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Prairie House

The house is largely depicting a fusion of the client’s lifestyle requirements shaped through the design ideology. The clients are a family consisting of three generations (a couple, their parents and two children) with a simple brief of wanting to be on the same level so that they would be around the young kids and have spaces to entertain their guests additionally. This meant to have distinct spaces for each generation and yet, integrating them on the same level inside, as well as with the outdoor spaces.  Here, we re-interpret the perception of courtyards, basements and shelter. The idea of shelter has been translated as large overhang, trying to complement and extend to the shelter of the existing trees on site.

photo_credit Purnesh Dev Nikhanj
Purnesh Dev Nikhanj

The conceptual start was to represent each space as an individual volume and each volume distinctly. The design outcome is a play of three distinct blocks, each with an inside out representation of function through materials namely stone and brick. There are two courtyards, one at the basement level and other at ground.

photo_credit Purnesh Dev Nikhanj
Purnesh Dev Nikhanj

Spatially, the functions are organized as formal and informal spaces on the ground. At the entrance, first focal point is a strategically placed water body extending out over a sunken courtyard. It screens the rear informal spaces as well as brings reflections of light into the entrance space. The common spaces are in one bay and bedrooms in another. Each bedroom has access to an open space – parent’s room has the front yard, kid’s room has the second courtyard, and master bedroom has the backyard. There is straight flight staircase in the central space that highlights the linearity of the circulation space.

photo_credit Purnesh Dev Nikhanj
Purnesh Dev Nikhanj

A sunken courtyard is placed in the basement, designed for access to light, air as well as outdoor greens making the gym, home theatre, pool table (recreation) and small living space more breathable.  A connection through the extended steps gives access to the ground floor outdoor spaces and makes a continuous space for hosting get-togethers and events.

photo_credit Purnesh Dev Nikhanj
Purnesh Dev Nikhanj

The first floor has a room which can be used by kids in the future and a guest room. The second floor houses the servant’s quarter at the rear and considering the site is a corner plot, they have an independent entry on the ground floor from the side with access from the rear. Living spaces have been provided on the first floor as well that open onto a terrace with the overhang. This overhang covers all the terraces as a unifying element.

photo_credit Purnesh Dev Nikhanj
Purnesh Dev Nikhanj

The result is intersecting volumes that have been humbled into the earth and wrapped in brick and stone for both an earthy and contemporary vibe, with a shelter in wood floating above that brings out the warmth of an abode.

 

Material Used:
1. Facade cladding: 1.5” Thick Brick, Locally Manufactured
Black Indian Stone, Triveni Marble
Thermo-Ash Wood, Lunawood
2. Flooring: Tile, Emcer Tiles
3. Doors: Veneer Flush Doors
4. Windows: Aluminum Joinery, Alcoi 
5. Roofing: Interior - P.O.P on R.C.C Slab
Exterior – Thermopine Wood cladding on Metal Roof, Lunawood
6. Interior lighting: Fixtures by XAL
7. Interior furniture: Innovative Komforts

Prairie House By Arch Lab

Prairie House by Arch Lab is located in Chandigarh. This home is meant to have distinct spaces for each generation in the family and yet, integrate them on the same level inside, as well as with the outdoor spaces.

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