Paranjape House,
Pune

Tucked away behind an old structure, the Paranjape House is nothing short of a surprise when one enters from the side margin of the bungalow in front. This AESA award winning structure is the perfect representation of vernacular architecture in a modern form. The entrance is through a courtyard which is also the focal point of the house. It is a multipurpose space which is reminiscent of a traditional feature of Indian houses.

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The arcade around the courtyard gives cover to the passage behind where the entrances to the rooms are hidden. The skyline at the entrance of the dome goes on gradually increasing in the centre and decreases as one goes to the other side. This does not allow the structure to overpower the person visiting.

 

The open verandahs extending into the courtyard are informal spaces. The dining area has an extended patio. The dining and the kitchen are one large space, joined by a big arch in between. The upper and lower floor bedrooms face the windward side. The layout of this structure has been done keeping the shape of the plot behind in mind.

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The construction technology used is a load bearing construction with vernacular techniques of brick arches, vaults and domes which minimize the RCC element. This element is costly and not sustainable, so making sure that it wasn’t used as much was a conscious choice. Needless to say, the brick arches, vaults, domes, give the house a unique character.