ECO-FRIENDLY EDIFICE

Project: House Under Shadows, Karnal, Haryana; Architects: Zero Energy Design Lab The project designed by Zero Energy Design Lab is an integrated double-family residence that exhibits a nature-inspired, near-net-zero design that reformulates the idea of ‘India-Modern’ and enables sustainable living.

The project is a 1672sq m residence nestled below the sweeping shadows of the day. The client’s brief called for an expansive two-unit residence for two brothers and their families that characterizes sustainable living in the lap of nature and be openly guided by design to find the rhythm of movement and activities within the house. In response to this, the house fuses two single-floor units through a common façade and a seamless double roof that creates a sense of visual cohesion through its horizontal emphasis. The architect had a zero-energy approach towards the vision and the design was inspired by the proximity and architectural elements of a palatial hotel in Karnal – Noor Mahal’s chowk and chhatris which are elements derived from the traditional Indian havelis. This in relation to the extreme weather of North India that has led to the integrated design of the south-facing double-residence.

1. DRAWING & DINING

2. KITCHEN & UTILITY

3. BAR

4. FORMAL LIVING ROOM

5. POWDER ROOM

6. MASTER’S BEDROOM

7. KID’S BEDROOM

8. TOILET & DRESSER

9. SERVANT’S QUARTER

10. POOL

1 Placing the two units on site with greens on the periphery and entrance int he middle

2 Puncturing the courtyard in between with a pool to act as a heat sink and cantilevers on all sides to shade vertical walls

3 Addition of 2 bedroom units on terrace with a multi-purpose hall for enjoying the view of the terrace

4 Addition of the double voronoi roof which protects the spaces below from direct radiations and keeps the roof cooler while casting shadows