ON THESE BEAMS, WE CAN BUILD DREAMS BY "PSR ARCHITECTURE": DE MODE GLOBAL

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE JAN-FEB-MAR 2021 (Vol IV, Issue XIX) LIFESTYLE ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS

Article Published on: 03 FEB 2023 | www.demodemagazine.com

One of the most rewarding benefits of being a homeowner is the ability and the freedom it offers to renovate the house in a manner of your choice. It provides you with the opportunity to express your individuality and style while also adding value to your property. If a homeowner is looking to either sell or rent the property, a renovation can help to broaden market appeal.

As architects, our endeavor is to help our clients understand the impact that various factors can potentially have on a home renovation and we would like to share them to help prepare you for the journey.

DESIGNING SPACES FOCUSING ON BOTH EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL COMFORT

Impact of color and lighting.

Colors can evoke feelings of comfort, can help with creativity, and can also stimulate communication. Numerous studies have confirmed the physiological, psychological, and visual impact of colors. At PSR.

In architecture, we suggest to our client's ways to make space look brighter and more spacious. For example, lighter and cooler colors make space appear larger whereas darker colors make them appear more closed and smaller to the eye.

In conjunction with colors, depending on the function the room serves in the house, we advise our clients on the lighting to be used. Based on our experience, we have found that natural light during the day positively influences the mood and well-being of our clients as well as reducing costs. Certain areas of the house such as the living and dining require a mix of bright ambient as well as focused lighting. In other parts such as in the bedrooms, soft, dim lights may be used to create a calm and relaxed environment.

BEFORE

AFTER

"IN THIS RENOVATION PROJECT, WE TRANSFORMED THIS LIVING ROOM TO BRING IN NATURAL LIGHT AND USED LIGHT PAINT COLOURS ON THE WALL AND AMBIENT LIGHTING TO MAKE THE ROOM FEEL SPACIOUS."

BEFORE

AFTER

"THE BEDROOM WAS CONVERTED TO ONE WITH PASTEL-COLOURED WALLS AND SOFT LIGHTING TO GIVE A SERENE AND PEACEFUL FEEL TO THE SPACE."

HEALTH AND SAFETY

As architects, we are always concerned about the safety and well-being of our clients. It is important to make certain changes to maintain and improve the original structural integrity of a home which can be affected by various factors, for example, weather conditions or the age of the home. We ensure the appropriate alterations are undertaken to address current problems and preempt any future issues that we anticipate may arise.

BEFORE

AFTER

"In this house, the structure was damaged due to altering soil conditions which resulted in cracks in the walls and floor and eroded plumbing and electrical lines. We remodeled this home to stabilize the structural framework and replaced the pipes and electrical wiring in addition to redesigning the interior to make it a warm and comfortable space."

SUSTAINABILITY

Prior to your renovation, in consultation with your architect, you might want to incorporate certain features to make your house more eco-friendly. These may include harnessing the natural resources of sunlight and ventilation, installing low-flow showerheads and taps to conserve water, recycling greywater, rainwater harvesting, and the use of repurposed wood in order to make your home sustainable and reduce running costs. Solar panels can be used to deflect direct sunlight in addition to supporting both the lighting and heating of a residence. If possible, windows can be placed parallel to one another facilitating cross ventilation thereby reducing the use of electrical fans. On the northern face, a clerestory window can be incorporated allowing for indirect lighting to enter the home, minimizing the use of artificial light. Passive solar shadings such as overhangs and wood trails prevent direct sunlight to enter the home, decreasing the overall temperature in the house.

DIAGRAM SHOWING PASSIVE HEATING, CROSS VENTIALTION AND GROUND WATER RECHARGE

ADAPTABLE LAYOUTS TO MAXIMIZE SPACE

As people are increasingly working from home, designated spaces for a greater number of activities that include, exercising and entertainment may be required. Hosting an array of activity spaces will require a greater degree of flexibility and adaptability. For example, adjustable walls and glass screens can be used in order to transform an open-plan apartment.

HOME OFFICES

With more people working from their apartments and residences, there may be a requirement for either converting a space into a home office or adding one to an existing house. This can be integrated into various ways such as installing a prefabricated outhouse in the backyard or a lightweight structure on the terrace to separate work and home space.

"IN THIS PROJECT, WE CONSTRUCTED A HOME OFFICE WHICH WAS A LIGHTWEIGHT STEEL STRUCTURE ON THE TERRACE OF AN EXISTING HOUSE. LARGE SLIDING GLASS DOORS WERE USED TO ALLOW NATURAL LIGHT AND BREEZE, BRIDGING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE."

INCORPORATING GREEN SPACES

If you seek a closer connection with the outside and want to create a private outdoor space, landscaped areas can be integrated into even the most compact of homes. Roof gardens, micro backyards, porches and balconies will create breakaway areas from both work and home spaces. Large glass doors can merge the indoors and outdoors providing for a natural way for you to have some respite from work and home activities.

"IN THIS HOME RENOVATION, WE CREATED A GREEN COURTYARD WHICH WAS AN EXTENSION TO THE FAMILY ROOM SPACE IN ORDER FOR THE HOMEOWNERS TO ENJOY THEIR MORNING COFFEE AS WELL AS TO BE ABLE TO HOST THEIR GUESTS IN THE EVENING."

PREPARING FOR A RENOVATION

Advance planning is integral to a project to ensure it remains on schedule and within budget. We have outlined two planning steps that we have found to be successful in our projects.

IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING AND BUDGETS

Before undertaking a home renovation we have found it beneficial if the client has a financial plan. This will help the architect to plan the resources and ensure the design makes optimal use of the allotted budget. It may be useful to discuss and plan your present and future requirements with your architect, in order to incorporate changes in your living circumstances into the renovation. For instance, this might include accommodating a nursery, a home office, or a gym.

BUILDING PERMITS

Building permits and historic commission approvals are handled on a city or town basis. In most cases, any improvements aside from basic repairs require a building permit so it is important to seek the assistance of your architect.

CONCLUSION

The diagram above illustrates an example of the stages of a renovation project from the beginning of the design process to the final transformation stage. The lines between office, home, and leisure activities are blurring, requiring open spaces and homes to fulfill multiple purposes. While homes must also adapt to varying requirements, making them eco-friendly and reducing the overall carbon footprint is also important. Prior to commencing the renovation process, it may be useful to reflect on a few points such as your reasons for remodeling, your available budgets, your current living arrangements, and the timeframe within which the project needs to be completed. This will bring clarity and help create a warm and welcoming space for you and your family.

ABOUT PARVATHI S. RAO, PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT, PSR ARCHITECTURE

Parvathi S. Rao is an architect and an educator practicing in Bangalore since 2011 when she founded the architecture and interior design practice, PSR Architecture. In addition to her full-time role as the principal architect at PSR Architecture, she was also adjunct faculty for the architecture design studios at the renowned R.V. College of Architecture in Bangalore.

Parvathi received her Master of Architecture (M.Arch) degree from the prestigious Ivy League School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), U.S.A. During her time at UPenn, she had the opportunity to study under and work with professors who are world-renowned architects, thereby allowing her to learn cutting-edge design and implementation skills invaluable for innovative architectural design practice.

She was raised and educated in several countries around the world exposing her to diverse cultures and myriad architectural styles. Her undergraduate degree in architecture began in London, U.K. and she completed her Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degree from K. Raheja Institute for Architecture and Environmental Studies in Mumbai. After graduation, she began her career at the Studio for Environment and Architecture in Mumbai and then joined Khosla Associates in Bangalore.

Parvathi’s varied interests in her free time, reflect her outlook of harmoniously blending the traditional with the contemporary. She is a keen proponent of the Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam and has performed to appreciative audiences across the globe. She is also a fitness enthusiast and enjoys running, swimming, and time at the gym.

ABOUT THE FIRM

PSR Architecture is an architecture and design practice based in Bangalore with projects across the country. The firm was founded in 2011 by the principal architect, Parvathi S. Rao.

Their design approach is to blend the integrity of both the traditional and the contemporary while ensuring the practical application of every design. We believe in creating socially adaptive and context-driven designs and are trusted partners with our clients.

Their logo, the Golden Ratio, represents our outlook as a firm, where new frontiers are explored at every stage of the design process while always striving to exceed client expectations.

Their clientele range from large corporates to individual families. The spectrum of projects includes resorts, corporate buildings, retail establishments, and private residences.