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Inset House by Arch.Lab

Architecture

14-07-2025

Photographer : Jeevan Jyot

The house sits in an old part of Ambala city with a relatively unregulated dense fabric and busy streets. Motorable streets surround the plot on two sides, and narrow service streets on the remaining two, and a neem tree in the front.  The built volume is conceptualized around recesses. They enable indirect daylight intake from the vertical planes, extension of indoor functions, a buffer from street noise and dust, and private enclosures. 

The first recess involves three side plot offsetting; each deliberated around context and potential space use. The generous front offset respects the neem tree, makes the front yard a welcoming entrance, and enables car parking to avoid clutter along the main road. Along the depth of the plot, the side offset is along the wider (and busier) road to enhance air circulation and reduce noise and dust infiltration. This creates a free-standing wall strategically punctured and screened from the side motorable road. Two portions of the volume extend to this free-standing screen- one at ground level and one at the upper level, creating private outdoor enclosures to overlook and visual connectivity of the extensions on different levels (Refer section). The fourth edge abuts the plot but hosts a courtyard for light and life around the bedrooms and living. 

Ambala,Haryana,India

Architects : Arch.Lab
Area : 7400 sq. ft.
Year of Completion : 2023
Website : https://www.instagram.com/arch.lab/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D

Exterior view of Inset House by Arch.Lab


Entrance lobby of Inset House by Arch.Lab

There is a volumetric recess from the front street. The louvered entrance gate forms the first layer of perforated connection with the street. The entrance is tucked inwards in the side recess that gradually transitions from the busy street to the car park and to the shade of the overhang and pergolas. The front façade recesses on the first floor from front and side to accommodate generous terraces. A deep overhang extending up to the parking shelters the house front - necessary for the region’s harsh climate and the dense urban fabric. Hence the built-up area became less of a priority over the comfort the shaded spaces could offer.   


Skylight at entrance lobby of Inset House by Arch.Lab


Living room of Inset House by Arch.Lab


Living room of Inset House by Arch.Lab

Recesses are juxtaposed to enable cross ventilation, daylight, shade, and screening. The living room and dining space outdoor extension is positioned between the triangulation of courtyards and a water body enclosure to enjoy the oasis of natural cooling, ventilation, and shade (Refer Plan). The lower extension adjacent is the puja room benefits from this ventilation and enjoys a sunlit idol through a roof skylight. Master bedroom on the upper level is tucked between the recesses of deep overhead overhang, a full-length terrace in front, and an adjacent terrace sit-out, besides the shade and privacy the Neem tree has offered. Wood continues from the exterior, grazing through the deep overhang as solid roof finishes and pergolas outdoors onto the vertical as louvered partitions indoors, and into the furniture to tie together the home in warmth. 

The recess is a response to the changing nature of the street and lifestyles. It is a response to the tree and the street for modern living in a composite climate and dense Indian urban fabric.  


Dining & Kitchen of Inset House by Arch.Lab


Pooja room of Inset House by Arch.Lab


Corridor of Inset House by Arch.Lab


Bedroom of Inset House by Arch.Lab


Balcony of Inset House by Arch.Lab


Balcony of Inset House by Arch.Lab


Washroom of Inset House by Arch.Lab


Waterbody of Inset House by Arch.Lab


Lawn of Inset House by Arch.Lab


Front Elevation of Inset House by Arch.Lab


Side Elevation of Inset House by Arch.Lab


Ground Floor Plan of Inset House by Arch.Lab


First Floor Plan of Inset House by Arch.Lab


Section of Inset House by Arch.Lab



Tags
house
architecture
2023
india
haryana
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