Global Vernacular!

By Rutvi Ashar

Photography: Courtesy Penda

Read Time: 1 min 

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International design firm, Penda, known for their cross-cultural nuances are landscaping a residential society in Hyderabad - their inspiration: Indian step wells and water mazes!

Overlaying positives of historical, urban scale and communal landscapes, Penda’s   landscape design for real estate firm, Pooja Crafted Homes finds resonance in the simply derived function of step wells and the soft landscape elements of water mazes, where shrubs, herbs, flowering plants and built-in benches lend the amenity space a brand new vista.

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“It is very rare to find an architectural typology, where function and beauty are so intertwined and a harmony of human needs and environmental impact is so in balance,” opines Team Panda.  This philosophy is simply applied here by creating steps and filling them with planters – both, flowering and non-flowering that run along the entire expanse, allowing smaller private zones that lead into larger, more public areas.

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Intriguing the user, the landscape design comprises a layered approach created in concentricity. Based on the water-maze model, the 8000 sq. m. landscape zone is divided based on the varying movement-speed of individuals. This is a runner’s paradise as there is a straight track dedicated for the purpose that also acts as an emergency path. Secondly, those who wish to briefly enjoy the atmosphere are welcome to choose the narrow, faster-to-navigate walking lane and then there is a trail for those, who like the tranquillity and slower pace.

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A vernacular approach leading to an extremely global design looks promising as a top up to the other amenities of the gated community, making one wonder how much time will actually be spent within the confines of 4 walls!