Sumit Gupta, Khandala
A steep slope contoured land in the mountains of KHANDALA where the clouds envelope the
house and play hide and seek with the surrounding green trees and colorful flowers. The magical
experience of being one with nature and something that is functional and strong due to the
weather. We decided to use steel as the main structural material to make the beams columns and
slabs. Steel reduced or toxic cement requirement on site keeping it as environment friendly as
possible. Also zero concrete made the structure sustainable to a larger extend. Due to steel,
the spam could be large as well as the structure was visually light with large unobstructed openings.
With this kind of context from the client the major concern was the selection of material keeping
in the mind the topography, climatic condition as well as a structure which would visually merge
with the surrounding creating minimal transitional barriers between the inside and outside of the
built form. The design has open terrace at different levels to keep the house connected at every floor.
The central open court creates a space to enjoy the rains of Khandala closely instead of being
confined to a house with a large columns, walls and small windows. Due to cross ventilation the
use of artificial source of electricity like AC and lights is also reduced. Steel was easy to
transport, faster to construct on the steep slope. A perfect form steel created to merge in nature.
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PAHADON KI PAKAL (EYELID OF THE MOUNTAINS)
Almost making the structure invisible during the twilight and clouds travel around to do the same
in the rains. The house is a 'C' shape opening on to the valley where sunset is a great and the
orange sky chasing is colors reflects into the house indoors.