Every structure is a work of art in and of itself. SRDA, or Samira Rathod Design Atelier, is a firm that believes in poetic architecture or the use of simple shapes, materials, and processes to produce strong structures. SRDA aspires to develop environments that foster connections between individuals and their surroundings. Their architectural philosophy focuses on creating spaces that are beautiful, local, indigenous, recyclable, and small, which has been accomplished through a meticulous design process that includes a thorough examination of the client’s needs, site conditions, functions, and other factors, as well as the combination of that information with a concept. These aid in achieving outstanding outcomes. Here are a few examples of projects that effectively communicate their ideology.
1. The Shadow House
The Shadow House Away from all the chaos of the city, atop the foothills, in between two lonely trees, the shadow house breaks away from all the conventional ideologies of a house. By using courtyards, the architects have created a poetic expression between light and shadow and architecture. These courtyards have been strategically placed to create private outdoor spaces that also act as climate-responsive elements. For instance, the three bedrooms and living spaces are placed around a half-bounded courtyard with access to a small plunge pool, right from the architectural elements to the interior furniture and the materials used, like the use of the colours brown and steel, concrete and wood to diffuse the light entering to create a shredded light effect all over the house.
2. Kolkata High Rise
Kolkata High Rise Samira Rathod correctly identified the problems in any apartment. Due to the scarcity of land, people are forced to move into apartments that have inadequate space, which makes them use the available space to the maximum extent. This space extends up to the balcony space, which is always intended to be used as a private open space. Yet, people use them as a space to dry clothes, which inadvertently affects the elevation of the apartment. Keeping this in mind, this building has been inspired by the geode by using the outer glass façade and bamboo weave to create a subdivision between the interior space and open space.
3. Broacha House
“Now it’s a bit like a stage set, where you sense that everything is going to move and shift and change. Nothing looks like it is here to stay, and the whole house is in limbo.” – Samira Rathod
As the client was a photographer, the architect designed the house as an abstract in the form of a camera and a film set. Three separate volumes on stilts are connected by a covered bridge with a large louvered roof that covers an open plinth, which has the informal dining and family room. Circular windows are inspired by traditional film projectors. Each element has been very keenly designed, which makes the entire architecture as a whole stand out.
4. Nanavati House, Pune
Nanavati House, Pune Located on a steep hill, the house has been designed such that the spaces where people spend more time have large windows with a magnificent view. By using light colours on the exterior, the house merges with the background. In sectional elevations, it can be easily understood how the contour has been used to strategically place the spaces.
5. Delux Bearing Factory, Gujarat
Delux Bearing Factory, Gujarat Generally, factories are associated with large metal structures that look like sheds. This factory uses the same metal structure to create a different outcome. The angular roof, combined with the façade that was inspired by the caterpillar’s skin, gives way to the scalloped walls, which help with lighting and ventilation, creating an interesting structure.
6. Prima Vetcare, Mumbai
Prima Vetcare, Mumbai Located in the upscale fort of Mumbai, this office space was designed for 10 people. With each space opening out to the great outdoors through a long arched window, every space has been well ventilated and lit. The architect has paid close attention to every detail, anticipating what each user will do once they enter this space. By using warm colours in terms of lighting and materials, the architect has achieved that cosy feeling the client requested.
7. Jhangiani House
Jhangiani House The entire site has been designed such that the house is surrounded by a lush green landscape. The main entrance is through a bridge that floats across the site’s landscape. All the spaces have been positioned such that they have their private view of the site. Private spaces are placed on the ground floor, where even the guest bedrooms have a private open space. The master bedrooms are strategically placed on the back side, such that the main façade has the guest bedrooms, giving privacy to the most used private spaces in the house. This project is still in the design stage.
8. SPR City Tower H
SPR City Tower H The problem with every high-rise apartment is that the higher floors have no connection with the ground floor or nature. Thus, by placing units with higher floor areas, terrace spaces could be easily created. This establishes a connection between the penthouses and nature. The use of glass and lighting on the lower floors, makes it look like the building is floating.
9. Poddar House
Poddar House is a farmhouse located amid marshy land surrounded by water bodies and tall vegetation, which has been used as an advantage. The architectural form has been designed with the concept of a “caterpillar”. A caterpillar has many segments. Using this, the entire residence has been split into various fragments, which are connected using a linear corridor. This type of linear arrangement creates a good view for each space, as well as good lighting, and ventilation. The caterpillar concept has been used in the interior as well.
10. Mariwala House 1
Mariwala House 1 As the client was a sailor, the architects used the hull of a ship as an inspiration for the form of the house. The three geometric forms are an abstract of the hull, which, after further development, gives the final form of the house. Each form represents a different mood and function. Every detail in this house has been given attention, right from the spatial planning to the joinery.
References:
Title: Works by SRDA. Available at: https://srda.co/work.php. Accessed date: 12/06/2022
