Architecture
Irayos Spa
Location
Project
Completion
2019
Project Area
Timeline
1.5 Years
Project story
Client Brief
The area demarcated for the Spa is part of a 6 acres oasis created by the owner over a period of time. The site is located away from the resort rooms but falls in the midst of a fruit orchard.
The mandate included designing a separate Ladies and Gents section for Ayurvedic therapies. Apart from the massage rooms, the design was to cater for hydrotherapy treatments, sauna and steam rooms.
Constraints
The site consisted of approximately 50 full grown randomly located trees. The proximity of the site to an adjoining road brought concerns of visual privacy.
Concept
Inward facing courtyard planning was an inherent choice considering the privacy concerns. The Gents and Ladies sections were aptly segregated by dividing them into separate sections with their own courtyards.
Keeping the location of all the trees as constants, we derived our plan by weaving our building between the trees, where at times the trees become a part and soul of the building.
The project sits in a region of rich history and is still inhibited by the tribes famous for their ‘Warli’ art. Being a tribal belt, we still find their vernacular construction techniques, building materials and also their artwork very much intact. This for us was the most important criteria and the soul of the region, which we decided to explore in the modern context. The internal walls were constructed of ‘Karu’ regional name for Wattle and Daub construction (type of mud construction). The external walls were mud plastered and highlighted with ‘Warli’ artwork.
The use of local construction techniques on this scale provided employment opportunities for local tribes. The highlight of this exercise was especially to work with a skilled female workforce in such a marginalized society.
Our conscious attempt to use mud flooring and mud partition walls came with a set of its own advantages : First by providing thermal and tactile comforts, and Second ( and most importantly) providing the ladies with a recurring source of income for applying/re-laying mud layers every years.
The ‘Warli’ artwork on the walls also tell an interesting story of the origin of this oasis, the activities carried out and also the relevance of it to the surrounding lands.
House on the water
Location
Project
Completion
Project story
Client Brief
An accomplished retired couple had chosen to live away from the city and had been developing a large chunk of land while living on the premises. They had built room cluster over a period of time and ran a successful resort. Their present house being in proximity of common areas lacked privacy, hence a requirement to build a new house in a secluded portion of the property.
Constraints
The site chosen for the new house sat on a sloping site with a prevalent swale. This topography created a stream in the monsoon season for a period of 4 months. The site overlooked a beautiful valley below with the mountains looming high in the background.
Concept
The orientation of the house was strategically located to create a panoramic view of a famous fort. The swale facilitated us with a fantastic opportunity to create a multi level check dam. This would allow us to store the water collected from the stream and store it throughout the year. This concept enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the house and also served as a perennial source of water for irrigation for the surrounding landscape. We also proposed vegetation on the roof for thermal comfort and also camouflage the house in the beautiful surroundings.
The layout of the house is minimal by creating levels and avoided any need for partitions. The orientation of the house allowed maximum sunlight during all hours of the day. By screening with adjustable wooden louvers, we could easily control the intensity of sunlight from both sides.
The placement of water body on both levels also was planned so as to provide an additional level of security from accessing the house.
Supply Chain Shed
Location
Project
Completion
Project Area
Timeline
Project story
Client Brief
With immediate expansion plan and a new machine shipment already enroute, the client recognized an urgent need to relocate their existing supply chain area. Having an open plot of land with an obsolete gas bank area in the company premises, the Client gave us a mandate to Design and Build a shed with a strict timeline of 4 months and an extremely limited budget.
Constraints
Timeline and Budget were the most important parameters at the outset. With the monsoon fast approaching, it was vital to select the construction technique while also adhering to restriction of movement in the company premises.
Concept
The site dimensions after leaving adequate margins for fire tender and material circulation allowed a 24m X 24m square area for construction. Considering all the parameters and challenges, 12m (40 feet) length Used Shipping Containers were an ideal choice.
To create a seamless column free space inside, we decided to use Trussless Roofing System which spanned from container supports. The containers were duly strengthened to bear the dead loads and wind loads transferred by the roofing system. The inner sides of the containers were removed for seamless movement within, while some areas were transformed into office and toilet. The cut panels of the containers were reused on the gable ends which also features transparent sheets above to allow natural light and reduce power consumption during daytime.
This efficient use of Shipping Containers and Trussless Roofing System proved successful in delivering the project in the timeline of 4 months and a cost efficiency translating to a saving of approximately 30% than standard construction cost.
Twin House
Location
Pune
Project
Completion
Project Area
Timeline
2 Years
Project story
Client Brief
The second generation of a joint family approached us to design a house on two adjoining plots accessible by 2 internal roads on the opposite sides. The program of the house was to accommodate 2 independent units to house each brother’s family and their parents. Although independent they were to look as a Single House and also linked seamlessly for ease of movement. The parents could choose to live in either of the two units and yet freely move about. The design also had to abide Vastushastra principles.
Interesting Fact
The first house which the Clients previously resided in was designed by my father Vijay Panse.
Constraints
The plots were to be amalgamated to house a twin unit. The width of the plot was narrow and after setback we were restricted with only 9 meters. The entrances for both houses were flanked by roads on both sides.
Concept
Vastushastra principles were the most important driving force for planning the layout. We proposed a modern design with clean lines. Although the semi basement housed the parking lot, we conceptualised the unit to have a visual appeal of a traditional bungalow, rather than an apartment block. The side margins were raised for landscaping for easy access from common areas.
The lower floor was clad with stones, while the upper floor had a deep cantilevered Chhajja for weather protection. The living areas were designed to house large gatherings in which the corners could open into the garden for additional spill over spaces. Cross ventilation and ample light in all spaces including the staircases were important priorities for design.
Pockets of spaces were carved out of the volume to create terraces on the first floor. The bigger terrace was placed on the north side to avoid direct sunlight and was sheltered by pergolas.
The staircase connecting the ground floor to the mid landing level was designed create an interesting feature in the living room interior and also kept light weight to make it seem subtle.
Container House
Location
Project
Project Area
Completion
2015
Timeline
Project story
Client Brief
The Developer had conceived a 300 acres land to be divided in plots for urban farming. Each plot owner would have farms developed and maintained by the Develper. Each plot owner would have a weekend home with minimal footprint on the land to enable more space for farming. The Developer intended to build a show/sample house for demonstration.
Constraints
Most of the land topography was sloping hence we chose a site with the best view and also which was difficult to build on, therefore showcasing/ demonstrating the built environment in such setting.
Concept
The idea originated from creating a minimum footprint on the sloping topography. This decision ensured zero cutting and filling on site. We decided to use two 20 feet used shipping containers. The containers were staggered and positioned to enable fantastic views of the valley below from all the spaces.
The decision to use shipping containers allowed us off site work as well as fast construction.
The containers were insulated from the interiors and also positioned on site amongst dense teak plantation, thus being in shade of the trees throughout the day. The colour of the containers was also chosen to match the teak leaves. This completely camouflaged the building thus fulfilling our concept to merge seamless into the surroundings. The parts of containers cut for Windows and Sliding doors were reused to create base for Decks and Chhajja protection for Windows.
We had also envisaged on having planter trays on the roof of the containers to provide an additional layer of thermal insulation.
Agro-Tourism Resort
Location
Project
Completion
Project story
Client Brief
The Client owns 6 acres farmland near Solapur which is situated in a hot dry region. As farmers for many generations, The Clientʼs intent was to develop an Agro-Tourism Resort to promote knowledge of agriculture, the rural lifestyle and local cuisine experience to the city dwellers. The site’s proximity to a well-known bird sanctuary (Nanaj) would also attract a lot of tourists.
Constraints
The program of the resort was designed so as to have minimum hindrance and impact on the on-going farming activities. Being a part of a large premise, the accessibility between each cluster had to be well planned. The secluded location of the property also meant frequent electricity cuts, therefore increased dependency on Generators, which also meant higher operating cost.
Concept
Being located in a hot dry climate, the primary concern was to seek thermal comfort by natural mediums. The expanse of the location allowed us to spread the design program in multiple locations. The resort rooms were organised into clusters which sat amidst farmlands for privacy while also offering independent views for each unit. The proximity of the rooms to the adjoining farmland would also create a unique experience to the guests.
The form of the cluster was developed such that all the external walls were in shade. The shadows cast by the form of the roof would keep the adjacent areas shaded which would increase the time lag for heat penetration through external walls. The common walls between all 3 rooms were on 450 mm thick stone walls. The double roof with thatch roof on top would create sufficient insulation for the roof, thereby maintaining ambient temperatures in the room below.
An additional screen for fenestration on the external side would prevent glare and visual comfort from inside the rooms.
Thus while retaining the vernacular construction technique, we also developed the form of the building design to make a statement to attract visitors from various locations.
Being in an offbeat location, the most important challenge was to work with local construction agencies which lacked modern construction tools and equipment. Local contractors also meant cheaper construction cost which suited the Clients budget.
As Architects we had to find the balance to achieve our design forms while also working with such constraints. Therefore for ease in marking of curves of the walls and roof on site, we ingenuously used the Fibonacci spiral which only meant marking array of squares on site.
Bamboo Sale Office
Location
Project
Project Area
Completion
Timeline
Project story
Client Brief
Upon successful completion of the container house and with increasing flow of interested buyers, the Developer realized a need to have a temporary shelter which would serve as a lounge area for visitors as well as an on-site sales orientation area.
Constraints
The location was chosen for easy accessibility, proximity to the parking area and most importantly the building was to be positioned on top of an underground water tank which was overlooking a new artificial pond.
Concept
Being placed on top of the underground water tank meant that the structure had to be light weight. The size of the structure was restricted to 3.60 m. by 11 m.
Over the course of time and research, we realized that the location had thriving bamboo plantation and a bamboo species which was suitable for construction. We found local artisans who had prior experience in bamboo construction. This solved all our challenges of making a light weight, temporary and economical building solution.
We conceptualized the structure which had all elements in bamboo from floor to ceiling and laid thatched roof from locally sourced weeds.
The design acknowledged beautifully the vernacular context, the expectation of the project and also the subtle use of space.
Crown of Panshet
Location
Varghal, Panshet
Project
Completion
Project Area
Timeline
Project story
Client Brief
The Client owns a 10 acre plot of land, which he decided to subdivide. The brief was to originally select the best location and build a showcase house which would also multiply as his weekend home. The entire land is nestled on steep slope overlooking a huge back water of a dam.
Constraints
The access road to the chosen location was in a bad shape and building a new road would have incurred big initial investments. Hence bringing heavy material on site would have been a challenge. Also a steep slope to reach the site was a major hindrance for material movement. With the monsoon season fast approaching, the timeline for construction was crucial.
Concept
The type of construction techniques was the most crucial decision. The steep mountain slope which also faced the western site was the windward side and attracted torrential showers. This created multiple streams on site during the monsoon season.
We fundamentally decided to stilt the structure, thereby creating minimum intervention with the ground. Cutting and filling work on site would be disastrous in such terrain. The steel structure enabled us to achieve bigger spans and deeper overhangs for weather protection. To keep the structure light weight we decided dry walls for internal and external construction, which also enabled fast construction.
Upon completion of the project, the Client realized that the building perched gingerly at the top of the mountain. This lead to him naming the house as “Crown of Panshet”.
Brick House
Location
Hadshi, Paud
Project
Residential
Project Area
150 Sq.m
Completion
2015
Timeline
1 Year
Project story
Client Brief
The client had purchased a plot of land which was sanctioned as a plinth layout. This plot had gradual slope overlooking a beautiful lake. The Clients aspired to have a cosy weekend home which they could also let out to weekend vacationers.
Constraints
The local byelaws allowed a plinth size of 8m x 12m with a single storey.
Concept
The plot being gently sloping was obstructed by dense undergrowth of vegetation adjoining the lake, thus restricting views on the lower areas of the plot.
The plinth was divided into two parts and elevated by 600mm, towards the lower side of the slope. This enabled better view of the lake from the bedroom.
When we started excavation, our initial assumption and decision to choose load bearing structure went berserk for the need of deeper foundation which would lead to escalation in cost of the project. We therefore chose RCC framed structure and used exposed brickwork as in fill material. Wire cut bricks were sourced locally.
Apart of aesthetics, rat trap brick bond allowed us not only thermal insulation, but also a good advantage to conceal all electrical and plumbing conduits.
The concept of this house design was minimalism in space utilization, the materials used and most importantly the budget.
All the four corners of the house were framed by vertical bamboos and skylights to allow maximum light and ventilation. The idea was to experience the outdoors while staying indoors!
Laterite House
Location
Project
Residential
Project Area
150 Sq.m
Completion
2014
Timeline
1 Year
Project story
Client Brief
The Client couple being accomplished Doctors lead an extremely busy lifestyle in the city. They desired to have a quaint weekend home which would remind them of traditional houses from the western part of Maharashtra (Konkan region)
Constraints
The site is surrounded by distant mountains offering a 360 degree view. The building regulations allowed a plinth area of only 150 sq.m.
Concept
Capturing the vernacular essence of the traditional Konkan houses was our primary objective. The proximity and the accessibility of the site to the western belt of Maharashtra lead to our selection of ‘Laterite Stone’ as the primary construction material which is easily available. We consciously decided to explore the full potential and beautiful properties of the stone. Having travelled and researched the stone quarries from the north to south of the Konkan belt, we narrowed down on the quarry which satisfied the colour, the texture, the price and the most importantly the transportation cost.
Load bearing construction technique was chosen to stay true to the vernacular roots, but modern-ness was seamlessly integrated with room dimensions. 230mm thick stone load bearing wall offered a span of 4m x 5.5m. We further used the stone for arches, flooring and seating.
The terrace covered by a sloping roof was designed to offer the 360 degree mountain views with seating on all sides, this space offers excellent infrastructure for large gatherings.
The stone construction provides good thermal insulation. The peculiarity with laterite stone is that it hardens as it ages and also changes colour over a long period of time. These features suited beautifully for the concept and purpose of this House.
Highmont Sales Office
Project
Sales Office
Completion
Project story
Client Brief
The Client is developing a 500 unit housing project, which required an independent sales office on site. The existing office was a part of a Clubhouse, which had to be moved to accommodate an upcoming gymnasium.
Constraints
The site chosen for the new sales office was the only conveniently accessible location. The shape of the site imposed limited design opportunities. Since the sales office was required until the completion of construction of the housing project, the type of construction was to be of temporary nature and also cost efficient.
Concept
40 feet used shipping containers were chosen for convenience of modularity, temporary nature and cost efficiency. The program design housed the Sales office on the ground floor and A Show Apartment on the First floor. The sizes of the containers were a perfect size fit for the plot.
The containers on both levels were spaced apart to create common areas and enable cross ventilation. The containers housed all the cabins, conference and waiting areas.
The show apartment of the housing project fit snugly on the first floor.
Row Houses
Location
Project
Residential
Project Area
1500 Sq.m
Completion
Timeline
2 Year
Kasturkunj
Location
Project
Project Area
Completion
Timeline
N/A
ClubHigh Cafe
Location
Project
Completion
Proposal
Project story
Client Brief
A roof top cafeteria on the existing Clubhouse came as an additional requirement to cater to a sporting complex which is an integral part of a 500 unit housing project.
Constraints
The terrace level of the Clubhouse was not structurally designed to cater to another level. The cafeteria roof had to be light weight, while it was essential to cover from the natural elements.
Concept
The flexibility offered by bamboo construction while also being light weight was the apt material choice for the Cafeteria roof design.
The shape of the structure was inspired from the logo of the Housing project. Ideally located at the top most contour of the site, the roof top cafeteria structure would be the focal point of the entire project. We decided to backlight the ends of the structure to illuminate the logo at night. The design intends to merge seamlessly with the existing design of the Clubhouse.
Primcoat PVD Coating Pvt Ltd
Location
Pune
Project
Completion
Project Area
1600 Sq.m
Timeline
3 Months
Aichelin Unitherm Pvt Ltd
Location
Pune
Project
Completion
Project Area
Timeline
Reichhold India Pvt Ltd
(Vijay Panse & Associates)
Location
Pune
Project
Completion
2009
Project Area
Timeline
Zuari Rotem Pvt Ltd
(Vijay Panse & Associates)
Location
Project
Completion
2010
Project Area
Timeline