Excerpt: The Stepped Cube House designed by Prashant Parmar Architect – Shayona Consultant features a harmonious arrangement of cubes with varying volumes. The design of the residence builds on its concept by stacking three floors to create a cuboid form. Solid volumes and natural steps are integrated, with each volume’s roof becoming the terrace garden for the next. The elevation creates a dramatic effect with its flat backdrop and protruding cubes.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] Located in the densely populated surroundings of the Paldi area in Ahmedabad, is this compact plot of 42’ x 62’. Exposed to the residential developments on the three sides and a road in the front, it would be needless to say that the design approach for the house had to create a sense of privacy and security.
The client’s reason for the selection of this plot was to stay connected with his local groups. The house appears as a set of cubes with varied volumes, arranged with a balanced play of solids and voids. The brief was to create a spacious home with four bedrooms, a drawing room, a dining area, a kitchen, and a formal living space connected to a garden.
The planning of the house is done based on the below factors:
– The sun path that moves from front – east to the rear side that tilts towards south
– Air flow from south to north
– Vaastu considerations
– Density of developments around the site and a large common wall on the north
– Extreme heat during summers
The planning of the elevation is the derivative of the concept of the Stepped Cube House. Articulated as a three storey home, the stacking of the floor plates defined the look of a cuboid which was thereafter integrated with solid volumes and natural steps. The solid top or roof of one volume transforms into the terrace garden for the next volume. The compound wall is pulled up to create a dramatic effect of a flat background from which cubes are protruding.
The south east corner of the site was the best angle considering the view for light and flow of air. Dividing the house in 9 sections as per Vaastu, the entrance to the house is marked from the north east that is shaded with a verandah. A cosy garden space with pergola, sit out and a water body provides a soothing vibe to the house. The Puja space is a double height area located in the north east corner. A skylight in the central Brahmasthan, allows natural light to seep in and illuminate the spaces across the floors.
Care has been taken that during summers when temperatures hit 45° – 47°, the building itself works as a shading structure, the open spaces are provided with requisite shade and a screen wall is provided on the south facing garden on the ground and second floors.
The central solid volume is a slightly raised level that creates shadow on the garden. This brings a play of light and shadow in the exteriors. What makes the built volume more beautiful is the play of textures, materials and the details one encounters with every step as he moves ahead to explore the house. The main door featuring the design of that of ‘veins of a leaf’, the verandah flooring in natural stone mosaic, and the Italian marble flooring inside, are just a few noticeable elements.
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