PAREKH RESIDENCE
NANDIGRAM, GUJARAT
Plot Area: 5,400 sq ft
Built Up Area: 1,800 sq ft
Project Timeline: 2013 – 2015
Project Cost: INR 1,200 per sq ft
ATI INC., COLUMBIA, MD, USA
Principal Architect: Mahendra Parekh
© Skyboard, 2018. No part of this eBook may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information
storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author.
1 | PAREKH RESIDENCE > ATI INC
Set in the ruralscape of Nandigram village of Gujarat, sits Parekh
Residence on a site of 5,400 sq ft. The house is a brick envelope
that perfectly blends with the surroundings. The shell has several
openings, windows and weep holes in the brick walls, which
result in creating a serene environment in the interiors.
2 | PAREKH RESIDENCE > ATI INC
The building envelope emulates the layered approach of skin. The brick walls
are double: outside 4” + 4” cavity + 9” of interior brick wall. The cavities are
ventilated with weep holes top and bottom. The roof is composed of two layers:
the inside is ¾’ plywood with tar sheet on top + 6” of space topped with clay tiles.
The glass is strategically placed for view and daylight infusion to balance with
the brick walls to mitigate the heat gain in summer and penetration of sunlight
in the winter. Twenty four percent of the wall surface is glass. All the glass at
the clerestory level is shaded by roof overhang when heat gain is at its peak.
3 | PAREKH RESIDENCE > ATI INC
Site Plan
4 | PAREKH RESIDENCE > ATI INC
The entire composition is based on a 6 ft square module, a 3D puzzle with a
play of solid and voids to modulate the sunlight while controlling temperatures.
Organically, it connects the occupants with the earth, surrounding natural
environment and the sky.
The house was designed to incorporate the regional character of the indigenous
building typology, solar hot water supply, training of local labour, earth cooling
through cellar and energy minimised through natural ventilation and daylight.
5 | PAREKH RESIDENCE > ATI INC
Above: Entrance into the Living room
6 | PAREKH RESIDENCE > ATI INC
Above: Detailed view of the living space
7 | PAREKH RESIDENCE > ATI INC
Above: Mezzanine Floor
The design form is conceived as a 30’x30’ (27 feet clear) cube with truncated
top. It has a full floor below grade as a work-studio space. The main floor plan is
a simple square divided into four spaces along an east-west spine, connecting
two porches on each end of the spine.
There is a reading painting loft overlooking double height volume. The disposition
of functional spaces on the main floor, namely the living, kitchen, sleeping and
bathrooms, are site driven in terms of solar orientation, views, storm water
drainage and site grading.
8 | PAREKH RESIDENCE > ATI INC
Above: Mezzanine and Loft View
9 | PAREKH RESIDENCE > ATI INC
Above: View of the living space and sleeping space
10 | PAREKH RESIDENCE > ATI INC
11 | PAREKH RESIDENCE > ATI INC
Basement Floor Plan Roof Plan
12 | PAREKH RESIDENCE > ATI INC
13 | PAREKH RESIDENCE > ATI INC
PRODUCT & MATERIAL APPLICATIONS
Roofing: JSW Sourced Locally
Windows: Local
Colour: Asian Paints from Akshar Paints
Sanitaryware: Local
Bath Fittings: DSA Sourced Locally
Furniture: Handmade
Carpets & Rugs: Hands
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
Structural Consultant: Bharath Gandhi
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS
Dinesh Mehta
© Skyboard, 2018. No part of this eBook may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information
storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author.
