Blue Bird

A homely suburban dwelling at Nigdi, Pune; the Blue Bird symbolizes through its form, an azure avian perched peacefully on a hillock in the green environs of a sanctuary; ready to take flight, yet still rooted to the soil.

Approached by a modest sliding gate, the residence is fenced by an exposed brick compound wall, its square openings connecting the site with its surroundings. The massing of the building has been planned along an imposed grid of parallel planes oriented North-South on the ground floor, and from the East to West on the first floor; the criss cross beams supported by concealed columns. The ground floor, comprising the semi-private areas of living, family, dining room and kitchen; is rendered in exposed brick with long span arches punctuating the parallel walls. The entrance to the main lobby is through a series of such arched openings that define pathways, sit outs and utility areas, while further connecting the interior spaces with the private garden.