House O as the name suggests is a giant – O cut out on the bamboo facade. The facade is made of 3 layers- the bamboo screen , the curtain climber plants and a glass window frame. The natural screen of bamboo and plants cool and filter the outside air along with giving the house a very unique look
Designed by (Firm Name): Studio MAT
Project Type: Residential
Project Name: House O
Location: Kandivali, Mumbai
Year Built: 2023
Duration of project: 12 months
Plot Area: 645 sqft
Built up: 2300 sqft
Project Size: 2300 sqft
Project Cost Appx: 80 lakhs
Principal Architect(s): Harsh Soneji, Pratha Bhagat
Team Design Credits (for Particular Project): Harsh Soneji, Pratha Bhagat
Photograph Courtesy: Instagram Tag – Kshan collective
The clients brief was to built a minimal and sustainable house that has a sense of warmth in it.
The Row house had two facade opening to the sun apart from the 2 shared walls , hence it was imperative to let the sunlight in through these facades . The plan was made in a way that the ground floor has a shop. 1st level has a open plan for living dining and kitchen that helps with the seamless floor plan as well as cross ventilation. Level 2 has 2 bedrooms and terrace on level 3.
The materiality has been chosen keeping in mind the natural sustainable way of life – refurbished wooden frames with cane rattan panels add warmth to the entire house and is a design language seen in every space.
Cement flooring and lime plaster wall help in passive cooling of the house as well as giving a very comfortable feel to the rooms.
The accent of sage green is seen in furniture fabrics that compliment the wooden panels on the wall.
A 3-layered facade has been installed,the first being a 220 mm external wall to prevent the direct sunlight, the second is a green layer of plants that blocks dust, generates oxygen along with bamboo screen that gives the house a unique look and sets the tone of the design as well; the third is glass windows to get the ample light in the house .This solution keeps the house naturally cooler, light-filled and has a view of plants and bamboos.Additionally, lime plaster wash is done on the internal wall surfaces for passive cooling.
The façade
The two exquisite coconut trees that have been growing for 18 years at site which farmes the house perfectly. The facade is made up of MS and bamboo. The bamboo screen has a circular citout thay acts as a unique feature. It is not only aesthetically pleasing but also has practical use. It firstly it acts as a filtering direct sunlight. Secondly it acts as a railing for the balconies.
Solar Power Systems:
The on-grid solar system estimates to generate around 175 units per month, surpassing the average monthly consumption of the client of 130-200 units. This produced energy drastically reduces the power load , potentially resulting in negative load during the summer. The solar system is very easy to install and since it has no batteries it is easily maintained as well. Furthermore, since the system is connected to the grid it allows monetary benifits as well for the surplus energy production.
Solar Water Heater
A solar water heater has been installed with the capacity of 300L consisting of 36 tubes. These tubes capture heat from direct sunlight, efficiently heating the water.This system will reduce the dependence on geysers thus reducing the energy consumption.
Rainwater Harvesting
The house has two underground water storage tanks of 2500L capacity each . They collect and store rainwater during the rainy seasons which significantly reduces the water consumption for several months. The harvested water is gererally used for gardening and flushing minimizing the consumption of external water sources.
