Design Intent

Shire embodies climate-responsive and sustainable design. The 1.2-meter elevated structure prevents flooding, while features like cross ventilation, double-height spaces, and passive cooling ensure comfort. Locally sourced materials, rainwater harvesting, and a biogas plant enhance its eco-friendly ethos.

Key Features

• Elevated Structure: Raised 1.2 meters to mitigate waterlogging.
• Accessibility: Ramp ensures seamless access for elderly residents.
• Double-Height Roof: Over dining and kitchen areas for natural light and ventilation.
• Cross Ventilation: All rooms ensure cooler interiors during summer.
• Sustainable Materials: Locally sourced, including reused doors, windows, and rat trap bond bricks.
• Rainwater Harvesting: 30,000-liter tank beneath the raised basement for efficient space management.
• Biogas Plant: Processes toilet and biodegradable waste to produce methane gas for cooking.
• Recycled Materials: Used beer bottles replace stained glass, creating a colourful, ambient lighting effect indoors.

Material Palette

• Foundation and Basement: Stone.
• Walls: Country burnt bricks using rat trap bond technology.
• Roofs: Filler slab and Mangalore tiles on sloping areas.
• Floor Finishes: Yellow oxide and terracotta tiles.
• Interior Finishes: Mud plaster, eco-friendly mud paints, and lime wash.

Functional Layout

• Open Plan: The living, dining, and kitchen areas are interconnected in an L-shape, ensuring privacy in the kitchen while maintaining an open feel.
• Private Bedrooms: Separated from communal spaces to provide privacy.
• Mezzanine Level Workspace: Houses a work and library space with a balcony overlooking the street, with storage and a car porch below.
• Dedicated Dog Space: Designed for pets with separate access on the first floor.

Sustainability Measures

• Energy-efficiency: With the incorporation of passive cooling systems and the use of reused materials.
• Biogas plant: That processes waste, reducing the environmental impact.
• Solar Heater: Use of renewable resources like solar water heating.

Cultural and Aesthetic Considerations

• Traditional Design: Reflects traditional Udupi architecture with rustic aesthetics.
• Local Materials: Highlights regional heritage through natural and local resources.

Outcome

The Shire project was completed successfully, fulfilling the owners' expectations and those of the local community. It has inspired others in the region to explore sustainable and eco-friendly construction practices.