Phadnis House,
Pune

Creating a cool and comfortable place in the middle of the bustling city was the aim of this project. A few standout features of this structure include the central courtyard opening up straight to the roof. This courtyard is an interactive space and is bathed in ample sunlight throughout the day. This straight link up to the roof from the courtyard is what mimics a solar chimney.

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Another feature that you can even gauge from outside are the brick jaalis and buffer areas which avoid direct heat from entering the living spaces such as the bedrooms that face the West. These buffer zones that are shadowed by the jaalis also allow ventilation and keep the living spaces comparatively cooler. Using furniture to divide the spaces instead of walls lends the structure a sense of openness.

 

The house also boasts a home theatre, a home office and a multipurpose hall/performance area as per the client's needs. The entire space has been designed, with its multiple bedrooms, a dining, a patio, and a pooja space, keeping vastu in mind. Another interesting feature is seen in the balconies, where the trees have been retained as they are by building a structure around them.

The stone flooring keeps the house cool whereas the woodwork and exposed brick give a certain warmth and a homely feeling. Phadnis house has many interactive seating areas peppered through the structure creating a feeling of comfort without it being overbearing.