Conceptual Architecture & Design Philosophy
We treat competitions as design laboratories to test ideas that eventually shape our residential projects. Explore the rigorous thinking behind our work.
A rendering of the central courtyard for our 'Sanctuary' competition entry, a sustainable development center in Zambia. The design creates an open, inclusive, and multi-use community space.
An exterior rendering of the 'Sanctuary' proposal, showing the use of local materials and a design that is responsive to the climate with large roof overhangs and natural ventilation.
This rendering shows people approaching the proposed community center, which is designed to be a welcoming and accessible hub for the Mayukwayukwa refugee camp.
The main presentation board for the 'Sanctuary' project, detailing the site plan, sections, and our design strategy of arranging linear blocks around courtyards and existing trees.
A presentation sheet showing exploded axonometric diagrams and renderings of the 'Sanctuary' project. This helps explain the modular construction and material-based design approach.
A diagram illustrating the climate-responsive strategies for the 'Sanctuary' project, including a modular timber roof, cross-ventilation, and large overhangs for shading.
This diagram explains the sustainable systems for the 'Sanctuary' project, including rainwater harvesting, a pond for creating a micro-climate, and north-facing solar panels.
Duplicate of the climate-responsive strategies diagram.
Duplicate of the presentation sheet with diagrams.
Duplicate of the sustainable systems diagram.
About Conceptual Work & Competitions
We treat architectural competitions as critical design laboratories where we test sustainable strategies and material efficiency. The Sanctuary project featured here allowed us to refine modular construction techniques and natural cooling systems, which we now integrate into our residential projects across Bangalore to ensure every home remains climate responsive and contextually grounded.
Our Design Laboratory
For us, participating in global architectural competitions is not just about awards. It is a necessary exercise in R&D. These conceptual projects provide the freedom to challenge standard construction practices and explore innovative solutions for complex site constraints.
The 'Sanctuary' Case Study
The Sanctuary project in Zambia, shown here, served as a pilot study for several principles we apply to our work in Bangalore:
- Modular Volumetrics: We explored how linear blocks can be arranged along a central circulation spine. This H-shaped configuration allowed for distinct public and private zones while maintaining a continuous connection to the landscape.
- Passive Cooling: By analyzing sun paths and wind patterns, we developed a roof structure that uses large overhangs to provide shade and ventilators to encourage natural cross-ventilation. This drastically reduces the dependency on mechanical cooling, a core priority for our residential designs.
- Material Efficiency: We experimented with using local brick and timber in a modular grid. This forced us to simplify our detailing, ensuring that construction remains efficient without compromising the structural integrity or the aesthetic quality of the space.
Application to Your Home
The lessons learned from these conceptual studies directly inform our approach to your home. Whether it is orienting a living room to catch the morning breeze or designing a courtyard that functions as a natural thermal buffer, our process is built on the technical rigorousness honed through these competitions. We avoid templated designs in favor of layouts that respond strictly to your specific plot and climate conditions.
ma+rs
We are ma+rs, an architecture and interior design studio dedicated to creating homes that respond to their environment. Our practice focuses on the dialogue between built spaces and natural landscapes, ensuring every project is climate-responsive and contextually grounded.
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