Kandarp A House of Interaction

Project Country: India

Architect: Aangan Architects

Brickwork Contractor: Jay Jalaram Brick Works

House of Interaction is a residence for a Public figure of the city where three generations of the family co-exisit. The brief called for having such spatial arrangements that they encourage not only horizontal, but also vertical interaction; discouraging isolation and yet retaining privacy. This fundamental need of the client called for a ‘Sectional Play’ and creation of volumes that revolve around the idea of developing this house as a ‘House of Interaction’. The idea of Interaction is not limited to creating interacting opportunities for three generations to reside, but extends to creating interactive interfaces between the inside and the outside, developing interactive elements that address the purpose of sustainability, aesthetics, indentity and functionality in truest of its spirit.

The house on a plot of 4600 Sq.Ft. is strategically split in two; where two identical bricked masses are connected with an interactive and porous “connector” block; thus creating two masses along its length. The connector block is adjoined with two court spaces on either sides and the identical blocks are adjoined with gardens; thus extending experience of the inside to the landscape outside. Located on a busy city road, the plot is blessed with a magni􀀁cent view of large open space. This dichotomy of creating a buffer from noise and at the same time allowing the view is instrumental in design of west facade with inclined fins and deep seated habitable areas.

The use of two very distinct materials of brick and travertine stone enhances the dichotomy that the house represents. Where the house calls for interactive volumes inside, the brick does talking on the outside. Rhythmic arrangement of bricks on the southern facade intends to bring down the indoor temperature through mutual shading. The arrangements create a drama of light and shadow on the facades with the sun striking on it. Brick bats of varies sizes were derived to achieve the rhythm on the facade. The brick facade being the southern ones are faced with harsh sun during day time; the substantial use of the brick pattern helps to achieve lower temperature inside due to thermal insulating property of the brick.

The house has a series of in-between spaces rendering an innate quality to the design of the house, keeping the interior spaces private and allows for interaction with the visitors. The courts, verandah, garden and the stilts- all acting in sync for the purpose and to offer the most needed breakout spaces, visiual as well as physical. The clutter free interior design, climate responsive facades and openings allows a lot of natural light to make one feel fresh.