Haldwani, Uttarakhand · 2019 · Residential
This compact urban residence in Haldwani demonstrates how a challenging 30×40 ft plot hemmed in by neighboring buildings with only harsh south-facing light available can be transformed through intelligent design into a well-ventilated, light-filled home. The material palette is rooted in economy and character. Reclaimed bricks, left exposed throughout, form both the structural and aesthetic identity of the house. Filler slabs, brick shell roofs, and ferrocement significantly reduce the use of concrete, lowering cost without compromising performance. A brick jali on the southern staircase facade filters light while preserving privacy, and a spiral column on the recessed upper facade channels wind into the interior. Passive strategies define every spatial decision, a central skylight acts as a solar clock, flooding the living area with diffused daylight; rooftop openings with retractable sunshades bring light without heat; and an open-air shower court in the northwestern corner drives cross-ventilation to the upper levels. Recycled materials, ferrocement finishes, and a wooden kitchen deck complete a design that turns scarcity into spatial richness.