The project was conceived on a compact, longitudinal site measuring 24 feet (7.3m) in frontage along the road and extending 44 feet (13.4m) in length. The primary objective was to maximize the number of rooms within the given constraints while ensuring a functional and aesthetically pleasing design. The client requested a flat slab structure to allow for the addition of a future first floor as needed.
Planning-
To optimize space utilization, we designed two studio apartments, each comprising a bedroom, an attached bathroom, and a living room with an integrated kitchen. Large windows were strategically incorporated to enhance natural lighting, an essential aspect of living in a cold climate. Recognizing the importance of sunlight in daily life, a south-facing common covered verandah was included to allow guests to enjoy ample sunlight throughout the day.
Form and materials-
The transition from the living area to the bedroom provided an opportunity to introduce an archway, which was clad in stone to infuse a vernacular essence of Bir. This curved stone-clad element was extended to the facade, adding a distinctive architectural touch to an otherwise simple ground-floor elevation.
Interiors-
The interiors were designed to be both cost-effective and thoughtfully detailed. The flooring was crafted in marble with yellow stone inlay, lending a warm and elegant character to the space. Locally sourced pine wood was used for all furniture, reinforcing a connection to the region’s natural resources. A particularly special design element was the handcrafted pine needle lamps, created in collaboration with the women of a rural organization in Sidhbari near Dharamsala, adding both cultural significance and sustainability to the project.
Himachal Pradesh
1 year
