Luxury with a green soul

By Marina Correa

Photography: Saurabh Sibal & DFI; courtesy the architects

Read Time: 2 mins

TCS Architects-Anand Sharma, Anoj Tevatia & Goonmeet Chauhan

TCS Architects, sibling design studio of Design Forum International, designs and builds two multi-residence buildings in Delhi, both intended to reflect luxury with a green soul…

“With a decreasing green cover in urban areas, craving for a green view and a connection to nature has become more intense, both for visual reasons as well as to create sufficient biomass to produce oxygen,” say Goonmeet Singh Chauhan and Anoj Tevatia, principal architects speaking of the design of their two recent projects – in Vasant Vihar and Greater Kailash, New Delhi.  Retaining trees and shrubs on site, introducing planter balconies, terrace gardens and integrating existing trees into the overall spatial planning are solutions that they have diligently incorporated into both projects.

 

.

The project in Greater Kailash has nature integrated right from the stilt level of parking, where a tiny green lawn facilitates not only recharging of the ground water table, but also becomes a breathing zone; further, fitted with outdoor seating, the area is thoughtfully converted into a communal space.

 

.

.

Setting a benchmark is this wheelchair-friendly building, where a step-free entrance is carved out whilst broad doorways ensure internal wheelchair-accessibility. Green building features such as high performance double-glazed glass, use of dust-proof and sound-proof windows, 5-star rated air conditioning, exposed plumbing, water management, solar geysers etc., help conserve energy. Local materials such as exposed brick, contextually-appropriate Dholpur stone and a strong emphasis on natural light and cross ventilation anchors the project in sustainability.

 

.

In the Vasant Vihar project, the façade is an amalgamation of the modern and classical, where jaali is juxtaposed against stone panels – thereby softening the solidarity of form with detailing. The entry points proudly feature stone lanterns, serving as glorious sculptures during the day and diffused light by night.

 

.

.

Warmth of wood unifies the interiors viz. wall paneling and suspended ceiling panels, whilst mostly concealed and muted lighting creates a soothing ambience. Indoor lighting plays a supporting role to the natural infusion of light pouring in from floor-to-ceiling glazing.

 

.

.

.

The romance with nature continues unabated right into the master en-suite washroom, where the balcony abutting the toilet is designed as a tree pit, a tropical experience right into the washrooms. The interplay of vibrant greenery and polished Italian marble marries the urban aesthetics with eco-sensitivity.  

With nature at the core of both projects, the thoughtful design contributes to integrating all the luxuries of urban living without compromising on life's essentials.