The Architectural Strategy:

Plan Organization: The house sits within a tall verdant compound, entered through a metal gate to the west, that is visually porous. The first tree you encounter, defines the entry court while the other defines the court to habit. A circumambulatory movement around the tree court, between the inside and the outside is established in the plan at both levels. Both the trees are separated by the raised entry plinth with a swing facing the entrance to the house.

The lower level comprises, an entry threshold, and the family living space as part of the staircase volume defining the vertical axis of the house.  The inner contiguous arrangement of formal living space, dining, and the kitchen to the east enjoy large openings and easy access to the central tree court.   This aids in multiple uses during family gatherings integrating the inner space with the outside.

The grandmothers bedroom is to the southwest with a step out deck and perch to see people pass by in the street.  The staircase is set within the main central volume. This scaled space is also the facilitator of north light, ventilation and provides a visual release into the delightful foliage of the neem tree from within.

The upper level comprises the landing as study space opening entirely to the north and allowing access to the two bedrooms, one to the west and the master bedroom to the east. Both bedrooms have access to terraces used for sleeping in the summer months as is the practice in this part of India. These terraces are connected by a bridge defining an ambulatory movement almost through and within the foliage of the central neem tree. 

Massing & Articulation:  A deft organization of mass on the south, with large openings to the north and controlled ones on the other three sides with metal awnings to keep out the rain, allows for views and air flows. This finds expression in how the main mass to the south and the north connect, making way for openings articulated for breeze, light and scale.

Materials and making:

Structure: A foundation system of shallow pile footings and grade beams helped preserve and protect the root structure of the trees and was also cost effective. This decision was integral to the planning in the early stage of the design.

Walls: Confining masonry walls of 230 mm thickness, using lime and surkhi
bricks with reinforced columns defines the primary system.    Pre - bagged lime and surkhi mortar with fenugreek, and molasses was used. Dolomitic lime plasters were used both inside and outside for resilience and thermal comfort. This decision avoided the use of any synthetic paints on walls except in metal.

Elements: Protective metal awnings were made from off the shelf TATA Shakti, .45mm corrugated galvanized sheeting mounted on a light metal frame, as a cost effective and resilient detail to keep out the rain and sun.

The doors and windows were assembled from a combination of fabricated M.S metal shutters using SHS 38mm and 6mm flats for slenderness while timber frames in contact with lime walls were made from repurposed Valsad teak sections.

General Finishes: The material vocabulary of this dwelling, with its shielding
white dolomitic lime walls, repurposed oiled polished wood in louvers, slender
metal and glass shutters, natural river washed brown Kota stone flooring, timber skirting and exposed form finished concrete ceilings; help in creating a cost-effective pallet and provides a restful and tranquil aesthetic. The house uses rainwater harvested from its roof as a source of drinking water.

Furniture: Inbuilt cabinetry was fabricated from waterproof ply and finished with teak veneer and linseed oil. Loose furniture was selected and purchased from online manufacturers to keep costs low.