This is a 21 storeyed apartment building with 78 apartments on a site of 3690 sqm with a total constructed area of 20,000 sqm located in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. The clients, building developers, had an extensive brief requiring views of two adjacent sides, offering scenic vistas of the surrounding landscape and distant hills from every angle. Additionally, they sought to minimize heat gain within the interiors, given the project’s location in Udaipur. At every level 4 apartments, each with 4 bedrooms & living spaces are planned in each quadrant to allow visibility & views of 2 adjacent sides of the scenic surroundings. Traditional architecture in the region dating back to the 16th & 17th century have multiple examples of projected screened balcony spaces to combat the excessive heat of the summer months which can vary from 35° to 48°C , providing privacy simultaneously. Taking a cue from this element of traditional architecture, a mix of screened decks & open deck spaces in front each room of each apartment mitigate heat gain & provide transitional spaces between the indoors & the outdoors.

Each apartment has 5 balcony spaces fronting the living room & the 4 bedrooms.
Some are open and some are partially open or screened with sliding screens that are perforated with a traditional pattern. One of the decks in each apartment is 20 feet high. The residents have the option of using single height 10 feet high decks or 20 feet high decks which can be completely open, partially open or completely screened depending on the weather. Based upon the client’s brief and the governing rules, a total area of 20,000 sqm is permissible on the plot of 3,690 sqm. The height restriction of 70 m & the mandatory open spaces on all sides 14m necessitated a building block of 36m X 30m in plan with a height of 70m. Within these restrictive parameters the apartments are designed with minimal internal circulation spaces and all rooms facing the external views facilitating natural light & ventilation throughout overlooking the hills. Community spaces including a gym, swimming pool, and community hall & games room are located at the ground level & the rooftop terrace with a rooftop garden. Parking areas are planned in a single basement.

Photography: Mr.Vinay Panjwani

Drawings : Sanjay Puri Architects