Amaidhi

Completed 2010
Elagiri

A layout of 12 vacation homes spread over 2.68 acres of undivided land, set in the hills of Elagiri.

The rocky terrain with large boulder outcrops, and location on the edge of a valley gave the basic parameters for the design. The layout maintains the lands hydrologic functions, reduces storm water runoff while taking maximum advantage of the views. The villas are placed on different contour levels to give privacy to each unit. Exposed brickwork, a flat roofing system using stone slabs over beams, wood composite sloping roofs - all contribute to a reduced usage of cement and steel. Recycling and reusing what the land offered – much of the stone used in the construction and landscaping is from the site itself.

 

Saraswati KVK

Completed 2007
Tiruchirapalli


Located in Tiruchirapalli, where summer temperatures reach up to 41° C, this agriculture center is primarily used for training courses, research and development of environment friendly farming techniques.

It is with the function & climate in mind that the buildings are conceptualized as modules which are interconnected with open courtyards and corridors. The open courts & corridors create a cool envelope within and around the rooms with their play of breeze. Ventilation in the rooms is at its peak, the walls remaining cool by being shaded from the deep overhangs, the hot air outlets at the roof level evacuating heat that would rise up.

 

Lyle House

Completed 2004
Auroville

An open plan house with spaces flowing seamlessly into each other, this buildings east west orientation reduces mechanical air cooling and lighting. Integrating simple passive cooling techniques, a combination of deep overhangs, closable sliding glass panels and curtains reduce the heat gain during the day – throwing the windows open in the night allows a flow of breeze through the spaces. Covered verandahs incorporated within different parts of the house suggest possibilities of activities during different times of the day – the shade moving from one covered verandah to the other as the sun moves in the day.

 

Aurelio House

Completed: 2000
Auroville

An atelier space for a music instrument maker, this 75sqm house is light, open and almost ascetic. The main living space is a double height volume with a transparent compartmentalization of various functions (study corner, music corner, sitting area); thus allowing a free flow of air within. The verandah around the house forms the transition space between outside and in, running all along three sides of the house. It is the outer envelope that keeps the harsh glare out while large openings on the south and south east optimize ventilation

 

Lisbeth House

Completed: 1999
Auroville

A house using a combination of building materials having minimal ecological impact. Integrating a small courtyard, the entry into this house is through a fore court and verandah that allow one to make a gradual progress from hot outside to cool interiors. RCC has been kept to the minimum and traditional techniques have been integrated along with alternative methods of construction. The structure is load bearing with foundations and walls made of compressed earth blocks, the ceilings are with stones resting on RCC precast beams. Locally available granite is used as lintels and columns; wood when used is of Palmyra – an indigenous wood that is termite and borer proof.

 

Verite

Completed 1998
Auroville

A group of buildings with office, guest room and common areas sited in a densely wooded area. A tight budget, difficult soil conditions and limited time frame for implementation, influenced the design of the spaces. Finished are kept simple with locally available stones and recycled wood. Small open ended courtyards are both - welcoming entrance spaces and separation between the different functions of the building, relating without disturbing.

 

K House

Completed: 1998
Auroville

The shaded entrance verandah is the focus of this small house of just 50 sqm. The verandah is an outdoor living space. The spaces within are simple – a single large room on the ground floor is the sleeping space with a kitchenette in a corner niche; the staircase tucked in a corner leads to a small study on the landing. The soil being silty and waterlogged, the structure is of RCC frame with stabilized mud brick infill walls. The flat roofs are made of precast ferrocement channels, which is a relatively cheap, strong and durable roofing method.

 

Marc House

Completed: 1997
Auroville

This house has most of its living areas as semi open spaces. The ground floor consists of the living, dining, a kitchen and the guest room while the more private areas of bedrooms and family are on the first floor. A circular staircase made of precast steps and placed centrally, connects the two floors. A large sloping roof enfolds within it, the entire first floor. The deep overhangs and ample terraces formed by the roof create comfort zones necessary in the hot and humid climate by shading walls and cutting out harsh glare.

The earth bricks used for the walls were manufactured on the site from soil dug out to form a rain water percolation pond.