THE
TETRIS
HOUSE

The site is located in a dense residential area. This residence houses a joint family of a doctor couple, three young kids & elderly parents. The couple briefed on wanting a well ventilated & a spacious home , which called for a solution of central courtyard, double heights & skylights. 

 

The ground floor is an abode for the doctor couple, which has a central courtyard that connects to the first floor  with a double height, that has a skylight , with a detail that allows air circulation.The master bedroom on this floor opens to a private court with a double height , which allows play of light & rain. 

 

The first floor  layout has their kids bedrooms with a study area as a connecting space, which encourages visual & verbal communication with the ground floor members through the courtyard &  openings from their respective rooms. The kids' rooms open to a huge connecting balcony . The shell of the kids balcony has an envelope of terracotta jali blocks which act as a privacy screen & a protective layer for the kids to play. 

 

This residence has a shifting staircase from first to third floor which creates an element of surprise as well as allows ventilation through a skylight on the southern part of the house. 

 

The second floor is for their in-laws which has a separate kitchen and a living area, which needs more privacy & independence.  

The TF is their home theater & a party pad. 

 

The Facade and the rear walls were punctured with square perforations in a tetris game pattern, covered with aluminum frame and steel mesh which lets the building breathe and protects from rain & insects.

 

The building elevation has huge balconies to screen from the direct north light to create cozier bedrooms. The parapets of these balconies have water proofed planter details to accommodate landscape which creates a hanging garden look.