India Art n Design inditerrain: Green Living

By FinchD

Photography: Vibhor Yadav; courtesy Renesa Architects

Read Time: 2 mins

"facade renesa architects indiaartndesign"

Renesa Architecture Studio spruces up a dilapidated structure to address the exigency of accommodating nature in living spaces.

As the name suggests, Casa Green Lattice strives to be recognised by the textured mesh of green planters that constitute the façade of the new design intervention. Eclipsed in the concrete jungle of New Delhi, the original structure was devoid of an architectural identity, which the refurbished version vouchsafed.

"elevation detail sketch renesa architects indiaartndesign"

Elevation details sketch

Sectional elevation sketch

Stacking Diagram

By retaining the structural components of the building, the design reduces the carbon footprint, while the green cover adds a visual reminder of the relationship between the city and the environment. Through a combination of pragmatic extrusions and scooped out volumes, the house is revamped to redeem the lack of light and ventilation as a result of the heavy mass of the concrete slabs. Furthermore, the realignment of the internal walls and spaces has resulted in a coherent circulation in the interiors. Subsequently, the slender skin formed, balances the solid mass of the concrete slabs.

"casa green lattice renesa architects indiaartndesign"

"interior passage renesa architects indiaartndesign"

"planter detail sketch renesa architects indiaartndesign"

Planter sectional details

Coupled with the side balcony, the latticework of eclectic, seasonal plants forms a double buffer, and alternately helps is creating cool, shaded spaces in summers; and warm, hospitable spaces in winters.

"old to new renesa architects indiaartndesign"

The transformation

The revival of the building is not restricted simply to the bourgeois remodelling of the facade or of the interiors, for that matter; but extends to revitalise the well-established code of designing villas. As seen in Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye, or Palladian Villas of the 16^th Century, the public and private spaces of the house have been spatially segregated along the section, with the basement accommodating the former; while the levels above cater to the latter.

"paisley wallpaper renesa architects indiaartndesign"

"dining room renesa architects indiaartndesign"

"classic accessories renesa architects indiaartndesign"

While the layout of the house, the arrangement of the fenestrations, and the green elements contribute towards creating a sustainable environment, the background of the client is taken into account while ornamenting the interiors. The upholstery, lighting fixtures, furniture, wall finishes and the curios on display thus manifest the native orientation of the client.