The clients, a young family of four, wanted their existing house (a single-storey flat-roofed building with two bedrooms) to be expanded by adding a couple of bedrooms and other common spaces — including a small library, on the upper level. Being surrounded by lush green vegetation and tall trees all around, they also wanted to have expansive views from within as well as from the outside into the building.

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Design Approach

A major decision taken while starting the redesign was to minimise (or avoid) any demolition to the existing structure. This would ensure minimal damage and pollution to the natural ground & environment, and also reduce any wastage of materials. Thus the only minor modifications proposed on the existing structure were to increase the size of existing openings in the ground floor living and dining rooms because of less than sufficient natural lighting.

For the upper floor addition, the clients’ wishes of having expansive views was the design initiator. This allowed the use of large glass doors & operable shutters — the glass surfaces shaded from direct sun by large balconies, which in turn provided ample natural ventilation and lighting. The overall result is that the upper floor will be flooded by natural light throughout the day, but at the same time remains well shaded and well ventilated to ensure utmost thermal comfort, without the need for air-conditioning.

Bedrooms

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The bedrooms were planned with a comparatively large master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and attached balcony, and the smaller bedroom was also planned with a small attached balcony.

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Library

The library was planned as a light-filled louvred ‘box’ that ‘hovered’ above the existing slab of the front porch. This was made possible by utilising the existing level of the sunshades as a recessed balcony level, accessible via steps from the main upper floor level.

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Hall

The central connecting space for each room is a proposed large hall that is accessed directly from the existing staircase. This is intended as a light-filled living/ entertainment space for the family.

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Additional spaces - Utility, Open Terrace

The existing slab levels were further utilised to add a covered utility space, as well as an open terrace towards the rear (north) of the building, thereby adding much needed utility and storage spaces to the houses without disturbing any views from within or into the house.

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Project Outcome

This project helps demonstrate that almost any conventional flat-roofed or slope-roofed house/ building that isn’t necessarily well designed originally (in terms of thermal comfort, climate-responsiveness etc.), can be suitably modified to become a well performing & functional building and also have very high visual & aesthetic appeal at the same time — all the while keeping a very affordable budget as well.

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Area

Existing Ground Floor Area : 1250 sq.ft

Proposed Upper Floor Area : 1050 sq.ft

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Status

Ongoing