Mirror Image

Ezine Special

By Savitha Hira

Photography: courtesy Jaisim Fountainhead

“Sincerity to the space with content and context,” says Ar. Jaisim, “is an underlying principle that empowers all my work.”

Sheer simplicity with an approach that clarifies the basics to obtain the nectar, where the client is listened to, the site respected and the materials talked to, then pave way for yet another piece of music in stone, as the maestro views each of his work with self-indulgent pride. He does not delineate the interiors from the structural make up of the building. Instead, the contextual is so strong, the form fluidly unfolds and the project becomes one in perception.

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We profile here an ongoing project – a residence for a young family of 2+2 on the hilly slopes of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. A little less than 4’, gradually sloping from one end to another, the architecture simulates the topographical detail, synthesizing a silhouette that ushers in ample daylight and fresh air, framing the surrounding views like picture windows.

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The house itself shows an apparently strict geometric exterior towards the road. As one moves inward, the shift is apparent as the structure becomes fluid. The spaces dance with freedom. At the very centre of the home is a confluence of the panchabhutas: a court, the water body encircling the earth below ground level, from which rises the temple tree spreading upward and outward, basking in the sunshine (fire) from the void above, open to the skies (air) and beyond.

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Designed to withstand the heat and high speed winds characteristic of the area, varying ceiling heights, insulated roofs, orientation of openings are some of the techniques employed along with a combination of interior and exterior water bodies in cyclic harmony ensuring passive cooling.

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It is a project where the interiors cannot be separated from the architectural aspect. With materials like a variety of stones, clay blocks, country brick, solid blocks, some procured locally, spaces are chiselled with a play of solids and voids, holistically complemented by naturally driven chiaroscuro elements as the structure incessantly flirts with sunlight.

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Closely interpreted, the architect tends to metaphorically, subtly, emulate a parallel between living (human life) and non-living (brick n mortar) as he stands detached, yet wholly absorbed.

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Garner more insights from Ar. K.R. Jaisim on:

Academics

Process

Thought & Impact

Lifescale