Project: House of Three Courts, by Collage Architecture Studios in collaboration Marble Centre International By: Principal Architect – Swapnil Valvatkar, Collage Architecture Studios
What is the source of inspiration for new and creative Architectural ideas?
Inspiration can come from anywhere and anything around you. You just need to be observant and you need to have a keen eye to see and take what you are looking for. Indian history and traveling has always been a great source of inspiration. History gives us the opportunity to look at different ways in which people have solved the same problem.
Which is your most enthralling project till date and what makes it so? Please share some details?
I would say every project is new a journey. We try to make the best out of a project when it’s being designed and we constantly evolve ourselves. Knowledge is never-ending and it too keeps evolving, and the answers are always new as time passes. You can always go back and discover new things as your understanding keeps refining.
What are the new signature styles or trends that have made a comeback in the field of Architectural design today?
In general, if you look at any field, a minimalistic and clean look has taken over, and the same reflects in what people want their spaces to look like. These styles are not just aesthetically pleasing but are also comfortable and easy. The idea of iconic and whole has changed. We are also slowly gravitating towards sustainable solutions for building because one cannot deny the immediate need for it.
Which are the Architectural Marvels you admire most in Modern India and why?
Kala Academy is one such buildings I grew up looking at. It is a cultural center in Goa by Charles Correa. All public buildings should be this way .It is a NON-BUILDING. The building is open to all without disturbing the existing functions of the building. It acts like a gateway to reach the other side creating a dialogue with the building itself. It is a marvel that is way ahead of its time.
What message would you like to give to young architects, in terms of planning, inspiration and overall execution strategy?
Perseverance and patience are the key for long-term success. From being a student to an architect, understanding what direction you want to pursue and eventually starting your own practice. Consistency, hard work and thirst for knowledge is what helps you achieve those smaller milestones.
Please tell us more about the design for House of 3 Courts?
In keeping with the client’s wishes, the placement of the spaces in the house are in sync with the plan of the Vastu Purusha Mandala. The design thus aimed at creatively working around the boundaries of the grid to give rise to an open and active living atmosphere for the family.
Marble – a signature connotation of luxury, has been used for the flooring. The right choice of marble was easy to obtain with Marble Centre International’s extensive collection of premium slabs. The variety that the MCI gallery has, enabled us to choose the best suitable marble for each space, whether it was the White Statuario for the bathrooms or Crema Jasper for the flooring. Collaborating with MCI on this project allowed us to maintain the seamlessness and timelessness accompanying our idea of blending luxury with minimalism. Balanced use of wood and exposed concrete offer a textural enhancement. Projecting cubes and double height spaces amidst the delicate landscaping are used in conjunction with the material palette. Every space is visually connected to enhance interaction within the house. The result is a residence that is a perfect amalgamation between the man-made and the existing, the modern and the natural.
What is the key factor that differentiates the House of 3 Courts and makes it unique?
Designed around 3 courtyards as focal points, this house has been designed strategically to maximize daylight in the interior spaces and open the house to fresh wind. The green space is not limited to the exteriors of the building only but also dominates the spatial structure of the interior layout with plants that hold sentimental value to the client. All the common areas of the house which surround the courtyard like the living, dining and the kitchen areas which are the day-units are treated as exterior spaces to seem as extensions of the landscape areas into the interiors. The internal court serves a dual purpose of being a climatological feature and a strong aesthetic element. Water, earth, sky and vegetation come together to frame and accentuate the contemporary design to create a warm, stylish and inherently comfortable modern residence.
Share the experience of working on “The House of 3 Courts”.
When Anupama and Prashanth – the clients – came to us, they had made only one statement that resonates throughout the project: ‘Luxury with minimalism’. It almost sounded like an oxymoron, but as we were trying to find answers, we realised we could take cues from the clients themselves. Both of them are very humble, simple and extremely soft-spoken, which strengthened our belief of achieving luxury with simplicity. The journey that followed for two years was very enthralling and exciting, consisting of discussions, ideation and arguments which sometimes ran late into the evenings. Ar. Pradnya, the project head, deserves the credit for meticulously dealing with the drawings, details and the site work. Personally, the house stands as testimony to the great teamwork we had with the clients, consultants and the contractors. It was a project where Anupama and Prashanth walked into our office as clients, and by the time the House of 3 Courts was completed, they left as our friends.
