A      D e l i g h t f u l      F U S I O N

by

Divya Agrawal

"Home is where our story begins"

Isn't that true? Homes and beings are intertwined, each internalizing parts of the other. The spaces we inhabit silently affect us in a many ways - they impact our moods, sometimes also becoming an inspiration and an enabler. Captivating homes are scrapbooks of life journeys, a coming together of the material and the philosophical. 

Home design can be an exciting and dynamic challenge for both the designer and the client - a melting pot for beliefs, aspirations and ideas. Successful solutions become stories that inspire and ones that the inhabitants enjoy and can immerse themselves in..

We bring to you today one such example : the Wright Conversion in Durban, South Africa, an extension to an existing residence by Elmo Swart Architects.

Sited in a lovely forest-like setting overlooking the Kloof valley, the extension seems to infuse a wave of energy into the existing thatched cottage. 

The clients, a couple - both writers and entrepreneurs, have a love for African abstraction; something that has beautifully translated into this addition.

Cast in concrete and clad in metal, the new structure blends well with the old cottage. Thatched planes in this very modern design give a semblance of continuity with the existing structure. Walls and roof fuse to create an abstract tubular structure with through views of green surrounds.

Embracing a tree with a sprawling canopy, this abstract composition floats above ground, cleverly and inconspicuously making space for an essential - parking.

  

Housed inside are a bedroom, two studies, an art gallery and an entertainment area. I love the abstraction in interior planes. Walls become sculpture here.

The bedroom has an attached outdoor shower mounted on a wood slatted base - another exterior element that becomes a link with the existing.

A well balanced intersection of planes and seamless merging of the old and the new (above).

A contemporary and in-context creation that must make for a very inspired living!

 All images: Copyright  Elmo Swart Architects

Text & creative layout copyrights: On the Design Boat   

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 A r c h i t e c t u r e   " O u t   o f   t h e   B o x "

Text: Divya Agrawal

I love reading. To be honest, I used to spend hours with books as a young adult. Of late as a parent, my world has been populated with children's fiction, fairy tales and revisiting books that I read as a little child :)

A book that I treasure and still enjoy turning a few pages of is "A Whack on the Side of the Head" by  Roger von Oech. As we grow older, our thinking increasingly starts getting slotted in a matrix of rights and wrongs. Education systems reward and encourage young children who draw straight lines and color the sky blue. This book illustrates alternate ways of thinking, problem solving and whacks one's brain out of complacence!

Auroville, Pondicherry has been home to many experiments - in exploring alternate ways of living and creating; one could say treading on the path laid out in 'A Whack on the Side of the Head'. 

Out of the many experiments that have captured my interest over years, those related to architecture have had a profound impact. Today's feature celebrates Architect Andre Hababou's work in Auroville - work that leads one to look at forms, spaces and materials in a new and revolutionary way. This is a two part series, the following being a feature on the Master Architect, Roger Anger.

Prema's Residence, Auromodele, Auroville

My first introduction to Auromodele - a community of about 12 residences designed by Ar. Roger Anger and his school, was as a fresh architecture graduate. The residence pictured above "Prema's residence' designed by Roger Anger and Andre Hababou is a favorite. 

A work of Art that transcends known boundaries of form, seamlessly amalgamating indoor and outdoor spaces, this is an architectural gem, building innovation at its best. Sculpture or Architecture, or both?

Prema's Residence, Auromodele, Auroville     Images: Top & Bottom right: Divya Agrawal

Ferrocement is the magic behind these graceful, curving forms that look perfectly in harmony. The structure embraces its landscape and seems to rise from it. Deep overhangs and thick walls moderate indoor temperature, making for climatically appropriate design in a geography that witnesses sweltering summers.

Residence by Andre Hababou, Auromodele, Auroville

The roof curves and increases in volume to accommodate habitable space in the residence above - a masterly confluence of straight lines and curves.

New Creation School (top left), The Pavillion of Tibetan culture (top & bottom right), Surrender Community (bottom left)

Use of alternate materials and building techniques form the backbone of Andre's work. A sculptural aesthetic ties together the entire body of his work, irrespective of the form used.

Images: Top left & right : Divya Agrawal

Auromode, a space that houses Andre's studio and a garment production unit is a complex of fifteen buildings integrating principles of climate control, waste reuse and rainwater harvesting. 

With a portfolio of work that espouses constant experiment, Andre Hababou's architecture has had a thought shaping influence on me. 

It would be exciting to locate literature on construction techniques used in these works, particularly in Auromodele, where ferrocement has given shape to architecture that is very much 'out of the box'.

All images: Andre Hababou, unless stated otherwise
 

Text & creative layout copyrights: Onthedesignboat   

 

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S n i p p e t * 16       W i n d o w   t o   m y   W o r l d

Text: Divya Agrawal

Snippets have been OTDB's design filled treats to our readers. 

After a year of bringing 'snippety' design from around the world to you, we've decided to expand the scope to include visuals that let you a peak into our, Divya and Hina's world!

The first in this series :)

 

A circular fenestration offers many possibilities, especially when it is a 5 feet diameter! 

After toying with the idea of a stained glass panel, I designed this window to hold my collection of ceramics, created over many years, and, books.

One of my favorite look-outs in our abode and the one that inspires me to draw, paint, design and create more!

Image: Divya Agrawal

A   R e t r e a t   i n   t h e   W i l d e r n e s s

Text: Divya Agrawal

Architecture that embraces its surroundings and evolves from the site is naturally enticing. Sensitive architecture responds to context - man-made, environmental and geographic. Architects can add another element with design : artfully created spaces.

India is a vast country with numerous climatic zones and varied geography. We hence get to see some exciting examples of 'contextual architectural responses' in many forms and materials.

We bring to you one such project today: INGADI, a countryside retreat in South India - A wonderfully designed home that invites nature inside and hugs the landscape it rises from.

This is a complex of three houses with a pool and pavilion. The structures are oriented to enable views of a holy mountain.

The interiors are serene, designed in a combination of wood & mud like plaster finish.

Designed by Mancini Architects (Chennai, India) in collaboration with Govinda Luke Bowley, the complex features a number of landscape features like suspended and sunken gardens.

Artifacts add beauty to detailed, sparse interiors.

I particularly like the kitchen/ dining area where the architects seem to have designed around original stones on site, incorporating a water body.

Traditional construction techniques like thick walls and large overhangs make for cool interiors. Elements like inbuilt open shelves (with terracotta utensils) are reminiscent of traditional kitchens which were roomy and had plenty of open storage.

The interiors have a zen like quality while the outdoor is engulfed by natural elements.

A heart warming space to call home.

Bird songs to wake up to each morning. 

Fragrance of flowers and leaves.

Grass to walk barefoot on.

Enjoying being one with nature..

A few benefits that come along with a space like this.

Images courtsey:  Mancini Architects

Text & creative layout copyrights: Onthedesignboat   

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