Fact File
Location: Pune, Maharashtra
Size: 1950 sq m
Principal Architect: Niraj Doshi
Photography by: Hemant Patil

Located in Pune, The Hovering Gardens House by Niraj Doshi Design Consultancy is a spatial experience in viridescent surroundings. A unique project in its context, this house is located in a neighbourhood of Pune featuring abundant greenery. The apt use of natural elements in its creation, such as water bodies, bridges, stone walls, and landscaped areas on all levels, helps it merge seamlessly with its environs on the one hand while making it stand out on account of its architectural beauty. This is home to a family of six.

The brief for N.D.D.C. was a modest material template culminating in a residence that would be rich in spatial experience. Ample cross-ventilation, keeping in mind the occupants’ need for privacy, as well as flexibility in space change due to family evolution, were also important considerations. Therefore, the project was based on an H-shaped plan wherein all the spaces have three external walls, thus maintaining a nice “in” and “out” connection. The use of mirrors and reflective glass lends an optical illusion to maximise the landscaped areas, thus underscoring the feeling of being in the lap of nature.

Climate is a crucial factor in design and construction. Keeping this in mind, shading devices have been used here in the form of huge cantilevered slabs that give a sort of “hovering effect” while, at the same time, offering ground to the building. Similarly, vertical screen facades have been devised as a barrier for the elements. Inside, the strategic use of triple-height atriums makes for an ample stack effect and helps in cross-ventilation. In keeping with the predominantly “green” concept of this design project, an indirect evaporative cooling system has been installed to reduce the reliance on conventional air conditioners.