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Contemporary Adobe Jalandhar, Punjab

By: Udayveer Singh, Space Race Architects

Uncluttered yet bold, the fluidic contemporary abode by Space Race architects stands out as an exquisite residence in Jalandhar, Punjab. Spread on 6000 Sq ft of land, this abode is a perfect example of the saying ‘Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication’ as propagated by Leonardo Da Vinci. For a family of four, this house is an elegant masterpiece.

The architect wanted the client to fly high in the sky, leaving the past behind, and so he bio mimicked bird as the concept. The rustic façade of the abode, inspired by brutalism, depicts this concept with its bold, edgy balconies shaped like wings. It is strategically designed with minimum material application of textured concrete, which depicts the architect’s sense of responsibility towards functionality and the least superficiality. The glass and concrete create a sensation with its simple and pure form, keeping the truth of architecture alive. The entrance boundary is ushered by the green buffer. Classic yellow cove lighting adds on to the elegance of the whites. The unconventional elevation brings in a uniqueness that makes it one of a kind in the neighborhood.

As one enters the house, nature takes over, creating flow and continuity. The appealing water fountain, which connects the service staircase, acts as a sustainable element paving way for passive cooling. Apart from aesthetics and sustainability, the placement of the waterbody in the east is inspired by Hindu mythology.

As the sun rises from the east, the rays fall on the water before entering the lobby, which is equivalent to offering water to the Sun God and is proven scientifically good for health. The usage of mirrors on the sidewalls of the passage uplifts the overall experience of the space. Architect’s sense of space efficiency and Vastu Shastra has turned the insides truly functional and convenient.

The fluidity breaks once we enter the abode. On the ground floor, the informal sitting area opens up, with the dinning creating a space for small gatherings. The beige furniture, along with the wooden paneling gives a simple yet elegant feel, whereas the dining area exudes a sense of sophistication with a classic black marble table. The architect’s choice of pastels, browns, and greys creates a sensibility in the overall interior. The wood false ceiling with antique lightings compels to look up in awe.

The prayer room adjacent to the staircase is enclosed with glass to cancel outdoor noise. It is graciously lit up by the soft light from the north during the daytime, and the presence of the greens outside, surrounding it creates a peaceful environment for meditation. The insulated glass used avoids the condensation of water droplets during winter, which is also used in the walk-in closet on the first floor. The contemporary  residence seating, metal artwork, and other embellishments are a perfect combo of aesthetics, comfort, and feast to one’s eyes.

Climbing up the staircase, the first level accommodates a lobby that connects the bar which invites warmly with wooden flooring, gold design counter, and arched wall design. The elegant metal rods as bottle racks and lights hanging at various lengths make the place cordial and modern. The arch shaped niche on the wall with beige stone-clad sets the open bar as a combo of antiquity and grace.

Opening up the glass door is a balcony that has a higher wall providing privacy to the inmates and also avoids overheating and glare. The full-height door, and windows, lets in abundant light, avoiding the artificial lights in the morning, and keeping the inhabitants healthy. The architect personally believes that windows should act as a bridge to communicate with outdoor spaces.

The architect believes that sustainability is a prerequisite in today’s time. This is evident by the least material application in the façade, which has prevented the increase of carbon content in the environment. The waterbody, in the east passage, creates a microclimate for the living and dining displaying an intelligent passive cooling technique. Fenestration plays a crucial role in the functioning of the insides. Brilliant placement of floor to ceiling windows in the bedrooms in the eastern and northern side ensures the soft light throughout the day while also cutting on heat.

The southern side bears recessed windows with cantilever projections of minimum 8 to 9 feet, which capably doesn’t let the direct light enter and heat up the indoors. In this abode, aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability are directly fueled by the judicious use of locally available materials. Veneer has been used for the wooden finishes at few places as the client deals with the manufacture of the same. The use of wood has been limited to finishes only due to termites. For fixing door frames, natural stone is used instead of regular wood which depicts the architect’s inclination towards conserving resources. Also, natural stone is durable and possesses high strength. Top brands that are available locally have contributed to the quality of interior and exterior fittings be it furniture, sanitary, flooring, lighting, air-conditioning, automation, or security.

This contemporary residence is a suitable exemplar of the juxtaposition of minimalism, brutalism, antiquity, luxury, and novelty. The design follows both functionality and aesthetics at its core, creating a rational and balanced architectural paragon.

QUICK FACTS:

• Project: Contemporary Abode
• Location: Jalandhar, Punjab, India
• Architect: Udayveer Singh, Space Race Architects
• Other Consultants: Schueco, Grohe, Schneider, Osram, Sirca, D décor
• Materials used for façade & fenestration: Toughened glass, white marble, tiles, laminates
• Commencement Date & Completion Date: 2016 – 2018