Surface Design Awards – Complete

• HOUSING - EXTERIOR
  Buildings such as houses, flats and apartments that are used for sheltering people. These could be either part of the private or public sector and could be individual dwellings or multi-dwelling developments. Social rented, affordable rented and intermediate housing, provided to specified eligible households whose needs are not met by the market are included.
• LIGHT + SURFACE - EXTERIOR 
  The innovative use of light and the way it is inextricably linked to surfaces, whether it’s the effect the light has on the surrounding surfaces or the materials used to create the light. 

Located prominently on MG Road, the bustling heart of Bangalore, stands an old villa that has undergone a profound architectural transformation. Driven by the client's specific requirements for spatial reconfiguration, adherence to Vastu principles, accommodating the evolving needs of the family, and a visionary reimagining of the façade, this project represents a dynamic convergence of heritage and modernity.
The design team seized this opportunity to not only reimagine the villa's spatial dynamics but also redefine its aesthetic identity with a bold, vibrant, and enthusiastic skyline statement. This architectural intervention not only harmonizes with the ever-changing contemporary urban context but also resonates deeply with the socio-cultural and economic aspirations of the client.
A pivotal element of this transformation was the relocation of an extended kitchen to the southeastern corner of the property. Crafted from wire-cut burnt bricks, this extension introduces a rustic contour to the façade. Employing a rat trap bond arrangement, the bricks create voids, mitigating the internal ambient temperature while facilitating service installations. This extension also serves as the foundation for a wave-shaped tensile fabric façade, symbolizing the fusion of rustic and futuristic architectural expressions.
Intricately designed parametric shapes, generated through in-house algorithms, converge to form a three-shelled "sweep of wind" pattern. The intricacy of these parametric curved shells inspired the adoption of futuristic tensile fabric, celebrated for its flexibility and fluidity. The design team opted for a minimalist mild steel tubular sectional frame to support this fabric façade, anchoring it securely to the existing RCC slab.
The resulting three-shelled tensile structure functions as a protective carapace, shielding the villa from the harsh western sun rays by creating an air gap between the brick walls and the fabric façade. This not only ensures comfort but also contributes to energy conservation. Existing windows, artfully carved into the tensile fabric, serve to facilitate natural lighting and ventilation. An orchestrated play of LED lights further enhances the façade's dramatic allure.
Sustainability and resource-consciousness are exemplified in the project's approach, with materials being judiciously reused both on-site and off-site. Burnt bricks salvaged from industrial kilns, along with reclaimed wood, plywood, and other materials, find new life in this architectural transformation.
The interior design narrative unfolds with a judicious interplay of natural, vibrant colors, and opulent elements, imbuing the villa with an atmosphere of luxury and contemporary comfort. The puja room, exuding an air of opulence, features a water element that enhances the space's serenity.
The living area and lounge area showcase the fusion of natural wood and curvaceous surfaces. Natural wood elements exude a sense of calm and coziness, while the curved forms infuse vibrancy into the spaces. The entrance is graced by a large painting depicting a growing tree and tribal art. The living area, a cozy retreat, features a wave-shaped TV unit crafted from natural wood, imparting warmth to the space. Backlit fabric in the ceiling introduces a play of colors and textures, enveloping the entire area in a sensory experience.
In the lounge area, the design intention is to create a sense of unimpeded spatial flow through the introduction of curved elements that eschew sharp corners in favor of fluidity. Smaller ribbed patterns within the curved elements enhance the space's vibrancy. The blend of natural wood and white tones establishes a soothing ambiance, while the distressed bar storage unit elevates the overall visual appeal of the space.
This architectural endeavor, through its meticulous attention to detail, creative use of materials, and harmonious design principles, has breathed new life into a historic villa, transforming it into a vibrant, contemporary dwelling that honors its past while embracing the future. The project concluded on November 22, 2019, with a total cost for façade of 10 lakhs.

The use of tensile fabric on a mild steel pipe framework exemplifies a sustainable architectural strategy by harnessing the natural properties of materials to enhance energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and long-term durability. This approach aligns with broader sustainability goals, contributing to reduced energy consumption, resource conservation, and a reduced environmental impact for the built environment.
The use of tensile fabric in conjunction with a mild steel pipe framework offers a sustainable architectural solution on multiple fronts. Tensile fabric effectively manages heat by acting as a thermal buffer, reducing the need for mechanical cooling systems and lowering energy consumption.
It also optimizes natural lighting, enhancing occupant comfort and well-being while minimizing the use of artificial lighting. The material's durability and resistance to environmental factors ensure a longer building lifespan, reducing maintenance and waste.
Additionally, the efficient design of the steel framework minimizes material usage, contributing to lower carbon emissions.
These structures are adaptable, promoting resource conservation through modular expansions, and when replaced, the recyclability of tensile fabric aligns with circular economy principles, further reducing environmental impact.

The incorporation of a tensile structure, strategically designed to absorb and dissipate heat, represents a significant advancement in architectural practice, particularly when combined with innovative sun-shading techniques and expansive windows. This holistic approach not only enhances the functionality of the building but also contributes to its sustainability and aesthetic appeal.
The tensile structure, with its ability to absorb and dissipate heat effectively, acts as a protective shield for the building beneath. Its unique architectural form allows it to intercept and manage solar radiation, thereby minimizing the transfer of heat to the interior spaces. This passive cooling strategy not only reduces the reliance on mechanical cooling systems but also fosters a more comfortable and energy-efficient environment within the building.
Crucially, the tensile structure introduces a layer of versatility to the architectural design. Its sinuous contours and lightweight construction enable architects to sculpt captivating and dynamic facades that interact harmoniously with the surrounding environment. This interplay of form and function serves as an architectural expression of sustainability, where aesthetics and performance converge seamlessly.
Moreover, the incorporation of a strategic layer between the sun and the building further enhances the structure's environmental performance.
The judicious use of large windows within this architectural context elevates the building's design by fostering a strong connection with the external environment. These expansive openings serve as conduits for natural illumination, infusing the interior spaces with an abundance of daylight. In doing so, they reduce the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours, further enhancing energy efficiency.
Furthermore, the strategic placement of these large windows facilitates the integration of outdoor views into the building's interior, blurring the boundaries between inside and outside. This seamless transition between spaces not only enhances the occupant experience but also promotes a sense of well-being by fostering a connection with the natural surroundings.
In conclusion, the synergistic combination of a heat-absorbing tensile structure, sun-shading techniques, and expansive windows represents a pinnacle of architectural innovation.
This approach not only optimizes energy performance but also transforms the building into a living, breathing entity that responds dynamically to its environment. It is a testament to the architect's ability to craft spaces that are both environmentally responsible and aesthetically inspiring, embodying the harmonious intersection of form, function, and sustainability in the ever-evolving realm of architecture.

In the course of this construction project, we encountered distinctive architectural challenges, foremost among them being the establishment of the structural framework and the realization of fluid, organic shapes on the preexisting surfaces.
Structural Framework Erection: The endeavor to erect the structural framework was a pivotal architectural challenge. Crafting a resilient and harmonious alignment of mild steel pipes demanded meticulous precision to ensure load-bearing integrity and stability. This process involved not only structural engineering expertise but also a profound understanding of the architectural vision to seamlessly merge form and function.Fluid Shape Integration: The pursuit of fluid, organic shapes within the constraints of an existing surface presented a multifaceted architectural challenge.
Achieving the desired curves and contours necessitated a delicate balance between design aspirations and practical feasibility. Overcoming this challenge called for innovative design strategies, advanced fabrication techniques, and an acute awareness of spatial dynamics to harmonize the organic forms with the surrounding environment.
In essence, these architectural challenges demanded a synthesis of artistic vision and technical prowess, pushing the boundaries of conventional construction to create a space that seamlessly marries the complexities of form with the rigor of structural integrity.