Excerpt: The soul{talks}, a residence by Seeders | Biophilic Architecture Studio, is characterized by its thoughtful integration of biophilic principles, creating a harmonious living environment that promotes well-being through a deep connection with nature. The interplay of light and shadow, the presence of greenery, and the serene ambiance collectively create an environment where architecture becomes an expression of the soul.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] Post covid, the meaning and purpose of a residence changed drastically. From just being a space of stay now it has transformed as a space of work, rejuvenation and retreat. This can be achieved by bringing in nature through designing livable biophilic spaces which is the firm’s core philosophy and hence the name “Seeders | Biophilic Architecture Studio”.
Flanked by buildings on all 3 sides with a south facing frontage along with its proximity to a 100-feet main road, “the soul {talks}” is yet an open, spacious, biophilic residence. The factors such as the noise, walls of the neighboring buildings abutting the site boundary, south side facade ; drived the design to an introverted residence. The core aim of this project was to design collaborative multi-functional spaces which are well lit, ventilated and filled with greeneries.
The main door opens to a single large space with a double height garden at the heart of it, housing the living area, pooja, dining and staircase with multiple in-built seating options to enjoy the space. The skylight above the central garden brings in natural light to the interiors in addition to the sliding shutters facing the landscaped setback area. The wavy pattern plastering on the compound wall adds a depth to the space and also forms a rustic background for the landscapes.
The kitchen hides behind the staircase wall to provide the necessary privacy yet it opens to the dining space. The dining space sort of acts as a connection between the kitchen and living area. The dining almost feels like sitting amidst the garden since it opens up to setback landscapes through UPVC glass sliding shutters on two sides of the corner, blurring the boundaries. The kitchen is also lit by these openings, in addition; the slit windows are strategically placed to light the counter space facilitating the works during the day time.
The staircase leads to the first floor passage that connects the terrace and bedrooms on either side. The passage overlooks the central space that is flanked by porotherm brick jaalis on two opposite sides and skylight at the top. This arrangement plays a major role in keeping the space cool as the porotherm brick jaali brings in fresh air while privacy is maintained and as the air heats up, it rises and escapes through the side gaps in the top skylight. The wabi-sabi styled chandelier which embraces the space through its beauty in daytime as well as when lit in the night is what is metaphorically represented as the soul of this house.
The first floor bedrooms face the south facing facade. Multiple layers of buffers have been created to keep the bedroom shaded from the south sun. The glass sliding shutters of the room are shaded by the ferrocement fins and vegetations in the balcony space act as a heat buffer and a space to chill.
The terrace seating was zoned to overlook the giant tree that exists in the not so near neighborhood. The seater surrounded by vegetation on all sides with gravel flooring forms a space to relax and rejuvenate. The clients enjoy this space on all evenings. The central circle skylight has been raised in height to be used as a party table for get-togethers. Custom designed ferrocement seaters were done to sustain all climate being open in the terrace.
Throughout “the soul{talks}”, minimal earthy colour tone has been followed. The pale green of leather finished kota stone and metal handrails, terracotta red of the porotherm bricks, beige toned compound wall, soothing brown of the wood merges well on the white canvas walls along with the play of green vegetation and sunlight pouring over the spaces.
In “the soul {talks}”, space is not just a physical construct but a narrative waiting to unfold—a canvas where the play of light, the rustle of leaves, and the hum of urban life converge into a harmonious whole. Here, architecture transcends mere form to become an expression of the soul.
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