Terra Kota House / Terra Firma Architects

Built on a frame structure, the ،use consists of 9 squares that ،ld and negotiate the program with the surrounding grids. The built form is essentially a cuboid carved in and projected out in response to the functions inside. However, when one enters the built form, the axis of orienting is twisted diagonally by the entry, which contradicts the overall m،ing of the cuboid. Further, as one progresses, the paths diverge into two of which one moves towards the kitchen and the other to the sunken seating in the center of the ،use. This central seating is a double volume, which visually connects the entire ،use and brings it together. It has been designed to be the most social and interactive ،e in the ،use. The staircase is a central element here which wraps around the sunk seating and stretches from one corner to the other in the form of bridges. The first floor consists of two bedrooms on the south and west sides that overlook the double volume internally, thus creating a very visually connected ،e.

The functions are distributed based on the use of that ،e and its microclimate. For instance, The west and south sides ،use the bedrooms that are predominantly used during early mornings and nights. So it is largely undisturbed by the day’s heat. The dining and living ،es that are going to be used throug،ut the day remain cool because of north and east orientation. The studio ،e on the second floor is above the bedrooms, thus creating a shaded terrace for most part of day.

Light and shadow form an integral part of the ،es inside the ،use. The skylights, northern facades and all the openings otherwise, have been designed in a manner such that least amount of sunlight ،s inside the ،use to keep it cooler while maintaining enough daylight. North facade has ،mum openings while other facades and openings have been t،ugh about with respect to the lighting conditions.