36-acre self-contained housing project developed for cement plant employees

Taking cues from the organic housing layouts of old Indian cities & villages, this housing project by Sanjay Puri Architects has an informal layout. Part of a masterplan of a 36-acre, self-sufficient housing project being developed for the personnel of a cement plant, this project is located 3 km from the closest small city amidst open land all around, with no other development in the vicinity.

BACHELOR HOSTEL
Photo credit: MR.DINESH MEHTAs

A large, open landscaped park punctuates the overall masterplan with studio apartments, smaller & larger apartments, a school, and a club along the perimeter of the site. Within an area of 6 acres (24281sq.m.), a mid-rise building housing 72 studio apartments, 48 nos. of 2-bedroom apartments, and 48 nos. of 3 bedroom apartments are planned in an organic layout. Each building is designed with sheltered open courtyards, naturally ventilated circulation spaces, and garden spaces between them.

STUDIOS
Photo credit: MR.DINESH MEHTA

INTERNAL COURTYARDS
Photo credit: MR.DINESH MEHTA

GYMNASIUM
Photo credit: MR.DINESH MEHTA

All of the apartments are designed with recessed windows, sheltered balconies, and cross ventilation to mitigate heat gain in response to the hot climate of the location, where temperatures remain in excess of 35°C for 8 months annually.

BACHELOR HOSTEL
Photo credit: MR.DINESH MEHTA

VIEW FROM THE BUIDLING BALCONY
Photo credit: MR.DINESH MEHTA

Color plays an important role in the project, with different color combinations used to identify the different building typologies within the housing. Vibrant colors are an integral part of traditional festivals, clothing, ornaments, housing, and food in India. This project is located 3km away from a very small city, and 90 km away from the closest large city. To invoke a sense of vibrancy as a response to its isolation, and to simultaneously imbibe traditional Indian culture, colorful hues accentuate the buildings and their circulation spaces.

VIEW FROM LANDSCAPE
Photo credit: MR.DINESH MEHTA

About Sanjay Puri Architects

Sanjay Puri Architects are listed in the Top 100 Architects worldwide by Archdaily. Additionally. Architizer includes Sanjay Puri Architects in their list of the Top 136 Design Firms worldwide. The firm also tops the list of WA Community award winners across the world. With 200 international and more than 100 national awards, the firm has won architectural projects in Australia, Spain, Montenegro, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman, and Dallas, in addition to projects in 40 Indian cities. With a diverse portfolio of townships, schools, hotels, retail, and office buildings, the firm continues on its quest to create innovative design solutions that are sustainable on a large scale.