sanjay puri architects design studios 18 in rural india

studios 18 is a contextually designed housing project located in deserts of ras, rajasthan, india by sanjay puri architects. the scheme is sustainable by its design adhering to the existing contours, its orientation to reduce heat gain, its facilitation of natural light and ventilation and its low rise design.

all images © vinesh gandhi

with no neighboring buildings or development in the rural vicinity, sanjay puri architects organized the layout for the working people of a new cement manufacturing plant that has commenced production nearby. taking a cue from the organic layouts of the neighboring villages near, the residential units are interspersed within the existing contours along streets that weave through the site.

the low rise design allows the residents to be close to the ground level akin to living in individual houses

in response to the hot arid climate prevalent in the location of 8 months of summer and temperatures in excess of 35°c, the apartments are all oriented towards the north, north east and northwest with no apartment facing the south. the circulation spaces connecting the housing blocks are naturally ventilated with an abstract composition of square punctuations on either side facilitating air to move through.

the deconstructed cubes sport varied hues of the sandy region, at different times of the day

the shades of yellow is the defining characteristic of studios 18 and most cities in rajasthan state are identified by a color. creating a visual impact and a sharp contrast to the cloudless sky, the deconstructed cubes sport varied hues of the sandy region, at different times of the day – visually differentiating the stepped, recessed volumes as well as identifying circulation spaces. in addition, this feature alludes to the colors of the region. in rajasthan colour plays an important role in the lives of the people who wear bright hues daily.

color palette is the most significant part studios 18’s visual impact