Excerpt: One Ground Home by Shanmugam Associates, as the name suggests, is a South-West corner one-ground plot designed for an enterprising doctor couple. The design prioritizes privacy, natural light, ventilation, greenery, openness, and Vaastu elements. The residence features double-height volumes stacked like Jenga blocks, leading to the terrace, with public areas planned on the ground floor and private spaces above.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] One Ground Home, as the name suggests is a South-West corner one ground plot designed for an enterprising doctor couple. Homes always reflect the owner’s personality and ‘1-Ground Home’ was no different. The different characteristics of the individuals living in this residence have influenced the design – a passion for wildlife photography, an acute sense for horticulture, budding love for the piano and penchant for hand sketching. Privacy, natural lighting, ventilation, green and openness in planning and a dab of Vaastu were also part of the client’s brief.
A secondary skin for the western façade acts as a brise soleil and has been planned for taking the harsh western midday sun rays into account. To achieve this, the western façade design incorporates jaali and grills that not only provide security but also support the growth of creepers, adding a natural green layer to the facade.
A small Koi pond with a Buddha welcomes one at the foyer, as we enter the home. The visuals lead vertically to the double height volumes, that are like diagonally stacked Jenga blocks, all the way to the terrace level. At the ground floor are the public and semi- public spaces such as the foyer, living, dining/ kitchen and grandparent’s bedroom. The rest of the private spaces such as family room, bedrooms, media, and lounge are accommodated in the first and second floors. The terrace has a lush green pocket abutting the skylight and vertical circulation core.
An intriguing feature of the house is its sectional design, which fosters interaction among the different levels effortlessly. The centrepiece of the home is a tapered skylight situated at the heart of the central atrium. The skylight channels natural light throughout the various levels, creating a bright and airy atmosphere within the home.
One Ground Home is characterized by its use of earthy materials and textures, creating a warm and inviting ambience. Regionally sourced natural Indian stone and material, that have inherent qualities of durability, sustainability, pocket friendly and low maintenance, have been used extensively in the façade, flooring and walls. Terracotta jaalis, Jaisalmer stone flooring, granite cladding, exposed brickwork, lime plaster walls, exposed concrete ceilings, and Kota stone flooring are all combined seamlessly within the built form.
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