CLIENT: MR. SYED MOHAMMAD ARIF
PROJECT TYPE: DOUBLE FAMILY UNIT RESIDENCE
PROJECT SCALE: 6000 SFT
LOCATION: ZULFIQAR LANE 4, DHA PHASE 8, KARACHI,
The 60x75ft site was facing west, which is the dominant wind direction in Karachi. So it was important to harness this resource in the most beneficial way for the client i.e. allowing good ventilation throughout while ensuring privacy. The entire house was designed studiously as a wind tunnel, along with the other usual considerations. Minimalistic masses and volumes were produced as a skin for these underlying functions.
A patio is a most common feature of west-facing houses in Karachi, whence the wind enters the house. But its use and enjoyment for family activities is restricted by considerations of privacy against neighbors, road-farers and the open space in the ground floor front. Wide horizontal wooden louvers were specially designed and installed on the front and side of the patio, to resolve these concerns, while allowing a front view from inside the patio, and also forming an attractive feature of the minimalist front elevation.
Privacy without obstructing the wind is also maintained in all other parts of the house by installing angled horizontal louvers in the doors where necessary. The main ground floor unit has specially interesting spaces in the form of verandahs in the front and rear, as well as double height void spaces despite a potentially independent two-bedroom unit on the first floor.
Good cross-ventilation promotes a fresh feeling throughout the house and minimizes the need for air-conditioning. Careful consideration of visual impact and lighting lends a cheerful sensation throughout the house. Artificial stone has been used to soften the sharp lines of the wooden louvers.The play of volumes weaving together with their functions and materials is reinforced in this design, while maintaining a feeling of open-ness in the interior, which has to be seen to be felt. The modest height and the minimalistic vocabulary has been created on the elevation. All these features of the design have led a very satisfied client’s family now living in the house.
