The 143 apartments designed by Plan Loci are rooted in rational design principles. The facade features strict geometric shapes that break monotony while maximizing floor space and concealing internal layouts. The curved gray metal exterior expresses an industrial aesthetic, contrasting yet harmonizing with the warm wooden-framed windows inside (BIM modeled), creating a sense of intimacy and homeliness for residents.
Balconies alternate between three distinct plane levels, offering partial shading and illumination to the west-facing interiors. Continuous windows and openings provide unobstructed views for each unit, balancing the building’s extreme verticality with horizontal lines as organizing elements.
The architecture is designed to draw attention from the street, while the interplay of light and shadow humanizes its scale. The exterior features steel-framed gray aluminum horizontal louvers (BIM designed), complemented by wooden doors and windows. The perforated metal facade serves as a protective layer, shielding the warm wooden interiors.
The main design challenge was the developer’s requirement to fit three spacious bedrooms into a compact plot, allowing flexible adjustments to meet diverse buyer needs. This flexibility is enabled by an indoor separation system between the kitchen and the third bedroom, letting owners customize the space according to their preferences.
Located on the community’s main road, the building’s west-facing exterior is exposed to sunlight throughout the day. Therefore, the design ensures privacy from traffic noise while allowing residents to enjoy the outdoor environment comfortably in good weather.
The gray aluminum horizontal louver facade acts as a unified solution, providing insulation from traffic noise and enhancing privacy. These louvers also serve as balcony handrails. The balconies feature sharp edges that fold upward from the ground to the roof, with a white color that visually recedes. Two separate louver systems combine as protective layers for each floor, continuing the folding and receding rhythm throughout the elevation.
Drawings
Project Information
Architect: Plan Loci
Location: New Delhi, Delhi, India
Category: Residential Buildings
Lead Architects: Vikas Gandhi, Gauri S. Gandhi
Building Area: 1,800 ft²
Project Year: 2015
Photographer: Saptarshi Sanyal
Manufacturers: Hunter Douglas, Jindal Steel, FunderMax, Saint Gobain – Glass
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