Bungalow for a Private Client

The peak is known for its expertise through innovative design, structure and implementation of fresh new ideas through testing and trials. However,constructed in the early May of 2005, the project showcased here takes us down the memory lane, revisiting the design and techniques integrated to the approval and satisfaction of the client. Situated in the heart of Clifton block 9, just a right turn from the monumental Do Talwar, the curved, shell shaped gate grabs our attention at the first glance from far away. The visually inviting design of the gate breaks the monotony of the road creating a barrier between the two distinct lines of the road and the plot simply by the implementation of a palm tree just inside the verge of the line, providing the owner with their own personal dropoff and parking space without disturbing the traffic flow.

The concept arrives from the problem faced by the client, the circulation and parking issue arising from the blind corner of the road and the property. The design of the gate shows inspiration from a ‘SHELL’ reflecting its geometry through a punched in form adopted by a 20’ wide gate, the curve taking shape from the lines converging at a focal point which also serves as our dropoff.

The span of the gate allows not only the users but also the viewers to experience the dominance it exudes with its curved cantilevered projection at a height of 16’-0” from ground and spanning around 17’-0”. The area methodically worked out to create enough space for the circulation as well as parking.The problem solving approach successfully produced results aesthetically as well as structurally with the use of RCC columns, wooden ribs in the projection held together by
a beam casting beautiful shadows.

The wooden door and wooden ribs with dark bold brown contrast with the white paint which then extends towards the entire boundary wall consisting of vertical wooden slits at certain equal distances. The gate along with the interior landscape and pool design follows curvilinear lines and pattern, a stark contrast to the inside rectilinear building as observed.The punched in gate creates animated space within, forming a layered protective shell flanked by planters in stone bed adding the charm to the entrance.

(Ar. Zainab Shabbir )