IN THE EMBRACE OF NATURE

We explore four projects that imbibe principles of biophilic design in the most compelling ways...

- AVNI RAUT

ARCHIOPTERYX

The design of this 7,000sqft Noida residence, spearheaded by New Delhi and Hyderabad-based firm Archiopteryx, centres around the built form fostering a deep-rooted connection with nature and its elements, despite being situated within a dense urban setting. "We began the design process by studying the flora and fauna in the surrounding neighbourhood. An understanding of the fruiting and flowering vegetation and locally present avian and insect life allowed us to determine gestures that could further ideas towards a harmonious coexistence between humans, nature and the built form," says Akshay Shrinagesh, the firm's principal architect. A large Fig tree at the eastern corner gives the plot its name, 'Ashvattha'.

The built form harbours within it green zones, water bodies and masterfully carved-out apertures and skylights that channel natural light into the interiors. One of the first discoveries upon entering the house is the rainwater-fed 'pond', constructed using leftover stone rubble and earth. The team has also consciously incorporated systems for rainwater collection and storage, drip irrigation, solar panels, and more, revealing a well-thought-out design scheme for this home.

Different types of plants dot the spaces, including medicinal and cooking herbs at the kitchen level; Mulberry and Orange Jessamine in the bedrooms; Livistona palms, bamboo, and flowering bushes of Nerium Oleander and Indian Milkweed, and more. The terrace abounds in flowering vines and creepers of Blue Pea and Madhumalti that form a bio-fence, while seasonal greens can be found in the rooftop kitchen garden.