DD37

Evolutionary stages of the house

May 2017 | Design Detail 51

FACT FILE

PROJECT : DR. MUNEER RESIDENCE
LOCATION : MALAPPURAM
ARCHITECTURE
PRACTICE : DE EARTH ARCHITECTS, CALICUT
BCULIIELNT-TU P-AREA :: DR. MUNEER
5763 sq.ft.
YEAR : 2016
COST OF PROJECT : 1.5 CR
CONSULTANTS
STRUCTURAL : PROJEM
ELECTRICAL : FOCUS ELECTRICALS
INTERIOR : KIARA
LANDSCAPE : GREENLAND
PLUMBING : TECHNO PLUMBING
MATERIALS
TILES : SQUARES TILES CALICUT
FLOORING : USED WOODS, MURAL TILES
AND TERACOTTA
WALL : EXPOSED LATERITE CLADDING
FALSE CEILING : WOOD

3) Abundant use of
wooden panelling gives
warmth to the interiors

4) The plain stone wall
resembles a painting

5) The spacious and
luxurious living hall

3 6) The dining table
and chairs reciprocate
tradition

4

52 Design Detail | May 2017

5

6 DE EARTH

De earth is a design practice based
at Calicut, Kerala with a young
professional team of Architects, Urban
designers, Engineers and Social thinkers
working towards nature inclusive and
contextually responsive designs with a
vision of making a greener and better
tomorrow. Ar.Vivek P P and Ar. Nishan.M,
both graduates from National Institute
of Technology, Calicut, are the founding
pillars of the firm. Their broad vision
and creative and leadership skills were
instrumental in taking De earth to
greater heights.
De earth has won several awards for
single family houses, hospitality and
concept designs. Team de Earth was
also selected as one of the top 50
emerging design practices in India by
igen, architecture + interiors magazine
in the year 2015. Their works have been
published in many local and national
magazines. Their constant appetite for
learning and innovations keep them
engaged with polishing of knowledge
through an in-house research forum
‘Chinthaer’ which explores and debates
on various nature friendly construction
techniques, materials, psychological
aspects of design and social
responsiveness, to name a few.

May 2017 | Design Detail 53

7 7) The courtyard
8 was built as a part
of renovation
54 Design Detail | May 2017 8) The main gate
that leads to the
landscape walk
9) The raised
platform becomes
a space for home
gathering
10) Contemporary
lighting and
painted walls
lends the
bedroom a feel of
modernity

The exterior was also designed to maintain
the essence of traditional architecture. A long
verandah added on to the original structure
enhances the entry layer. The plan incorporates
a splendid entrance with security room and
gate which leads to a landscape walk. The main
structureisretainedassuchforonetoappreciate
the purity of construction and intricate details
with its wooden windows, pillars, ceiling and
roof. The laterite masonry originally covered
with lime plaster was removed and exposed
to create a dramatic spatial quality as well as
texture. The main block with its dark interiors
and wooden window shutters reduce the heat
intake and keep the interiors cool.

The extensions made for the existing structures
are totally executed with latest construction

9
10

technology and materials such as steel roofs and
minimalist edge details. Traditional architecture
elements like dark corridors, vintage furniture
and colours have been merged with modern
geometric patterns. The traditional skylights
and courtyard lend enough brightness to the
dark interiors.

Though the traditional spatial qualities were

retained in terms of planning, hierarchy of

spaces and material usage, the details and joints

are all contemporary with minimalist approach

using traditional materials. Richness is brought

into the spaces with usage of wood, brass

and usage of light and shade. The landscape

beautifully adorned with local species of plants

adds to the aesthetics of the built environment.

A traditional pond within the plot supports

rainwater harvesting. dd

May 2017 | Design Detail 55

IN PUBLIC

56 Design Detail | May 2017

2

LABYRINTH
OF FRAMES

HText : Ar. Kavya Bhat | Photos: Collage Architecture Studio
ome staging is gaining popularity and is an
important aspect of selling these days. The
potential buyers get a glimpse of their future
home in the model set up. In a country like
India, where housing societies and complexes
are prevalent, it is very important for the potential resident to
identify himself in the surroundings. The Experience Centre
by Collage Architecture Studio, Bangalore takes the staging
of a model home to another notch. By creating a compelling
architectural walk-through in the site, the space makes an
impact visually and emotionally.

1) The curvature 2) The waterbody
creates an intrigue in lends a tranquil
1 the visitor by hiding touch to the entire

what lies ahead setting

May 2017 | Design Detail 57

3

3) The gesticulating
curves direct the visitor
into the complex
4) The design of the
built form evolved
from the naturally
existing landscape
5) Suroundings
reflected in the water
adds to the aesthetics
6) The slits unveiling
new vistas

The three acre plot is located in the heart of
a major suburban area in the city with road
access on the western side. The design of the
built form evolved from the naturally existing
landscape. Thus, the scattered palm trees
and the gradual three metre slope from the
entryway became the basis of the design. An
organic pattern created by the landscape was
followed with a deliberate, defining pathway.

By encompassing the natural elements, this
conscientious design is a labyrinth of frames.
The visual frames are tactfully created along the
line of movement to captivate the visitor. They
unravel slowly, adding a whole new dimension
to the overall experience by piquing the visitor’s
interest in the serene ambience. The slits unveil
the best vistas of the natural surroundings
and divert the attention of the visitor from the
ongoing larger construction at the site as well.
The existing trees are seamlessly integrated
4 along the pathway to create pockets of privacy
that complement the spirit of the design.

58 Design Detail | May 2017

The architectural typology is retained and
conceptualized to provide picturesque views
from various levels. The entrance is at the
higher level and the built mass is zoned at a
lower plain. Thus, the broad view of the site
and its surroundings narrows as the visitor
descends the steps towards the entrance plaza.
The hierarchy in spaces around the Centre is
fabricated to enrapture and transport the visitor
to a journey of tranquillity.

The curve quotient in the design of the entry
plaza adds a lot of character. These walls
heighten the organic, irregular trajectory. Along
the walkway, the visitor is captivated with
partly revealed glimpses of what lies ahead.
By breaking the visuals, a sense of curiosity is
aroused. Each frame has a charm of its own.
This dynamic feature is an exemplary of how
the architectural elements can be utilized to
invoke emotions and imprint the mind with
afterimages.

The alternating pocket of concrete and green
5 is transcribed to infuse the natural elements.

When the visitor reaches the marketing

6

May 2017 | Design Detail 59

FACT FILE

PROJECT : ROHAN AKRITI
LOCATION : BENGALURU
} ARCHITECTURE
COLLAGE ARCHITECTURE STUDIO 3D VISUALISATION
PRACTICE
DESIGN TEAM : ADWITHA SUVARNA &
NITIN KAMAT
CLIENT : ROHAN BUILDERS
BUILT AREA : 8000 sq.ft.
YEAR : 2016

COLLAGE ARCHITECTURE STUDIO

SITE PLAN After completing their architectural education from Goa in 2001,
Swapnil Valvatkar and Arunkumar T.D., along with Adwitha
Suvarna, who graduated from Bangalore in 2002, formed
Collage Architecture Studio in 2009. They interned together at
Chandavarkar and Thacker Architects Pvt. Ltd., and later worked
with eminent architect, Sanjay Mohe in Bangalore on projects
of varying scales and typologies for over eight years. Since the
establishment of their firm, these architects have successfully
designed and completed several projects for which they have
received recognition and accolades over the years.
The team revolves around the principles of sharing knowledge,
learning from each other, celebrating each others’ success, sharing
failures and growing together. They follow a strong interactive
process in every stage of design and construction.

SECTION

60 Design Detail | May 2017

MATERIALS USED:
1. Saint Gobain Glass
The product SGG Reflectasol is a reflective
and solar control glass. Due to these
properties, it satisfies both the functional
and aesthetic needs of the building. It has
low-light transmittance which improves the
visual comfort against direct sunlight. Thus,
it reduces the heat gain in the interiors.
2. Dulux paint
An earthy look for the complex was required
to blend with the natural surroundings
of the site. This was one of the major
considerations while selecting the colour
shades.As the above brand had the required
palette, it was finalized.

7) View of the feature
wall from the entry
plaza

7

8) The space gets
animated by the light

8

May 2017 | Design Detail 61

9 9) The ever changing
10 shadow patterns add
dynamism to the
62 Design Detail | May 2017 space
10) Visual frames
along the axis of
movement

cabins, he is surprised with an open courtyard
to imbibe its freshness. Furthermore, light has
been used as a tangible material. This living
design element creates dynamism through a
series of pergolas that have been crafted in the
Central Court to capture its natural beauty. The
movement of shadows amidst the freshness
of the luxuriant greenery all around plays the
perfect counterpart to the neat lines of the built
structure itself.

Finally, the journey through the intriguing
series of frames gradually scales down to
human proportions when the potential resident
reaches the model home. The luxurious model
home is sleek and contemporary. Moreover,
this modern abode inspires the much-needed

freedom and serenity that one yearns for. dd

May 2017 | Design Detail 63

LITTLE BIG DETAILS

LAWYER’S
HERMITAGE

Text : Team Design Detail | Photos: Mikko AlaPeijari profession, a space where people can be
themselves. The architect has employed a
Ahome in the beginning was creative way of designing called ‘hometelling’
merely a material structure where the focus shifts from the designer to
that was designed to appease the client. The life story and ideas of the
the physical needs of man and client becomes the active part of the design.
his family. Later, the concept The designing no more becomes a lethargic
was widened to make it a space for mental communication between the designer and
nourishment and relaxation. But “Casa di the project; instead becomes an active and
Rosario” in Rome has transcended all these creative dialogue between the designer and
concepts to become a space where the soul the client.
dwells.
The theme yellow is reflected throughout
The project titled “True Soul of a Lawyer” the interiors and exteriors that recalls
is owned by a busy lawyer Rosario, who
wanted a home in contrast to his formal

1

64 Design Detail | May 2017

1) Flos lamps providing 2
the home the ambience of
a film set
2) The rooms have been
designed to provide
connectivity through the
entire space

May 2017 | Design Detail 65

PLAN - BEFORE FACT FILE
66 Design Detail | May 2017
PROJECT : CASA DI ROSARIO
LOCATION : ROME
ARCHITECT : MAURIZIO GIOVANNONI
CLIENT : ROSARIO APUZZO
AREA
INSIDE : 48 sq. m.
TERRACE : 26 sq. m.

PLAN - AFTER the sunny childhood days of its owner in
Suditalia, Sorrento in contrast to the hectic
work schedule of Rome. The rooms are rich
and colourful with art works from various
artists. One of the walls of the living room
is adorned with a portable cactus made of
iron gifted by the designer architect Marco
Ferranti. A splendid bookshelf made of iron
and wood which is the commissioned work
of a Taiwanese group of architects called
Ganna Studio extends from the floor to the
roof. It also serves to separate the living room
and the bedroom.

The living room is elegantly and stylishly
designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal.
The styling of the apartment was assisted
by the architect Rosa Topputo. The room
incorporates a beautiful wall paper by
Perswall representing the legends of jazz.
Flos lamps resembling spotlights render
the room the feel of a film set. The kitchen
has been provided with a modest and
minimalistic design to blend with the
spacious living room. It is mostly white with
a touch of yellow. The Danish Menu POV
candleholders above the kitchen table apart
from its functional objectives provide an
artistic feel to the interiors.

MAURIZIO GIOVANNONI

SECTION A1-A1 A young architect well known for
SECTION A2-A2
his innovative ideas in architecture,

Maurizio Giovannoni did his graduation

from the Faculty of Architecture in

Rome. After completing his Master’s

degree in Restoration Institute of

Quasar, he got involved in important

projects at Zetema Progetto Cultura.

Studied under the guidance of Professor

Giovanni Carbonara, one of the greatest

Italian experts in the field of restoration,

he based his professional career in the

area of the restoration of monuments.

The redevelopment of the Casa del

Jazz in Rome and the recovery of the

Water Tower in Wiesbaden, Germany

3 are worthy of note among his most
important projects.

Later, he turned his attention to
contemporary interiors and design.
In 2009, he designed a spacious
showroom in the heart of Milan and
led many interior design projects in
the Italian capital. In 2010 he spent a
period of intense work and exchange
in Rio de Janeiro. The nature, color and
light of this Marvellous City inspired
his first project “Casa di Juhana” in
Finland. He introduced a methodology
called ‘hometelling’ that change
the focus from a “designer centred”
approach to a “user centred” approach.
It immediately aroused the interest of
the international press, ending up in
the covers of major magazines such as
Kauniit Kodit (Finland), Interior Design
(Taiwan), Squarerooms (Singapore) and
Living (Brasil) .The other two projects
of hometelling Casa di Rosario in Rome
and Casa di Silvana continue to get
featured in international magazines.

3) The uniquely
designed bookshelf

3 acts as a divider as

well as a connector

May 2017 | Design Detail 67

4 4) The POV candle
5 holders adds to the
minimalistic yet
68 Design Detail | May 2017 appealing design of
the kitchen
5) The terrace
becomes a part of
the interiors

The apartment is on the seventh floor of

the building and has a large terrace that

provides a panoramic view of the city of

Rome. The material used for flooring the

interiors and the terrace is the same to give

a feel of continuity. During the renovation of

the project many inner walls were removed

to create a large open space that allowed

enough light and air. This helped to meet the

demands of the client and has made it the

right space for connecting with one’s friends

and also with one’s inner self. dd

May 2017 | Design Detail 69

INTERIORS

THE
RETREAT

ZONE

70 Design Detail | May 2017

HText : Ar. Gazala Amreen | Photos: Anand Jaju
omes are our retreat to get away from
the hustle and bustle of our lives - a
space to heal our body and soul. They
are a reflection of our personality, our
ideologies and are an extension of our
being. This residential design located on the outskirts
of Bangalore is based on the concept of including a
traditional courtyard into a contemporary design. It
aims to reflect the simplistic lifestyle of its inhabitants
while transforming itself into a private haven for
weekend getaways.

This house has a rocky hillock as the backdrop. Built
on a T junction in a gated community, the site steps
up away from the road towards west in three levels.
These levels form the basis for establishing the
house and its relationship to the environment it is

May 2017 | Design Detail 71

1 1) The landscape 3) Design elements
2 around blends create an interesting
into the living play of lights
72 Design Detail | May 2017 spaces 4) The geometry
2) Abundant of the façade is
natural light interesting and
that is brought uncommon
indoors

nestled in. The house is like a bold architectural
masterpiece set into a natural landscape in
which it is built.

A residential design is often a collage of varied
contrasting functions and ideas and this house
seeks to embrace these contrasting ideologies
and to physically represent them as built
spaces. Spatially, the home is designed in three
parts -public, semi-public and private spaces,
which are arranged around a large courtyard.
The circulation is assigned to run around
the courtyard, creating a bridge between the
indoors and outdoors.

3 ARCHITECTURE PARADIGM

Architecture Paradigm is a Bangalore based
architectural practice that was established
in the year 1996 by Manoj Ladhad, Sandeep
J and Vimal Jain. They boast of a young
and dynamic team of professionals, who
come with an instinct for design that is
tempered by extensive experience that
they have been exposed to while designing
and supervising a variety of projects. Driven
by a sense of optimism they aim to create
environments that makes a difference to
people’s lives. The process to understand
the interconnection of the varied elements
in our environment calls for different
faculties and propensities to come together,
leading to a collaborative and a critical
approach to practice. Each of the projects
is addressed through project teams where
clients’ specifications and response to
context is given a lot of importance and
client, along with consultants form an
active part of the collaborative process
towards realizing the potential of the idea.

FACT FILE 4

PROJECT : COURTYARD HOUSE
LOCATION : BENGALURU, KARNATAKA, INDIA
ARCHITECTURE PRACTICE: ARCHITECTURE PARADIGM
DESIGN TEAM : VIMAL JAIN, SANDEEP J
MANOJ LADHAD, PRAJWAL KRISHNA
ANUPAMA PRASAD,
SUDEEP BHOOPALAM

}STRUCTURAL BASE CONSULTANTS

ENGINEERS BANGALORE
}CIVIL ENKON ENGINEERING,
CONTRACTORS BANGALORE
}LANDSCAPE DHRUVA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
CONSULTANTS : BANGALORE
AREA 10625 sq. ft.

YEAR : 2015

AIRCONDITIONING : DAIKIN

The courtyard is the highlight of the design
and all programs are designed around it to
make the most of the space. It helps blur the
boundaries created between different spaces
by acting as a transformation space, both
between the two spaces within the house and
between the built and unbuilt forms. Apart
from this, the courtyard becomes an ideal space
to relax, socialize and retreat. The courtyard is
interwoven into the spaces and appears as a
foyer, enclosed garden, central courtyard and
much more. This green band visually binds
different parts of the home, as most rooms look
into it in one form or the other. The openings

May 2017 | Design Detail 73

5) Both public and
private space look into
the garden
6) The home includes
most high end and
luxurious amenities

1. CENTRAL COURTYARD 6. UTILITY PRODUCT & MANUFACTURERS
2. LIVING ROMM 7. DINING
3. DECK 8. BED ROOM Product Manufacturers
4. FOYER 9. FAMILY ROOM
5. KITCHEN 10. ENCLOSED GARDENS Sanitaryware & CP Fittings TOTO

GROUND FLOOR PLAN BOSCH

Sanitaryware & CP Fittings HANSGROHE

Glass SAINT-GOBAIN

Electrical Fixtures BITICNO

Switches & Electrical Fixtures LEGRAND

Audio Systems SONANCE

FIRST FLOOR PLAN TERRACE PLAN
74 Design Detail | May 2017

that are created in the form of windows and
slits are strategically placed to enjoy the view
of the courtyard without depending on the
surroundings for a view.

The house is split into two levels, and the
spatial planning ensures that the public and
private spaces are clearly demarked creating a
hierarchy of spaces within the house. The study
room is placed on the terrace, where it spills into
a multi utilitarian deck. The courtyard snakes
around the house and materializes in varied
forms as gardens, terraces and decks, where it
is not only a pleasant sight that can be enjoyed
from afar, but a space that can be savoured in all
its vitality.

The façade is bold but minimalistic in its design,

and the built mass stands out starkly due to

its sharp angles and stark colouring in the

green nest that is woven around it. The built

form becomes a transitional surface between

the ‘hard’ rocks and the ‘soft’ landscape. The

architectural design of this house defines how

a concept can be built on to create a highly

personalized and pleasant space, while also

reminding one about the significance of

5 designing not just the built but the unbuilt
dd
spaces too.

6

May 2017 | Design Detail 75

CITY COMFORTS

1

ENCRYPTED IN
CURVILINEARITY

1) The wooden louvers 2) The curvilinear structure adds OText : Team Design Detail | Photos: André J Fanthome
form an exciting façade to the aesthetic beauty and spatial utré house is a six-storey
for the building fluidity of the house residential building in New Delhi 2
built in response to the client’s
need for an urban residence
that articulates financial and
aspirational value. It has a luxurious and exotic
design that caters to both the needs and whims
of the inhabitants.

The major feature of the design is the re-
centring of the bond between the act of

76 Design Detail | May 2017

May 2017 | Design Detail 77

3 making and the use of material by releasing its
4 handmade construction from the constraints
of the straight line. It allows crafted details such
78 Design Detail | May 2017 as concrete formwork and poured flooring
to curved joinery and rhythmically notched
masonry to overlay each other rather than
be restricted merely to points and lines where
materials meet.

As the building is within the city limits, the
architects employed a curvilinear structure
that creates fluidity in spatial formations and
smooth transition between rooms. The interior
walls exhibit a variety of design patterns by the
use of painted and bare bricks and are adorned
by the use of wall paintings. The use of large
glass windows help connect the interior and
the exterior. Patterns of lighting throughout the
interiors and exteriors render the building an
aura of luxury.

Apart from this the design incorporates
a humble material palette and integrated
greenery. A strong bond has been created
with the natural world by the interweaving of

43 Lift 48 Landscaped Terrace 18 Lift 23 Formal Living Room 27 Dress

44 Planters 49 Powder Room 19 Master Bedroom 24 Puja 28 Toilet

45 Servant’s Room 50 Store 20 Powder Room 25 Kitchen / Informal Dining 29 Utility Balcony

46 Bar Counter 51 Toilet 21 Mother’s Bedroom 26 Study Room 30 Balcony

47 Terrace 22 Formal Dining Room

TERRACE PLAN GROUND AND SECOND FLOOR PLAN

SN.NO MATERIAL VENDOR
1
2 Stone Arvicon ANAGRAM ARCHITECTS

3 Stone Arvicon Anagram Architects was established by Vaibhav Dimri
4 veneer and Madhav Raman in New Delhi in 2001 and has a
5 diverse practice that encompasses public infrastructure
Floor Pandomo planning, urban design, architecture, furniture design
6 finishes and interior design. Through their work they attempt to
enrich elemental modernity with intensive research into
7 Bio-wall Baijnath traditional as well as non-conventional practices, evolving
culturally relevant, contextually responsive and resource efficient designs.
Sanitary Bath affair
fixtures Anagram Architects is internationally recognised for its commitment towards delivering
deeply contextual designs that encourage sustainable lifestyles. Over the years the practice
Micro- BGSB has garnered much critical acclaim including a nomination for the Aga Khan Award in 2010
topping and inclusion in the Wallpaper Magazine’s “Architects Directory 2009”. For three years running,
they have been included in AD50, the Architectural Digest Magazine’s prestigious list of the 50
Aluminium Le grand most influential South Asian designers for 2014, 2015 and 2016. Anagram Architects has also
switches featured in the International Architecture Biennale 2010 in Rotterdam and Biennial of Design
(BIO23) 2012 held in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
8 Landscaping-TFeircruasce

9 Wooden Ritikaa wood
slats

10 Lights Visavis 3) Wall paintings and
hidden lighting brighten
11 Wooden Ds doors up the interiors
Louvers 4) Furniture that enhance
the curvilinearity of design
Glass
12 paneling- Unique glass

Exterior

May 2017 | Design Detail 79

5 5) The vegetation and 6) Mini-bar area carved
6 greenary allows the out of a mini curve in
building to integrate the interior
80 Design Detail | May 2017 with nature

FACT FILE

PROJECT : OUTRÉ HOUSE
LOCATION : ANAND NIKETAN, NEW DELHI
ARCHITECTURE PRACTICE : ANAGRAM ARCHITECTS
DESIGN TEAM : VAIBHAV DIMRI, MADHAV RAMAN,
AYUSH PRAKASH
CLIENT : SATISH GARG
YEAR : 2015

precisely turned wooden louvers and vertically

installed planters that allows the vegetal to

enmesh with the structural, transforming into

internal and rooftop gardens. This design also

transforms itself into a beautiful façade that

adds to the buildings aesthetics. dd

NEWS

Shirish Beri wins
JK Great Master’s Award
Ar. Shirish Beri has been
unanimously selected as the The award takes into account his professional
winner of the J.K. Great Master’s work, contribution to academics, publications,
award for his contribution to recognitions and seminars in India and abroad
contemporary Indian architecture as well as his impeccable integrity. It is also
during the past four decades. He is the 13th conferred on him for his sincere efforts at
recipient of this highly coveted and important addressing his life and environmental concerns
award that was instituted in 1990. through his designs. He has always thought of
his architecture as a catalyst for a better quality
This award was decided by a jury of earlier of life and as an agent of social change. His work
winners of this award from a number of has most definitely helped in bringing people
nominations strictly on the basis of merit. It is closer to nature, to other people and to their
awarded to only one senior architect (above own selves.
60 years of age) from India and ten nearby
countries once in every two years. The date and venue of this award ceremony
would be announced later.

Some of the earlier recipients of this Ar. Shirish Beri has decided to put in his own Rs.
prestigious award are Ar. Laurie Baker, Ar. A.P. 12 lakhs to the award amount of Rs. 3 lakhs to
Kanwinde, Ar. Charles Correa, Ar. B.V. Doshi, create an endowment fund of Rs. 15 lakhs. The
Ar. Jeffery Bawa (Sri Lanka), Ar. Mazhrul interest from this corpus will be given every
Islam(Bangladesh), Ar. Raj Rewal, Ar. Hasmukh year to a truly deserving graduate student from
Patel, Ar.ChristopherBenninger and Ar. C.E.P.T., his alma mater.
AnantRaje.

May 2017 | Design Detail 81

COLLOQUIUM

POWER

EQUATION

Text : Apoorva Nandish November was the year’s biggest meltdown
that overpowered Trump’s victory.
Over the past few months, Demonetisation brought real estate sector
we witnessed a deluge of to a standstill. Not that the realty market
diverse decisions from the had tremendous success rate to solely blame
government. But take a closer demonetisation for its current exacerbated
look – its timeline speaks of a woes. The buyers’ scepticism on the ongoing
well-plotted power play! The ‘Make in India’ realty market slashed the developers’ growth
campaign, ‘Smart City Mission’, ‘Digital India’, – the sales volume of the sector marked the
‘PMAY’ and ‘Jan Dhan Yojana’ all elucidate negative growth of minus nine per cent.
the current undergoing in the Real Estate Knight Frank’s data speaks of sales volume
sector. Had it not been these early initiatives, in the top eight cities plummeted to fourty
could Demonetisation have withstood the four per cent and in turn, the new projects
public blow? And could one anticipate a fair launch to sixty one per cent in the Q4 of
game post-Goods & Services Tax (GST) and 2016. According to the property registration
Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA)? data, post-demonetisation transaction
Nonetheless, one can sense that there’s more volume of properties dropped by 30-50 per
to this than meets the eye. cent from the preceding levels. This also took
a toll on property prices with top metros:
Needless to say that 2016 marked a Delhi, Gurugram and Mumbai affecting the
speculative year with changes in policies most with a fall of 30-35 per cent. Let me
and regulatory norms which caused a
stir primarily in the realty market. And

82 Design Detail | May 2017

COMMERCIAL BANKS’ CREDIT OUTSTANDING TO THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING* SECTOR, 2008-2016

*Defined as loans upto INR 28 lakhs “Currently, local developers struggle to raise
bank funding due to stringent debt-equity
Source: RBI norms. Also, the exposure of banks to real
estate is capped at ten per cent which is
refrain from elaborating on the developers’ normally exhausted with other sub-sectors,
marketing strategies to woo the buyers leaving them with less motivation to lend
with jaw dropping and sentimental flyers to to affordable housing,” highlights Rajesh
alleviate their increasing losses. Krishnan, MD & CEO, Brick Eagle.

Demonetisation and RERA aim to curtail Cost and time play a vital role in realising
undeclared wealth and bring transparency Affordable Housing projects and to make
in the realty market. These systems are a profitable return on investment. This
expected to benefit the developers to acquire year‘s budget speaks of a phenomenal
land at a lower price (comparatively) with decision of imparting infrastructure status
reduced hassles against parallel (black to the Affordable Housing sector as it comes
money) transactions that procure or hold the with a longer tenure of loans, lower rates and
land at a ridiculously high price. Developers better terms – a much-awaited policy reform.
can now take a breather! But how far this will “This can potentially lead to a paradigm
help to curb high ratio, 60:40, of unorganised shift in the way housing projects have been
to organised sectors remains speculative. funded so far. While the impact of this on
If the real estate developers modify their overseas investments remains to be seen,
business model adhering to a stricter the domestic market may witness major
compliance norms, one can expect this sector push, especially from the banking sector,”
to grow strong and tall. On the other hand, says Krishnan, adding, “It is now for the RBI
these initiatives also seem beneficial to the to implement and execute the directives to
buyers. Under the purview of RERA, the ensure the intended benefits are available to
buyers will have crystal clear idea on the the developers that will enable them to scale
trajectory of the realty market. Further, if up.”
the developers delay the project or violate
any norms as per the act, they are likely to Further, a sensible move by revising from
be penalised; with no additional financial built-up area to carpet area will benefit both
bearings on the buyers. the developers and the buyers. Also, with
PMAY allocation increased to 23,000 Cr, it’s
‘Housing for All by 2022’ is another pet likely to augment the sector substantially.
project of the current government. But Exempting the developers from paying tax
ineffective planning policy undermined its on profit for 5 years, starting from 2016, is
drive. Expensive and elaborate taxes and
permits, complex land titles and inadequate/
ineffective financial support have always
been the developers’ shortcomings.

May 2017 | Design Detail 83

like a cherry on the cake. Along with their construction costs can’t be controlled overlooked, which remains at the forefront
action, will the government open up surplus by a developer, use of technology, rapid
lands for Affordable Housing projects in the construction methods and ensuring sales to curb operational costs, maintain timelines,
near future? On the other hand, lowering velocity, one can secure profit margins,”
interest rate on housing loans to four per says Krishnan. Looking at the segment the tackle labour crisis and reduce bottlenecks
cent and three per cent on loans of Rs 9 lakh Affordable Housing sector is catering to,
and Rs 12 lakh, respectively, the turnouts there is a need for a rationalised marketing during the course of construction. Alternate
from the lower segment of the social pyramid strategy to crack the deal. “The target
are likely to increase. This brings us one step segment may not be media savvy, and use construction technologies like Pre-Fab, Pre-
closer to realising ‘Housing for All’ project. of traditional ATL methods of marketing
The government is catalysed for the change, may not be substantial. Hence, we tie up Cast and Drywall technique are already in
if not to its fullest potential. Now the ball is in with NGOs for helping home-buyers in the
the developers’ court to meet the demanding informal segment. This unique model has practice and have yielded high profits to
needs by 2022. fructified across our projects,” he illustrates. the developers and customer satisfaction
to their users. But there is a glitch on the
Above all, “The key to financial viability Although the government has doled out scale of the project. “The newer construction
for an Affordable Housing project is cost many incentives to advance Affordable technologies need high capital investment
control. While systematic factors affecting Housing sector, technology has been largely upfront, which makes sense only for large
projects. To rub it in, lack of awareness and
acceptance of new technology and methods
hinder the country’s growth,” enunciates
Sandeep Singh Gaur, CEO, Sheltrex
Developers. The lacuna here is for Research
and Development in modern construction
technology space to invent faster and
affordable construction techniques attuned
to Indian scenario. Besides, one must also
take into account that it’s essential to improve
infrastructure to peri-urban areas to execute
such projects smoothly and effectively.

HFC DISBURSEMENTS TO THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING** Inclined to bringing technology to the
SECTOR, 2012-2015 forefront of the construction industry,
Sheltrex Developers works with innovating
new technology and techniques in
construction for their project. For example,
‘Boulder Concrete’ technology in Coimbatore
project and ‘Steel Formwork’ technology in
Karjat project. They are quick to deliver, cost-
effective and has low environment impact.
But with GST to roll out soon, what can the
developers expect from it?

Real Estate sector is linked to as many as
250 ancillary industries, which are rather
its backbone. Krishnan anticipates, “GST
will bring uniform tax rates across the
country; unlike current varying VAT rates.
Since the final sale depends on the rate
of GST announced, the developer will be
able to offset the taxes paid by him on the
materials for construction. And Affordable
Housing may witness lower rate leading to
tax reduction.”

Certainly, Q1 of 2017 remains crucial as

*Defined as loans upto INR 25 lakhs GST is yet to be announced. Being a game
Source: National Housing Bank
changer, time awaits to unravel the power

equation of the Modi Government. dd

84 Design Detail | May 2017

EVENT

Conference on Landscape and
conservation

Pune a city having historical, cultural, landscape images, perception and memories, and,
heritage, social and architectural values is emerging landscape practices.
also known as an educational hub in India
imparting education in various fields. Smt. The inauguration ceremony initiated with the lighting
Kashibai Navale College of Architecture ofthelampbythedignitaries,followedbyanorientation
(SKNCOA) started in 2014 is a new effort of Sinhagad by the Director Dr. M. V. Telang, the Principal Dr.
Technical Education Society (STES) for shaping Sudhir D. Chavan and Prof. Ajit C. Madkaiker. The
the future of built environment, as architects play key-note speech was delivered by Prof. Ravindra Bhan
an important role in this process. In view of this, and Ar. Kishore Pradhan. Other eminent speakers
SKNCOA organised a two day National Conference were Dr. Priyaleen Singh, Ar. Rohit Marol, Prof. Ajit
on Landscape and Conservation dated Feb 27 and 28, C Madkaiker, Ar. Manguesh Prabhugaonker, Prof.
2017. The further sub disciplines were conserving Sharvey Dhongde, Prof. Swati Sahasrabudhe, Dr. Erach
biodiversity, cultural and heritage conservation, Bharucha and Dr. Ankur Patwardan.

May 2017 | Design Detail 85

RELEASE REWIND

REHABILITATE
AND REVIVEText: Ar.GazalaAmreen

hile buildings from
bygone days come with a
rich history, and boast of

Wserving the community
of the region. Hence it is very important
for designers to understand the immediate
environment of the building and analyze it
critically. These projects undertaken by Atelier

over a period of time, Du Pont, a French architectural practice,
they tend to become a part of the lives of the highlight the importance of observing the
people. The architecture of a building not only intricate urban fabric the buildings are nestled
in, and how an in-depth understanding of the
influences the users of the space, but also culture and heritage of the place influence the
shapes the town it’s located in and the growth design extensively.

86 Design Detail | May 2017

25 RUE MICHEL LE COMTE, PARIS

Situated in close proximity to the Centre
Pompidou, the building complex at 25 rue
Michel le Comte lies within the Marais
Historical Protection and Restoration Zone
(PSMV). Constructed between the seventeenth
and twentieth century, this area is a fine
example of a city that was built up through
the gradual addition of buildings. Revival of
heritage buildings comes with a set of challenges
such as retaining the originality and the aura of
the building while reinforcing it with newer
facilities. It’s not just a matter of rehabilitation,
but the design should aim to reactivate the
space, and contribute to the enhancement of
the history of the building.

Apart from the rehabilitation of the complex
which was predetermined, Atelier du Pont
proposed to reconstruct a new building within
the heart of the block. The project was designed

1) The architects 2) This landmark
aimed to revive the complex was
existing structure revived by
and enhance its including a new
1 longevity building in it

2

May 2017 | Design Detail 87

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

SECTION

3) With the use of simple FACT FILE
yet authoritative colours
and design , the building is PROJECT : 25 RUE MICHEL LE COMTE
modern and minimalistic LOCATION : LE MARAIS AREA, PARIS
in it’s approach ARCHITECTS : ATELIER DU PONT

4) The building blends CLIENT : ÉLOGIE
into the existing fabric and AREA : 4,766 sq. m.
enhances the functionality PHOTOS : FRÉDÉRIC DELANGLE
of the entire complex

88 Design Detail | May 2017

3

to combine social housing, offices and shops to
4 preserve the Marais’ artisanal past that united

the private mansion and artisans. The project
also aimed to preserve the existing social fabric
by increasing the number of social housing units
and focusing on the facilities that enhanced
the comfort of the habitants. The courtyards
and the seventeenth century passageways
were also restored as part of the project.
Construction in an already inhabited area
demanded substantial dexterity, co-operation,
and a full commitment from the designers, the
authorities and the local residents.

The project was executed in two phases. The
first phase was completed in March 2014 and
the second phase in October 2015. A Winner of
the Prix AMO and Geste d’Or 2016, the Archi
Design Club awards 2015, the Plan awards 2015
and a finalist of the Mipim Awards 2016, this
Rehabilitation and reconstruction program cost
about 9,900,000 €. It aimed to create 30 social-
housing units apart from offices and shops over
an area of 4,766 square meters. From this 3,056
square meters was set apart for housing and the
remaining 1,710 square meters was dedicated to
offices and shops. Collective heating system and
solar panels on the roof of the new building is
an important highlight of the design apart from
the aforementioned design intentions.

May 2017 | Design Detail 89

COMMUNITY OF MUNICIPALITIES’
OFFICES IN LES HERBIERS, FRANCE
The Community of Municipalities of the Pays
des Herbiers is located in the economically
robust region of France and is a home to
numerous companies active at the national
level. Created in 1995, it enables eight
municipalities in the region of Vendée to
share resources and competencies in the fields
of economic development, town planning,
environment, and standard of living. While the
part of the town that houses this office space is
vibrant with activities, the rest of the town of
Vendée is a rural area with a strong sense of
identity.
The contemporary architecture of the Hôtel des
Communes provides its citizens with a custom,
high-performing building that is a harmonious
unison of landscape, architectural heritage,
and modernity. The original structure was
built as an extension to the Herbiers City Hall
which was a mid nineteenth century mansion
situated in a public park. This building is a fine
expression of the region’s territorial influence

90 Design Detail | May 2017

and of the high level of local co-operation that
can be seen here.

Completed in 2016, it smartly utilises the
strengths of the site such as the public park, the
trees, and the current city hall which makes
it blend very comfortably into the landscape
like a chameleon. It creates a sense of awe,
while remaining sober and athletic; it wraps
itself around the existing trees and landscape,
surrounds them and ultimately aims to
preserve them. It sprawls both horizontally in
the park and shoots up into the sky establishing
itself confidently without compromising on the
harmony and tranquillity of the place.

Withcompactgroupingandeffectiveclustering,
the offices in the Hôtel des Communes are
designed to create greater work synergies. The
ground floor hosts the offices that provide public
services (civil registrar, marriage hall, etc.) while
the spaces on the upper levels are designed to
suit varied kinds of office spaces, running on
the concept of modular offices. The curving
and counter-curving circulation interconnects
the spaces allowing people to walk through

5) The curved profile 6) The building 5
of the building smartly blends into the
gives it a unique, landscape , while at the
sculpture- like same time stands out
appearance due to its bold design

6

May 2017 | Design Detail 91

SECTION

ATELIER DU PONT

Based in Paris , Atelier du Pont is a multi-
disciplinary design firm that undertakes
both public and private projects,
architecture and town planning, interiors
and exteriors . They believe in constantly
reinventing themselves with each new
experience, developing an exclusively
tailored design that is in response to the
context. Anne-Cécile Comar, Philippe
Croisier and Stéphane Pertusier founded
Atelier du Pont and the team currently
consists of two partners -Anne-Cécile
Comar and Philippe Croisier and a team
constituting members from varied
backgrounds.
Since the time of its establishment in
1997, they have completed a wide range
of public facilities and offices and built
a large number of housing projects
for social funding agencies and private
property developers. With such diverse
range of projects to their credit, they have
successfully tackled design problems that
may come with a variety of challenges
with respect to contexts and sites.

FACT FILE

PROJECT : COMMUNITY OF MUNICIPALITIES’
OFFICES
LOCATION : LES HERBIERS, FRANCE
ARCHITECTS : ATELIER DU PONT
CLIENT : COMMUNAUTÉ DE COMMUNES
DU PAYS DES HERBIERS
SECTION AREA : 2,880 sq.m.
92 Design Detail | May 2017 PHOTOS : TAKUJI SHIMMURA

7

7) The architect’s have
created a grand foyer
8 that creates a sense of

awe in the visitors

8) The external
landscape smoothly
flows into the internal
area , creating a
harmonious transition
of spaces

the building hall unobstructed with a sense of
continuity and connectivity.

The spatial planning is undertaken to ensure
maximum utility of the spaces, and its façade
design utilises the sunlight falling on it to its
maximum advantage. With an estimated
cost of 6,260,000 €, the idea of making it an
installation by itself is achieved by the form
adopted, where the building reveals itself
partially and hides away within the landscape.
The curves at certain places and the texture
used in the façade further ensure that the

building is a unique architectural entity. dd

May 2017 | Design Detail 93

FREEZE FRAMES

182 CM –

MAKING OF THE

POST NEW HUMAN

Project and Photos : Endri Dani The series is composed around a repetitive
pattern. We see the artist being photographed
Vitruvian Man is perhaps in the center of entrances at various apartment
Leonardo da Vinci’s most blocks in Albania. These differing places are
famous illustration. In this work, strongly discernible from each other either
da Vinci used both image and by their look, construction materials and
text to express the ideas and color, or by the clear interventions they have
theories of Vitruvius, a first century Roman undergone over time. However, there is one
architect and author of ‘De Architecturalibri feature that connects them together as a red
X’. The Vitruvian ideas, presented by Leonardo, thread: all of them are nearly the same height,
formed the basis of Renaissance proportion a seemingly disproportionate height, as if they
theories in art and architecture. were built for a special species of humankind.
Indeed, as we shall see, they were built for a
In his treatise, Vitruvius discussed proper special kind of species. So let’s take a quick look
symmetry and proportion as related to the at the history behind these curious structures.
building of temples. The architect believed
that the proportions and measurements of the The pictures have been taken in cities
human body, which was divinely created, were throughout Albania, at the entrance of
perfect and correct. He therefore proposed that buildings which were built mainly in the time-
a properly constructed temple should reflect span of 1970 – 1990, corresponding to the last
and relate to the parts of the human body. He two decades of the dictatorship – referred to
noted that a human body can be symmetrically as a communist one – in the country. On one
inscribed within both a circle and a square; this hand, the work refers to the specific conditions
idea influenced his architectural practice and under which society, culture and architecture
became a pillar for reliance or rejection during developed in the country during those years.
the history of architecture in the West. Meanwhile, one should put such developments
in a larger European and historical context
When looking at the series 182 cm by Endri to understand eventual ramifications and
Dani, what first struck me is that, like da Vinci, highlight local specifics.
Dani begins his project with a drawing. It
consists of a human figure inscribed within a After World War II and the rise of Communist
square-like frame that extends into contours parties across the region, architects living
of what seems to be a building – thus leading
our thoughts back to da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man.

94 Design Detail | May 2017

in Eastern Europe and the new territories of uniform apartment blocks, most of them built building systems over the 70s. A special
the Soviet Union found themselves in a new in the 1960s or the early 1970s. This is true prefabricated building materials factory was
position; now they had guaranteed employment on both sides of the old Iron Curtain. In most established in the outskirts of Tirana aiming to
and there is a high demand for their services as cases such approach is related to the so-called meet the demand for new urban housing.
result of post –war construction. Soon however, social housing intended for groups with low
their initial enthusiasm was dampened by the purchasing power and subsidized by the state However, it is the above-mentioned ideological
nature of the authoritarian regimes and the and/or local authorities. The technical quality of implications, coupled with extreme shortages
lack of professional freedom, including the these buildings might be low and the external in the most isolated country in the world that
complete ban of private activity as a licensed environment in many cases is poor. However, gave the Albanian case its own unique tonality.
architect. Coupled with the fact that communist not all the examples should be viewed in a It is precisely these implications that Dani
economics relied on rigid five-year planning, negative light. While presenting a number of addresses in his project. Using a simple element
architects across the region became technicians deficiencies, these constructions still managed which consists of choosing his body length as a
producing an industrial commodity, rather than to respond to the housing crisis, sheltering a standard, he challenges us to a reflection over
creative artists executing an individual vision. rapidly growing urban population. In quite the complicated relation between human body
Emphasizing typification, standardization, some cases, like in East and West Germany, and architecture, spanning through millennia
and mass production, architectural practice Sweden, even in the Soviet Union, despite – from the times of Vitruvius to today. By
across the Eastern Bloc shared more similarities the low construction quality, the buildings photographing himself against the entrances to
than differences among the various countries. presented a new and exciting development thesestandardizedbuildingstheartisthighlights
Architects also shared the everyday economic in housing facilities and chain of production. the existence of a glitch in the functioning of a
realities of communism with shortages as This particular phenomenon of metropolitan system that pretended it built by and for the
a generalized feature which epitomized the construction deserves more thorough and people. His body seems totally squeezed by
system itself. Therefore, as in other sectors, proper research. the square, low frame of the entrances of each
architects focused on strategies to address the of the dwellings. His head literally touches
problems including prefabricated building In that framework we can understand that the ceiling of the entrance and it’s difficult to
elements, lightweight building materials, and the case of Albania was an offshoot of a much understand how such construction was even
the mechanization of work on building sites. larger continuum. The practical needs were planned. Indeed, standardization in Albania
Highlighting the similarities and unification of pretty much the same as in all other countries, was not simply a feat to be implemented in
styles was also ideological, since the communist even though the technology came to the industrial production. The communist regime
ethos of a minimum standard for all was country much later and in poorer condition. loudly propagated the engineering of the New
integral to thinking about designing cities with Also Albania faced a housing crisis, especially in Man as the biggest achievement of Albanian
undifferentiated class structures, and housing urban areas due to rapid urbanisation rhythms, socialism – or whatever it was in reality. By
was the most indicative of this approach. In this high birth-rate, and further deteriorations declaring religion eradicated from the country
waythebuildingsofthattimewerenotvaluedas because of earthquakes. The authorities in mid-sixties (20th century), the Albanian
architectural objects, but rather as indicators of undertook great efforts to improve the situation, ruling communist dictatorship replaced God,
production performance. Meeting quantitative including the introduction of prefabricated and even claimed to have created the New
targets was more important than evaluating
what had been produced, thus removing any
incentive to improve architecture on aesthetic
or functional grounds.

However, this strain of development is not an
isolated tendency of the former Eastern block.
Indeed it is a ramification of the modernist
legacy that on the Western part has been
identified under the term “techno-rationalism”,
strongly identified with Le Corbusier, according
to whom the architects could no longer be
artists – they had to become engineers. Clean
lines, rectilinear forms, geometric volumes,
unornamented surfaces, open plans based on
the Cartesian grid, and expressed structural
systems, are some of the architectural features
of this strain. Repetition of standardized units
and a rejection of place are other characteristics.
Furthermore, a quick glimpse at European
level of the same period would reveal that
similar developments were taking place
everywhere, both in the East and in the West.
These developments correspond with the
industrialization period and the rapid urban
growth of cities that brought along the urgent
need to counter the housing shortage in cities
all over the continent. Across the big cities of
many countries in Europe one can find large-
scale and intensively developed areas with

May 2017 | Design Detail 95

Man of Socialism - a new species that was in a disarmingly peaceful position, with his arms
uniform and standardized in looks as well as in hanging low. His 182 cm body frame would lead
thoughts, but most of all in its social and moral one to think that he’s visiting the land of some
codes. Therefore, in a similar move to Vitruvian alien, small-people race that has hastily built
thought, replicated by Italian Renaissance, the habitats on earth. At other moments, he seems
communist authorities pretended to place at to offer himself as an out of place decoration or
the center the so-called New Man of socialism. ornamentation to the structure. And at other
However, while Vitruvius claimed that the instants yet, it seems as if the entire weight
center of the center was to be found inside the of the building and its history is resting on his
human body (the navel), the rulers of Albania head and shoulders.
had clearly decided that the center of the center
had to be located outside the body – namely 182 cm resembles a curious anthropological
in the ideology. By doing so they were abusing quest. By photographing himself against the
with their power to consolidate the grip over entrances of the edifices, the artist bridges an
the whole collective body of the society. important gap in time and extends his reflection
beyond the mere period of their construction.
It is from here we can maybe start to speculate Endri Dani metaphorically embodies the
on the incomprehensible dimensions we contemporary descendant of those new
encounter in Endri Dani’s photo series 182 humans. All these traces bear witness to the
cm. The visible disproportions hint at this chaos enveloping the lives of the bodies that
displacement of centrality. It’s still difficult to inhabit them and continue to struggle with
comprehend why these buildings entrances perdition in their new everyday reality, now
were made so low, while the rest of the floors governed by other sets of rules – those of the
had normal height. It’s as if someone was after a free market. And although we don’t see other
collective gesture of bowing-in-reverence, as if people in the pictures, it’s as if those wounds and
the threshold of the entrance to these buildings scars we note on the buildings are somehow
was indeed a metaphor for being reborn on the engraved on the consciousness and collective
other side, into the habitat of the New Man of body of the society, a direct consequence of the
Albanian socialism. Dani photographs himself power dynamic still controlling their lives.

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