TOWNHOUSE IN INDIA

This contemporary bungalow in India presents an advanced approach to tropical residential architecture, combining structural efficiency with natural ventilation and sustainable cooling strategies. Designed for the humid and warm climate of Chennai, the project balances modern architectural logic with climate-responsive thinking, drawing from natural systems where form and structure evolve through optimization. The result is a home that performs environmentally while maintaining a refined architectural character.

The building’s structure is organized around four strategically placed columns that support generous perimeter consoles. With a central span of 7.8 meters and consoles projecting 3.1 meters, the system delivers over 227 square meters of ventilated living territory. Beam thickness is maintained at an efficient 55 cm, enabling long spans without compromising stability. A monolithic reinforced concrete frame provides a robust load-bearing system, ensuring durability and spatial clarity throughout the house.

This bungalow prioritizes passive cooling and natural ventilation over energy-intensive mechanical solutions. Deep integrated overhangs protect the building from direct summer sun, while the orientation and openings are carefully positioned to capture prevailing breezes. Cross ventilation is achieved through a calibrated arrangement of windows, doors, and balconies, encouraging continuous airflow that cools interior spaces without reliance on air conditioning. These strategies create a comfortable indoor environment aligned with the realities of India’s tropical climate.

The staircase is placed in the right corner of the square plan, an intentional move to minimize circulation distances and maximize usable floor area. By reducing corridor length and avoiding unnecessary transitional zones, the layout achieves an efficient spatial organization that supports smooth movement throughout the residence.

Material Specifications
– Foundations: Depth and type determined through geotechnical analysis
– Exterior Walls: Foam block construction with monolithic concrete and marble façade slabs
– Partitions: 100 mm and 150 mm foam blocks with brick partitions
– Slabs: Monolithic reinforced concrete
– Staircase: Reinforced concrete, half-pace configuration
– Roof: Flat combined roofing with internal monsoon drainage
– Windows: Aluminum frames with heat-resistant glazing
– Doors: Wooden interior doors with glass or metal entrance systems
– Flooring: Marble throughout

The design incorporates natural cooling mechanisms including a cool tower system that expels warm air through upper openings. Shading elements, vegetation, and carefully positioned awnings work collectively to lower indoor temperatures and reduce energy use. These passive strategies demonstrate how tropical housing can remain comfortable and environmentally responsible without heavy mechanical intervention.

Inspired by natural systems and structural optimization found in biological forms, the project explores tectonics — where every structural component serves both functional and expressive roles. The result is a climate-responsive residence that unites engineering clarity with architectural refinement, embodying a thoughtful, sustainable approach to contemporary living in India.