Traditionalising Steel: S Residence

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Delhi-based Matra Architects & Rurban Planners have designed a home as an epitome of luxury and style by tracing Vastu Shastra principles.

Drawing on a clients brief usually proves to be a head-scratching challenge for the architects. To build on a limitless brief encases an even bigger task. Delhi-based architectural firm Matra Architects & Rurban Planners have integrated various steel explorations in non-urban environment, free from site limitations and outdated urban regulations to develop ‘S Residence’ in New Delhi, India as an environmentally conscious design approach.

Retrospective of the traditional principles of Indian architecture, the architects have merged the values with technological innovation to introduce an inventive residential typology. The elements in the house merge various passive and active controls within its design like landscaped courts, deeply recessed glass facades and balconies, motorised blinds etc. to acclimatise the activities in response to Delhi’s extreme weather conditions. A series of parallel walls are aligned along the east-west axis, conforming to the orientation principles of Vastu Shastra. The integration of these aspects gives rise to well-lit spacious volumes at the same time. Overhanging roof projections settled on ‘Y’ shaped steel frames; protect the exterior shell from sun and rain. These minute detailing ensures the durability and life of the structure.

The layout zoning has been configured on similar lines, inherent with the same principles. The spatial matrix unfolds as a segregation of formal-informal, public-private and wet-dry areas in a climatic and self-efficient semblance with room for expansion as desired by the client in future.

Designed with a limited time constraint for construction, the lightweight building was composed of steel frames, composite slabs of steel and concrete, insulated drywall and glazing systems, prefabricated coated fabric panels as well as an insulated alloy roof within a year and half’s time. Reflecting its eco-conscious efforts, the house minimises the use of energy resources through and dove-tailed with low-tech, environment-friendly and energy-efficient tools, such as geothermal HVAC systems, solar panels, age-old methods of rainwater harvesting and affluent treatments to reduce water wastage.

The whole building as a composite of wood and steel can be dismantled, recycled and rebuilt.

The dynamics of the stylistic residence lofts the upscale principles, ideologies and materials used by the confluence of technology and traditional values.

Text Compilation: Maanasi Hattangadi

Photographs: courtesy Matra Architects & Rurban Planners