Diverse Projects and Architectural Explorations
A look into our wider body of work, ranging from modern spiritual spaces to private residences. Every project here reflects our core belief in creating architecture that is thoughtful, contextual, and enriching.
The entrance to the Sai Temple in Trichy, a project where we explored how to create a modern spiritual space. The design uses a ritualistic path, transitioning from light to dark and from open to enclosed, to guide the devotee towards the sanctum.
The main entrance gate of the Sai Temple in Trichy. The bold red color and modern form reinterpret the traditional temple 'gopuram' or gateway, creating a strong sense of arrival.
The main prayer hall of the Sai Temple, where devotees can sit in quiet contemplation. The double-height space is naturally lit from above, creating a serene and focused atmosphere.
The Aqua Grid house, a private residence where the design was organized around preserving existing trees. A series of water courts, reminiscent of temple tanks, flow through the house, integrating the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Our principal architect, Sanjay Mohe, explaining the design brief for The Drawing Board 2021 competition. The challenge involved creating a temporary, minimal-resource shelter for a spiritual pilgrimage, a theme that resonates with our design philosophy.
A sectional drawing of the Sai Temple in Trichy, showing the main prayer hall, the towering 'shikara' form, and the multi-level community spaces.
The processional path at the Sai Temple, with a water channel leading towards the main structure. Water is used as a key element to sensitize the senses and mark the ritual journey.
A framed view of the Sai Temple through a bold, red gateway, creating a layered and unfolding experience for the visitor.
The Sai Temple seen from a distance, rising above the lush green landscape. The form is a contemporary interpretation of a traditional temple silhouette.
A low-angle view of the temple's 'shikara', showing its abstract, sculptural form and the small, rhythmic openings that allow light to filter into the structure.
About Additional Works & Explorations
Whether designing a temple or a private home like the Aqua Grid house, our focus remains on the transition between spaces. For instance, the ritualistic path in our Trichy temple project utilizes light, shadow, and water to guide the visitor, a principle we adapt for residences to create moments of stillness within the everyday environment.
Architecture as a Sensory Journey
Our approach to design often begins by asking how a space can sensitize the human experience. In our work on the Sai Temple in Trichy, we moved beyond conventional layouts to create a ritualistic path. By managing the transition from light to dark and open to enclosed, the building guides the visitor towards a state of quiet contemplation. This is not about imposing a structure, but rather about creating a setting where the architecture helps the user tune into their own environment.
Integrating Context in Residential Design
This philosophy of quiet, context-driven architecture extends into our residential work. The Aqua Grid house is a prime example of our process. Instead of imposing a rigid layout, we organized the residence around the preservation of existing trees. We used water courts, reminiscent of traditional temple tanks, to flow through the house. These bodies of water serve a dual purpose: they connect the indoor and outdoor zones and provide natural cooling, proving that sustainable design and comfort are inseparable.
Key Architectural Focus Areas
- Spiritual Architecture: We explore how to create modern spaces of worship that are multifunctional and emotionally resonant, using materials and light to define the atmosphere.
- Sustainable Residence Design: We prioritize natural ventilation, the retention of existing landscape features, and materials that age well, ensuring that every home feels like it belongs to its site.
- Spatial Planning: Whether for institutions or homes, we focus on the rhythm of movement, creating paths that are not just for circulation but are experiences in themselves.
Our practice continues to evolve as we engage with different typologies. By listening to the site and the people who inhabit it, we aim to build spaces that possess their own quiet, contemporary identity.
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