NR HOUSE

THE NR HOUSE located in an established region of Hyderabad city, jubilee hills neighbourhood. The principle objectives of the project is to minimise the impact on environment through green practices. Many of the design decisions, such as glazing quantity and placement, were determined by this commitment, requiring continual consultation with the MEP and HVAC engineers to remain in compliance. In conjunction to these the project houses uncompromised luxury elements from interior artefacts, to colour tones provided that emphasise every zone in its own contexts.The green strategies aims for maximum utilisation and conservation of natural resources whereas the design strategies targets on the architectural elements.The superstructure was built on existing geological levels retaining natural contour thus creating multiple raised levels and mezzanine floor resulting in an split level design allowing the structure to sit in the landscape and become an integrated part of its site.Sustainability is seamless throughout the project.Passive ventilation and thermal insulation, concealed solar panels on roof, percolation pit under landscape water feature, entire site treatment with landscaping and vegetation to avoid erosion,re-usage and retaining of existing site elements and thermal massing are all integrated, yet remain unseen.South walls which receive most radiation were engineered with thermal efficient porotherm bricks on the external and concealed with regular brick masonry in the internal side leaving a air cavity in between the layers.The two built-in layers of wall function as a filter to eliminate the adverse aspects of the external environment.As one of the aspects of sustainability various natural and man made elements were reused. This called for the integration of existing boulders into landscape feature elements and interior elements as steps that leaves the impression of nature complementing the architecture by peeking into the house. Along with these a vintage model scooter was refitted and restored to use as a decorative artefact in the basement bar lounge. These focused effort in sculpting this project speaks silently in its completed form and its features echoing throughout the house leaving the user with a lasting impression.

Taking into the consideration of current lifestyle which is trending to be more informal, this shift in informality has been flawlessly justified in the design by flanking indoor living spaces with tranquil outdoor regions. This was achieved throughout the house by providing possible architectural and design elements with respect to the context of each space.Various layers of glass sliders “curtain walls” and bay windows create further protection for the private rooms of the house. They convert open into closed spaces and play with the indoor-outdoor dynamic of tropical architecture. At parts in the upper levels the indoor spaces were provided with adjacent decks, patios, roof top vegetation and green balconies to eliminate the necessity for one in reaching lower levels for outdoor environment.

The line of plan form clearly symbolises the path of a line segment with a specific start and a particular end with no visible barriers and the access to the upper levels was juxtaposed at the end of this circulation path with a elemental staircase in metal structure with a play of wooden and metal risers which been staggered from its central axis in upper floors resulting in grandeur opening to the upper levels. To this path the external informal zones are branched to create a fluid like relationship between the outdoor and indoor activities creating more open plan form and maximising the view of the internal spaces.This junction of living spaces opens to the swimming pool and deck area, unifying these two space a concrete roof was moulded extending from interior to exterior. For the interiors,the vision was to create a dwelling space keeping three concepts in mind elegance, sophistication and grandiose feel. In conjunction to these the project houses uncompromised luxury elements from interior artefacts, to colour tones provided emphasise every zone in its own contexts.

A blend of mid-modern century and contemporary styles with rustic touch up at parts to emphasise feature elements or backgrounds of a space, with these as visible elements, a warm colour palette of was maintained throughout the house that adds value thus enabling to weave the spaces together to bring out the seamless nature of the interiors.The formal living for the house was treated with combination of wood and glass intertwined with double height scale of the entrance and projected canopies in order to regulate views and exposure, augment the interiors of the space with respect to the warmth of the sunlight throughout the day. The central part of the house where all the living spaces come together was enhanced with thin metal structured elemental staircase which has been treated with black paint to give the metal stairs its thin structure a heavy feel simultaneously compliments and highlight the warm tone of wooden elements.The bar area in the basement was treated with interesting colour scheme that sets the bar space apart from the rest of the house, Keeping everything colour coordinated, the quaint bar bears a timeless finish.A 20 year old scooter has been restored to new to use as an artefact for bar area and the ceiling is designed with the concept of water ripples.

Facade of the project was treated with combination of wood and glass combined with double height scale of the entrance and projected canopies in order to regulate views and exposure, augment or reduce air flows, as well as to increase privacy and security. The grandness of the entrance, play of volumes at levels accentuates light, spatial interaction and experience of the built environment.The openly collaborative approach of Architect, Interior Designer and the early involvement of the extended consultant team resulted in an unprecedented level of refined detail, care and consideration. The result is an uncompromised and enduring family home.

Site Area - 1068.385 sq.m.
Built Area - 838.26 sq.m.
South walls were engineered with thermal efficient hollow(porothem) bricks on the external and concealed with regular brick masonry in the internal side leaving a air cavity in between the layers.The two built-in layers of wall function as a filter to eliminate the adverse aspects of the external environment. High SRI materials were used to increase thermal comfort level in the superstructure.Passive ventilation and thermal insulation, concealed solar panels on roof, percolation pit under landscape water feature, entire site treatment with landscaping and vegetation to avoid erosion,re-usage and retaining of existing site elements and thermal massing are all integrated.