celsius lower than the outdoors in the summer and withstands the westerly monsoon. Locally-available terracotta roof tiles supported on a sloping, metal roof structure provide shade, while salvaged local teak and jackfruit wood was bought at a nominal price, by reusing the rafters of a dismantled temple from a nearby village.

Indian kota stone adds another layer of heat insulation to the floor and internal walls from the scorching sun. The client’s old unused furniture was altered and reused for the living room, maintaining a balance between local materials and the reuse of existing assets.

VRiNDAVAN, SiNDHUDURG unTAG Architecture and Interiors, Mumbai

Design brief and aim To conceptualize an indigenous and cost-effective retirement home for a retired couple.

How this was accomplished Spread over 1,000 sq. ft., the farmhouse is nestled within a 2.5-acre farm nurtured by the clients themselves for over 15 years with mango, jackfruit, palms, chikoo and cashew plantations. The firm found a dead mango tree on their first site visit, and the house was planned there - surrounded by a dense grove and a hillock view in the distance. OCUS Designed as a series of 12-inch-wide descending spaces, the F project begins with the bedroom and bath space, leading to a cross-ventilated living space and verandah trailed by an open deck overlooking the hillock. The living room and private NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 92 photography : gauri and tejesh patil satam 93 Facilitating climate-responsiveness, earth berming and earth coupling ensures a partly-sunken mass that responds to the hot and dry Rajasthani climate. Radiant cooling allows for a 60 per cent efficiency in the running costs, which has resulted in cutting HVAC load by 40 percent. Floors are radiantly cooled to regulate temperatures.

The stone façade bears strength and fluidity, and the buttress was used to hold the structure together. A double-glazed structural glazing system and insulated aluminum panels comprise the exterior face, which complements the rubble façade. Factory waste such as stone slate was fixed with SS rods and spacers to provide shade for the office façade.

The processing plant and display area are well-insulated using local rubble walls of 550 mm thickness towards the eastern façade and insulated galvalume sheet in the triangular-shaped flutters with a blank façade towards the west. Glazing and louvers at the lower level connect the viewer visually with the landscaped surroundings, while the louvers and glazing towards the northern light develop a wind draft to release the warm air and bring in the light. Local rubble masonry which involved local craftsmen, facilitates the passive design to optimize the climatic conditions. STONEX,KiSHANGARH North light trusses were introduced to penetrate the entire volume sloping at an angle of 23 degrees towards the south, Urbanscape Architects, New Delhi which provides space for photovoltaic panels and a solar roof of almost 1MW. Long concrete gutters avoid water leakage and Design brief and aim The skin of the office building was sandwiched facilitate maintenance. To conceptualize an administrative and industrial between two laminam panels to further insulate complex for a marble supplying factory. the interiors. An enveloping stone screen was Green cover, soft scaping and bio STPs recycle wastewater for fabricated using the stone waste from a nearby landscaping and toilets. The firm installed a hundred per cent How this was accomplished quarry and onsite, which provides solar shading. rainwater harvesting process that keeps the groundwater table Instead of erecting an impersonal factory- A playful light-and-shadow effect was created, recharged and cools the facility. The office was sunk into the processed industrial shed that focuses on the thanks to interwoven stone blocks that appear to ground, away from the existing row of trees, and the irregular- product, the factory was developed as a native be floating at different levels. shaped courtyards avoid damage to the roots of the existing production house, and was inspired by the trees. The mass was punctured to create sunken courtyards regional Sonpura temple. Keeping in mind the The site accommodates maximum built-up area and an amphitheater within the earth-cooled lower floor. A worker who inhabits the stone processing factory and is oriented in the east-west direction, along silhouette adorned by stone screens and greenery climbs up under harsh working conditions, the production with north light trusses and optimum solar roof. the roof while the roof wraps around the ground and merges unit is designed to have a comfortable ambience Vehicular access is restricted to one side to ensure into the landscape to maintain temperatures. throughout the day. low pollution levels and efficient movement. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 94 CANTiLEVER HOUSE, GHAZiABAD Zero Energy Design Lab, New Delhi

Design brief and aim Similarly, the cantilever slabs span To construct a contemporary, the verandah, rendering a modern energy-efficient and sustainable aesthetic while creating shaded home measuring 830 sq. m. that spaces underneath. The geometry explores regional vernacular of the cantilevered forms results architecture. in fluid and interwoven spaces. daytime spaces from the south with low-E coating for thermal One enters through the double- and west sun. The northern face resistance, and the glazing for the How this was accomplished height lobby on the east-facing of the house is glazed to admit day-time spaces opens out into The name is derived from the entrance porch, leading to a diffused daylight and avoid heat the water court. large cantilevers, which anchor its garden with a water body. There gain and glare. design vocabulary, highlight the are green areas in the interior The integration of the landscape scale of the building and focus spaces, which establish a strong The front elevation on the east with the residential structure on horizontality. The primary visual connection with the features expansive projections, ensures a cool micro-climate for challenge was to design the frame landscape. and the master bedroom on the residents. The water court on with judicious use of steel for the first floor is designed as a the north serves as a heat sink, economic viability. Privacy was The lobby is flanked by the cantilevered block. It juts out and the vertical gardens purify paramount, while channeling an summer court on the north and over the landscaped garden, and the air, trap dust and pollutants open and connected environment, winter court on the south to ample light flows in through a and maintain thermal comfort. where the main living spaces enable stack ventilation at all large opening that offers stunning The front and rear lawns along occupy the ground floor and the times. The night-time spaces views of the front lawn. Passive with the water court serve as private areas are located on the are characterized by optimum cooling techniques and renewable recharge pits for rainwater first floor. thermal mass to protect the energy resources emphasize harvesting, and evacuated solar responsible living in the hot hot water systems were installed and dry climate. The façade is on the rooftop for hot water. fitted with double-glazed units OCUS F

andre j. fanthomephotography : andre 97 text : : darielle britto A drive to stop overusing are thrown away or burned," says industry forum resources is a major factor Virginie Clusiault, Co-Founder, with many companies offering Itemerie, San Francisco, United sustainable solutions. “I used States. "I’ve soon realized that to work as a fashion buyer for a this situation is unsustainable. couple of years and realized how I wanted to be a part of the wasteful the retail industry is; solution, not the problem." producing cheap products that don’t last and that are meant to While doing market research, MATERIAL MATTERS IN SUSTAINABLE be thrown away after a couple Parikshit Borkotoky, Managing uses/months, trends that exist Director, Kraftinn Home Décor to make customers buy more, India Private Limited, Assam, underpaid workers with bad India, discovered “consumer PRODUCTION working conditions, product products form 40% of the non- transportation (making products biodegradable products and a in Asia to sell in America), the substantial part of the remaining in an ironic twist of events, india is re-learning environmentally culture of disposable, plastic comes from industries producing packaging, inventory surplus that those products.” conscious design practices. suppliers try to walk the fine line priestman goode | london between doing the right thing and paying the bills. the good news is that their numbers are rising.

the yellow dwelling | bangalore wallistry | chennai the second wind | gurgaon eco-friendly materials Working with natural materials to produce a quality product is not just good for the home, but is beneficial to the environment.

“Early in our career, we understood that as designers, we have a responsibility, driven by the acknowledgement that 80% of a product's environmental impact is already determined at the drawing table,” says James Dart, Co- founder, OnMateria, Sweden. “Our approach goes beyond choosing a sustainable material to apply on our latest design, but rather it is adriano di marti sa de cv - guadalajara | mexico a critical exercise where we try to understand the repercussions of what we are designing. This continuous process brings us to a deeper understanding of the material and helps us choose how to use resources wisely,” he adds.

The environmentally conscious design classic marble company | mumbai Linen, for instance, is a fast-growing and movement has gained momentum in recent renewable resource. “As a crop, it’s good for years as more brands offer a range of eco-friendly the agro-industry and the soil in which it products that have been created with a holistic grows. We are able to see so many advantages approach to reduce the negative impact on the to use this textile that has less water environment. “Sustainable products will translate consumption and a smaller carbon footprint to longer lifespans and less deterioration of than cotton or synthetics, and also a positive end-of-life prospect," says Dart. Adding "Our resources,” says Amit Shah, Managing Director, ORUM Classic Marble Company, Mumbai, India. “The developments with this material also see it as impact on the environment will gradually decrease a future material, able to replace carbon fibre NDUSTRY F and the rate at which we consume will also come composites for sports equipment, transport, I down drastically." and products in the home." the rug republic | delhi 99 on materia | sweden

wallistry | chennai the yellow dwelling | bangalore sadaya guild | mumbai recycle, reuse, renew Asif Rahman,CEO, Insigne Carpets while decaying, thereby creating an Reusing and repurposing discarded Ekta Doctor, Founder, Wonky Works, Plastic is the designated demon of Pvt Ltd, Haryana, India says the imbalance to the ecosystem," says objects and materials has been a big Gujarat, India, has made it her mission to sustainability. Raghav Gupta, Director of output of products made with Borkotoky. initiative for many upcycling businesses like keep reusable materials like glass out of E-Commerce, The Rug Republic (TRR), natural fibres like pure wool, jute, The Second Wind based in Gurgaon, India. the landfill and instead use them to create Delhi, India agrees plastic is among the hemp, cotton and sisal, “create better Marte Arturo Cazarez Duarte and It was co-founded by Ira Maurya, who was long-lasting and well-designed products. worst environmental hazards. To reduce indoor air quality and ensure Earth’s Adrian Lopez Arriaga Lopez Velarde, inspired to start the business after finding it “The heat needed to melt our upcycled glass its usage and impact on the environment, biosphere and hemisphere is not Co-Founders, Adriano Di Marti Sa De difficult to find resources to create furniture pieces is very high. However, that is still the company uses recycled water bottles damaged during the production Cv, Guadalajara, Mexico, discovered from discarded materials while setting about 40-50 per cent less than what would and bicycle tubes to make their process."Abhinayah Sundaramoorthy, that cactus complies with the most up her home. “Rather than buying new be needed to make fresh glass," says Doctor. ‘Zambezi’rug. “Even while being responsible Co-Founder, The Yellow Dwelling, rigorous quality and environmental lumber, we scored old furniture, tyres, other This process, she says, is extremely beneficial towards the environment, there is no Bangalore, India, adds, “By using standards of the industry without the discarded materials and turned them into to the environment as it uses less energy compromise on quality or style of the natural fibres in your home necessity of killing animals or using beautiful functional pieces for our space,” and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, as products,” says Gupta. furnishings, you’re eliminating the toxic plastics to make vegan leather says Maurya. well as air and water pollution. possibility of even one microplastic products. “Thanks to its natural particle from entering into your hygroscopic mechanism it only needs “We understand that there are many woometry - sta iria de azóia | portugal home.” an average of 200 litres of water baaya design | mumbai insigne carpets pvt ltd | haryana more levels to reach with new qualities without using chemicals or fertilizers of plastic, and we also have to deal with Plant-based products are the best to create 1kg of biomass, which is useful and existing ones that are harder material choice while creating absorbed by the plant itself without to transform when they become waste,” natural fiber.“These green fibers irrigation,” says Duarte. Adding, “In says Dart. OnMateria's Green Box, a hotel are easy to replenish and not contrast, most plants in the world amenity kit made of post-industrial hard on the environment as they need an average of 1000 liters to biosource PLA waste, natural pigments, are biodegradable," adds Shibani create the same kilogram of biomass, agro-waste wheat fibre is a result of that Dasgupta Jain, CEO and Founder, never mind the use of toxic chemicals need. “We wanted to be thorough and Baaya Design, Mumbai, India, who at cultivations.” critical about the material profile. It was uses jute and other natural fibers. crucial that the injection moulded plastic fit a challenging requirement,” says Bamboo is the gold standard in Dart. It had to be certified for industrial sustainable material.“It’s among composting, and soil fertilizing – the the fastest-growing plants with outcome of biogas production. properties like high compressive

strength, tensile strength and flexural kraftinn home décor india private limited | assam sodo - sopa | sydney strength. Apart from the aesthetics, it can be a great alternative to non-sustainable alternatives,” says Borkotoky. It also grows without wonky works | gujarat pesticides or other chemicals. “Products made out of bamboo will

last for years and can be composted," sarthak sahil design co | delhi says Clusiault. "Also, it is soft yet solid and resistant as a material." itemerie | san francisco

Less common alternatives like water hyacinth, a highly invasive plant, can be used to weave a range of

products, like yoga mats, carpets, and ORUM bags. "It has to be removed regularly

where it grows as it has the potential NDUSTRY F I to reduce the oxygen level of water NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 100 101 For Andrew Le, Co-Founder and Designer, Sadaya Guild has gone a step further with SODO – SOPA, Sydney, Australia, reducing their sustainable goals and found a way consumers' impact by reusing existing to make something useful out of waste materials can also contribute to the circular material like magnets from hard drives. economy and reduce carbon emissions. “They now make up 100% of the magnets Broadleaf, a three-legged chair made we use in our products, especially the from circular plastic, Le says was created knife and tool holder, that was specifically to “raise awareness about the importance designed to use the e-waste magnets,” says of recycling and contributing towards a Sohail Rekhy, Sadaya Guild, Mumbai, India. circular design economy." Adding,”These super strong magnets are now not only lessening the load on our Used cardboard boxes that would otherwise landfills but also the pockets of our clients.” end up in landfills or oceans are also being given new life. "A common shipping priestman goode | london material often used by electronic companies to protect products, thick, corrugated cardboard boxes don’t get recycled nearly as much as they should due to size and onmateria | sweden weight," says Le. "Even worse, as certain types of cardboard decompose, they can handmade generate methane, a greenhouse gas that sadaya guild | mumbai woometry - sta iria de azóia | portugal pollutes the environment." Investing more in the crafts sector Ensuring the craftsmen are given a fair adriano di marti sa de cv - guadalajara | mexico offers a wide scope to improve price for their time, labour and skill This inspired the design of the Serif + environmental and social conditions is a high priority. “Our ethics lies in Sero furniture set made completely out across the globe. “Handmade products enhancing and nurturing the way the of upcycled cardboard that is modular are a true example of sustainability as artisans contribute to this sustainable and customizable to promote waste they are based on usage of traditional lifestyle," says Anjanakshi Baskaren repurposing. skills, judicious use of materials , Co-founder, Wallistry, Chennai, and practices that have survived India. Wallistry’s wood products are As a way to minimize its ecological footprint across the ages,” says Jain. “Most of intentionally made from fast-growing and CO2 emissions, objects made by the sustainable development goals acacia trees. "This helps the local wood Woometry are made of 100% recycled wood. listed by the United Nations can be craftsmen from Tamil Nadu to craft “Lots of people throw away furniture and potentially achieved by better usage of various products to sustain their small door frames without understanding its these traditional crafts,” she adds. businesses ethically, without affecting potential,” says Kate Bombony, Co-Founder, the tree count,” adds Soundaryan Woometry, Sta Iria de Azóia, Portugal. “The The activity of handcrafting creates Umapathy, Co-founder, Wallistry. little waste we produce gets sorted out for a strong bond between the creator the rug republic | delhi recycling. We even use the leftovers from and the product, says Jain. “When a bigger projects to create smaller objects craftsman uses the wax threads to such as hangers and logos,” adds Mike Beck, make the mould of a Dhokra product, technology Co-Founder, Woometry. the sense of touch is enhanced. He New technologies are offering solutions to better can see the creation taking form and create sustainable products with ease and efficiency almost sense the texture of wax and classic marble company | mumbai without further damaging the environment. “We wet mud that he shaped. This deep have a keen interest in new processes (light induction relationship helps the artisan to act tooling) for creating natural fibre composite products more responsibly," she explains. and injection moulding," says Dart. "We can now use sustainable thermoplastics to replace toxic thermoset Clusiault whose products are ethically resin or solvent glues found in products for sport, made by artisans in Canada, USA, transport, and the home. He further explains: “Rapid Europe, Vietnam and Mexico agrees. heating and cooling of mould tooling is achievable at "They (artisans) want their products to a speed and scale that make new concepts viable in last decades so they use high-quality baaya design | mumbai cost. It gives us access to higher volume production materials that are locally and ethically sarthak sahil design co | delhi with new sustainable materials and quality in mind.” sourced and they use materials that have a low environmental cost." The textile industry is notorious for polluting the environment. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), textile mills are responsible for one-fifth of the world's industrial water pollution. Dyes used to colour fabric is one of the major contributors to pollution. However, new inventions are helping curb this issue. “The latest advancements

in printing machines along with new water-based ORUM dyes have vastly reduced the negative impacts this the second wind | gurgaon

industry has previously had on the environment,” NDUSTRY F I says Nanda Kumar, Co-Founder,The Yellow Dwelling. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 102 103 challenges

The sustainable products industry is still necessary to produce to be able to achieve in its nascent stage there are challenges that result. That’s an educational challenge that have yet to be addressed. “There are that needs to be addressed,” says Mike not many supporting industries to help Beck, Co-Founder, Woometry. us create the best quality products and experience,” says Borkotoky. “We need More needs to be done for the craft greater access to tools and machinery industry to prevent it from disappearing. specially developed for working with "The craft industry still faces a big threat materials like bamboo,” he adds. from automated processes that copy their designs and offer similar products at lower For some designers, developing prices,” says Jain. "Japan has successfully environmentally products is a challenge created awareness of ‘Wabi Sabi’, that of taking delight in the innate ‘imperfections’ when better value chains are not yet in wonky works| gujarat place. “While concepts may be realistic of the hand,” she adds. in terms of what is physically possible to produce, manufacturers may not yet have systems in place to deliver a holistic product,” says Dart.

Consumer awareness about the concept of upcycling and the organic nature priestman goode | london adriano di marti sa de cv - guadalajara | mexico of handcrafts is fairly low and often misconstrued. “What now looks like a beautiful incense holder, could have been a door or a wardrobe in someone's house and previously it was a tree. People often are not able to see past the object and acknowledge all the work that was

the yellow dwelling | bangalore

high price

Sustainable products tend to cost more because various components go into making them. “The key elements that affect the pricing of crafting sustainable products are the

process, quality of the materials used, and the sodo - sopa | sydney insigne carpets pvt ltd | haryana wallistry | chennai sadaya guild | mumbai craft technique employed,” says Jain. classic marble company | mumbai Baskaren adds: “Sustainable materials, cost more to be procured/grown and it takes more time to be made. Transportation costs of the end product in terms of weight and care (considering fragile nature of materials), play a trends significant role in determining the end pricing of the product.” Clusiault predicts the most popular sustainable products will be those that replace single-use The amount of labour also adds a certain plastics, like toothpaste tablets, bulk bags, premium to the pricing. “The artisans who biodegradable toothbrushes, reusable bags, transform the products are remunerated Maria Kafel-Bentkowska, Head of CMF, reusable bottles, straws, and silicone mats. ethically and devote ethical work hours to the PriestmanGoode London, United Kingdom. "Single-use plastic is a huge problem and process,” says Sahil Bagga, Director and Co- Adding, "But the business might make cost businesses start finding ways to replace and Founder, Sarthak Sahil Design Co, Delhi, India. savings elsewhere in its manufacturing make it easy for consumers to switch to reusable process as a result of working with more products," she says. The price point for such products can be a sustainable materials." Kafel-Bentkowska says products made with kraftinn home décor india private limited | assam barrier for end consumers and manufacturers. “For the latter, however, it’s important to look Currently, there is no avenue provided by wasted materials, especially food waste, could at the whole lifecycle of a product. If you the government that could facilitate these gain popularity." There is a growing movement ORUM take packaging, for instance, it may be that businesses' sustainability model or make towards circular design, looking at the whole lifecycle of a product, to ensure there is zero

them more competitive. “Even simple tax- NDUSTRY F

sustainable packaging has a slightly higher I price point than plastic for example," says exemptions are unavailable,” says Rekhy. waste," she says. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 104 105 the rug republic | delhi classic marble company | mumbai

baaya design | mumbai sarthak sahil design co | delhi future

The future of our planet, Rahman says, will Gupta hopes governments across the globe

wonky works | gujarat determine the future of sustainable products. focus on promoting industries and companies “We cannot do unlimited development with that are serious about sustainability to limited resource,” he explains. see it grow. “Things like tax breaks help companies to adopt even more expensive wallistry | chennai insigne carpets pvt ltd | haryana sodo - sopa | sydney Bagga believes companies want to explore technologies that may be even better for the the yellow dwelling | bangalore and forge partnerships "at the grass-root environment,” he says. about 150% CAGR in the next 5 years. level, marry craft with technology, and re- growing market The Rug Republic's growth rate is around contextualize the use of organic materials Together, by using sustainable materials and 20 per cent year-on-year. Meanwhile, that do not add to the landfill." adopting ethical practices, Duarte believes Climate change concerns and the Sarthak Sahil Design Co has on average we can build a better world. "The pandemic coronavirus pandemic have caused a had a 30 % year over year growth rate came as a reminder that we are running out shift in thinking in consumers, who are since its inception in 2010. of time and that comprehensive care of the becoming environmentally conscious sadaya guild | mumbai environment is the responsibility of us all." about their impact on the planet. This Developing products in the framework of has helped the sustainable products a project can be a useful way to present a market to grow steadily over the last sustainable lifestyle holistically, according few years. to Sarthak Sengupta, Director and Co- Founder, Sarthak Sahil Design Co. "As per our survey, the demand for sustainable products with economic "This way we can create an entire viability has grown 5 times more than experience with greater effect than their non-sustainable counterparts," says isolated products and sustainable Borkotoky. Since 2015, his company has products can transcend from being a been able to register a growth of above novelty to being a lifestyle,” he says. 90% CAGR and expects to see it grow ORUM NDUSTRY F I NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 106 107 news text : : IFJ WriteTank

Biodiversity by the Bay- a celebration

mumbai artists and performers come together for a special cause – to raise awareness on climate change

Hosted between November 5 to 25, the ‘Biodiversity By The Bay’ festival saw a host of artists, musicians, comedians and designers perform together to raise awareness around climate issues and celebrate Mumbai’s diverse ecosystem. The festival was split into three sections - music, art industrial fishing and now the global conversation, it has to be that make up Mumbai’s environment including Speaking about the festival, Ravina, and comedy – with performances by Parekh + Singh, Covid-19 pandemic. Talking about one that starts at a local level.” peacocks, deer, hibiscus flowers, crabs and the Founder & Editor, DeadAnt, said, Anushka Manchanda, Blot!, Kunal Rao, José Covaco and the project on her Instagram, butterflies as a celebration of everything “We’ve reached almost a million Daniel Fernandes - who all performed live on their social Priyanka said, “Mumbai stands Other artists put together works that makes up Mumbai. Similarly, Shweta people already, and are thrilled to media channels. at a critical point in its history. showing the challenges and Malhotra used her bold graphic style to depict see audiences engaging in important Our rich ecosystems and unique struggles to preserve a balance a flamingo as a symbol for Mumbaikers to conversations about the need to In addition, a host of designers and artists produced new biodiversity are under threat from with nature, while others produced understand the need to protect what they can. protect and preserve Mumbai’s work which was shown across social media, including unsustainable planning and rapidly works that celebrated Mumbai's biodiversity through some of India’s Priyanka Paul who released a beautiful and moving growing emissions. Without nature, ecosystem. Pia Alize showcased an Organised by Dead Ant and Ministry of most exciting young artists in illustration picturing the Koli fishing community who we cannot survive. Conserving illustration that brought together Mumbai’s Magic, the festival was accompanied comedy, art and design.” have been adversely affected by coastal developments, our environment cannot just be a many of the animals and plants by a list of demands that were presented to civic bodies and policy makers within the A spokesperson from Ministry government of Maharashtra. of Mumbai's Magic summed up, “The campaign will be working to showcase the work we have done so far, from public consultations about Mumbai’s parks, to a video series on the indigenous youth of Mumbai, in order to grow our community and broaden the conversation on biodiversity, but we will also be exploring opportunities to engage with decision makers at the BMC and the Ministry of Environment to find new ways to create policy impact.” NEWS

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Reuse Recycle REMAKE

An AHEC collaboration with five Indian furniture designers launches a line of stunning design.

In a first design collaborationof its sort in India, The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry, has announced the launch of ‘REMAKE’.. REMAKE was conceived as a response to The project challenges the five leading Indian furniture designer- the need for hands-on experience with makers to each select three pieces from their existing furniture American hardwoods in India’s furniture range and to remake them using American hardwoods. This is manufacturing sector. The designers the first design collaboration by AHEC involving Indian designers involved with the project include Studio and it builds on prior initiatives, which have aimed at creatively Wood, Bram Woodcrafting Studio, Kam Ce promoting American hardwoods. Kam, Esvee Atelier and Studio SFDW. In response to the brief, the designers have been asked to choose three of their own existing pieces and remake them using American red oak, white oak, cherry, hard maple, tulipwood or hickory. AHEC will supply all the lumber for the project from a stock of American hardwood species held in India, which was donated to AHEC by Allegheny Wood Products. NEWS

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