Perforated Panels Let Light and Air Flow Through a 12-Foot-Wide Home in India

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Project Details:  

Location: Surat, Gujarat, India

Architect: Neogenesis+Studi0261 / @studioneogenesis

Footprint: 2,140 square feet

Photographer: Ishi Sitwala / @ishifishy

From the Architect: "Built on a site with a thought-provoking urban fabric, the ‘Tiny House,’ as we call it, is designed as a fluent response to the immediate context.

"With a plot size of 12-by-28 feet, the house had to be large enough for five people to use. Although a small area, it not only needed to accommodate, but also radiate, a sense of togetherness.

"Indian real estate is at a crossroads today with large-scale developments on one hand and shrinking blueprints with rising prices on the other. Also, due to the high population density, there are many housing projects in Surat, Gujarat, with small fragments of land, especially in the old city areas. Considering that fact, the joy and pride of having your own home is relatable and justified.

"The home’s narrowness came with ample challenges. The most serious issue was the lack of light and ventilation, which is intensified by the excessively hot and humid climate of Surat. To overcome this challenge, the designers divided the house into two sections. The front contains the living areas and the rear has circulation and services. Significant space at the front allows light and air to come in.

"The aim was to achieve a mood of coziness and comfort along with a feeling of wellness and contentment. The design expressed here speaks of clean lines and a serene, curated color palette. To give justice to the desired space quality, each function is placed on a different level. The parking is located on the ground floor while the first floor houses the living space and a balcony. To bring the space closer to nature, a green spill-out space was designed on the balcony. Instead of conventional windows, the designers placed vertical perforated screens that are operable from the balcony to allow natural light down to the living areas while retaining privacy, which is typically compromised in such a condensed context.

"The kitchen, dining, and powder room are located on the second story. The kids bedroom and primary bedroom are situated one above the other on the third and fourth floor respectively. Both the bedrooms are open to direct daylight, which is beneficial in all aspects. The bedroom on the fourth story includes a cantilevered balcony that overlooks the street."