“Light ; An intangible element creates paradigm shift in the character of space, catalyzing the essence of tranquility in ARCHITECTURE”
Designed for a young couple, reflecting the dynamics aroused between the extroverted and introverted nature of one’s self.
CASA LUX is conceived as a space of dramatic light located in one of the older part of Tumkur .The road is on the eastern side and it also forms the longer edge of the site. Surroundings consist of a coconut grove located on northern edge of the site. The dwelling unit is aimed to respond to the requirement of the client with formal and spatial solutions. The efforts are made to attain the spatial quality. The requirements dictated the spatial organization with formal spaces open into the landscape area and the informal spaces open into the courts. The accommodation is stacked in ground floor, first floor and partial portion of second floor, each floor is connected with courts and light wells. The sculptural stairs connect both the floors with library at intermediate level.
Spaces have been articulated along the two main axis, N-S axis represents movement and circulation whereas E-W axis represents courts and open spaces, it also acts as a transition between private and public space. Courts and open spaces establish a vertical axis and the northern edge glazing defines the movement axis. The relation between open, semi-open and enclosed space creates a blend between site and structure by incorporating nature into the designed built.
The built form is conceptualized from a triad namely surfaces, openings and cubes. The circulation is accommodated through skylights and landscape. Attempts are made to blend together the site and the built form, incorporate the landscape into the built form, and make use of every bit of the site. The interior extends into the exterior and the entire site is transformed into a space as precisely assembled as craftwork.
The main entry is approached from East with landscaped space on the North. The lily pond/water body in the N-E corner and greenery in the front gives the sense of ease and elegance and acts as a transition between the main entry and inner circulation area. One enters the house through a squinched in volume giving a defined entry with a visual connect to the landscape on northern side and kitchen garden on the South.
The ground floor consists of living, dinning, kitchen and master bed with the living opening into garden towards North. The dinning with kitchen is designed with pebble/lawn court provided with perforated panels in the east. These panels designed as unique elements for wall as well as roof bring in morning light creating fresh and energized environment within the spaces, along with changing ambience by forming varied shadow patterns throughout time period. The centrally located courtyard is characterized by the double height volume, imbibing the essence of nature into the built space through natural light via skylight and use of water body creating serene ambience. Pooja space is designed as a double height court with pyramidical roof form which is the interpretation of gopuram above Garba Griha in the temple. The edges of the pyramid are defined by the light filtering in, accentuating the deity in the worship space. Both master bedroom and kid’s bedroom open in to the pooja court.
The library in the intermediate level is designed with skylight on top along the movement axis; allowing efficient light and air movement which induces a sense of comfort in the space. Use of timber with white duco in staircase along the periphery as defining element for the tread compliments the use of white washed wall surfaces, in turn achieving varied volumetric proportions.
First floor consists of kid’s room with an extended seating and balcony in the front which overlooks into the garden below. Balcony in the home theatre provided with sliding folding timber shutters maximizes the fluidity of the space according to the need. Presence of family space between central court and staircase court brings in a sense of congregation and forming a connecting node to all the spaces. Perforated panel acts as a backdrop to the seating creating interesting light and shadow patterns within the volume.
Glass panel with horizontal timber members in the northern side foyer serves as an element of connectivity between interior and exterior space creating visual access and physical barrier.
The form is derived by the intersection of cubes as primary element along with walls as supporting elements. Cubes of varying projection depths along with perforated screen as joining element, assigns a specific character to the built form and also denote the private spaces with walls enclosing common area. Two projecting cubes which are the extension of the study area and home theatre respectively serves to connect the inside and outside. Cubes are characterized by the use of timber frame and glass. The grey colored perforated surface complements the white coloured cubes and walls.
Compound wall acts as datum defining the cube placement hence bringing in a sense of scale to the built form.
The languages arrived allows for a clear reading of the archetypal elements of solid, void and planes with the use of devices such as screens and light courts. The vocabulary caters for the specific programme and specific lifestyle and for rudimentary concerns for comfort and shelter.
Conceptual Sketches
Drawings
Project Facts
Project Name: CASA LUX
Location: Tumakuru, Karnataka
Status: Completed
Principle Architect: Manjunath C Nagaiah
Category: Small Residential Buildings
Name of Firm: Studio WhiteScape
