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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Axis House in Nagpur, India by tHE gRID archiectsJanuary 14th, 2020 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: gRID archiects Nature and natural elements are the primary factors that influenced the form of The Axis House. The name itself is derived from the axis defined by the intersection of two gently pitched roofs, along which was positioned a skylight that bathed the interiors in soft sunlight. The orientation of the rooms, and the programme in general, was calibrated to include as much greenery as possible into the spatial experience. The architects began the design process by listening to the land, and by noting the clear vistas under the trees and the siting of the surrounding buildings. The concept was to have a transparent relation between the earth and the sky, manifested as the roof and the plinth. The planning was primarily focused towards enhancing a connection between the indoors and outdoors, making sure that the occupants and the interiors engaged with the landscape. Integrating the home into its natural setting was a key part of the design and a priority for the clients.  Image Courtesy © Photographix India
 Image Courtesy © Photographix India The planning emphasised on having direct access to nature, visually as well as physically. Thus, the home became an orchestration of spaces with large windows, semi-outdoor spaces such as patios and al fresco seating areas. The idea was to harness the positive psychological effect brought about by meaningful connections between indoors and outdoors — a balance between chaos and calmness as it were. The architects consciously decided on retaining the mature trees existing on site especially on the southern side. This allowed them to provide decks on the south side with effective shading devices. Lush planting created a veritable circle of freshness around the building, whose effect was amplified by terraces and decks. The natural stone cladding of the facade matches the paving, resulting in a cohesive picture, tying the building to its surroundings. The entrance of the villa is via a planned landscape and hardscape with grey planters that match the colour palate and add a fresh touch to the designed landscape. The entry into the home is effected through a beautifully detailed solid teak wood door which illustrates the attention to detail that marks the design within.  Image Courtesy © Photographix India  Image Courtesy © Photographix India Coming to the programme, the idea was to create a functional, simple and clutter-free space that was open and unrestricted when it comes to movement along the house. The interiors, too, continue the natural materiality — natural stone and polished wood, teamed with metal and exposed concrete. The ground floor has smooth movement throughout, with a vestibule near the entrance, versatile public and private living spaces, a large kitchen, utility area and a dining room at the frontal part of the house while two bedrooms are placed at the rear end for maximal privacy. The public living space is accentuated by double-height ceiling allowing light and ventilation along with a visual connection to the upper floor.  Image Courtesy © Photographix India  Image Courtesy © Photographix India The endeavour towards seamlessness is evident in the large glazed expanses that modulate the programme instead of obtrusive walls, resulting in transparency, connectivity and a sense of inclusion. The links to the surroundings, via patios and decks, ensure that the living experience extends beyond the built-form. The staircase block — positioned at the meeting point of two roofs — is crowned by a linear skylight and thus functions as a light well. It forms the heart of the house, around which are deployed different functional pockets. The landscape planned around it brings in tranquillity, emphasised by the natural sunlight through the skylight and ensures a strong connection to the green. A human sculpture installed on its walls, brings in a certain vitality and enigmatic flavour; its interaction with the sun creates an animation that is dynamic in its expression.  Image Courtesy © Photographix India  Image Courtesy © Photographix India The upper floor houses four bedrooms with versatile themes that add personality to the room. A library and a lounge room is also provided. Like the lower level, this one, too, enjoys direct connections with the outdoors, with balconies and large window openings. Spaces connected to leisure and relaxation are distributed between the basement and the terrace: the entertainment lounge and gym are housed in the basement, while the spa occupies part of the upper terrace. The Axis House is a wholistic and wholesome amalgamation of light, air, greenery, materials and views, providing an experience that transcends the built.  Image Courtesy © Photographix India  Image Courtesy © Photographix India  Image Courtesy © Photographix India  Image Courtesy © Photographix India  Image Courtesy © Photographix India  Image Courtesy © Photographix India  Image Courtesy © Photographix India  Image Courtesy © Photographix India  Image Courtesy © Photographix India  Image Courtesy © Photographix India  Image Courtesy © Photographix India  Image Courtesy © Photographix India  Image Courtesy © Photographix India  Image Courtesy © Photographix India  Image Courtesy © Photographix India  Image Courtesy © Photographix India  Image Courtesy © Photographix India  Image Courtesy © Photographix India  Image Courtesy © Photographix India
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Categories: House, Residential |
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