Energy-efficiency for New Delhi building
Photographs: Photo Dote
New Delhi-based AKDA has designed the Apartments at 17, which is a suburban area primarily occupied by senior government functionaries. The project is situated in an erstwhile old building on a site spread over 350 sq. m., which now ensures space and follows regulations. Six apartments are planned over the four floors, with four workspaces in the basement and carparks for eight cars. The client wanted to include common amenities along with complete privacy, and a common entrance lobby on the ground floors offers multiple access points.
On the first and second floors, the building is divided into two apartments each. Four apartments are designed with a living room, kitchen and two bedrooms. Despite the size crunch, the rooms receive adequate natural sunlight and ventilation through full-sized windows. Windows open out into a five-foot wide wood-lined verandah, which maintains privacy.
Two more single apartments are planned on the upper floors, which occupy the plate spread over 2200 sq. ft. Approached by a wood-lined foyer and marble flooring, the living room opens out to the front verandah for entertainment and gatherings. Three large bedrooms, en suite bathrooms and a private rear verandah are designed. The kitchen is centrally positioned, which is connected to the staff room, through the utility room.
Pale cream-colored clay bricks are used for the material palette, while the floors are finished in horizontally-banded exposed grit wash. The texture allows the white chipping to reflect light and heat, while the vertical railing offer safety for the verandahs. The entire building is capped with a ban d of exterior-grade wood, which is designed to weather and turn into a lighter shade over time. It prevents the excessive use of heating and air-conditioning due to the use of brick, whereas aluminum windows with double glazing promote energy-efficiency.
The terrace is insulated with PU sheets overlaid with Kota stone, and LED lights are used in the building. Sensors in the washroom control the lights based on movement and ambient lights, and the apartments are secured with a keyless central security system with digital access.
