Infinity Residence
Type
Residential
Area
3000 SQFT.
Location
Sainik Farms, New Delhi
Timeline
2015 - 2020
Architecture and anthropology go hand in hand, giving rise to a concept called anthropo-architecture. This phenomenon refers to architecture that is focused on social outcomes; architecture that understands and interprets sociological and anthropological inquiries with care and creativity.
The Chabbra residence is a sign of this architectural revolution. It’s a project that began in 2015 only to end 5 years later when the world was heading into the unknown with the advent of a global pandemic. What constitutes a lasting foundation in a house? Strong bones. This matchbox structure was stripped down to its bare essentials, only retaining the beams and columns, leaving room for form redevelopment. This home’s strong foundation was not only structural, it was also the cohesive nature of the family unit.
As the building grew due to the addition of sunken floors and double heights, the family grew with the addition of two new members, so did the architect. She undertook this project in August of 2015 while still a dedicated member of the job space. This project stayed with her through her journey pursuing her master's at UCL, London. Her newly acquired knowledge helped her re-examine the special quality of the structure and carry out a fitting volumetric analysis. Playing with spaces along the vertical axis paved the way for a smart yet subtle optical illusion - a structure that looks like it’s two floors from the outside but is only one floor on the inside. To create spaces for each member of the family, a tactical permutation was figured out along the horizontal axis. Toilets were strategically placed for plumbing, mechanical, and cost-efficiency.
As the project progressed it became clear that this was not a project that relied solely on the designer. It required the designer to work in tandem with every member of the family - be it the matriarch of the family; one who spoke volumes without saying a word and the babies; who quietly made sure their presence was felt. The breaking down and rebuilding of this residence also meant the breaking down of old notions and beliefs to make space for progress and growth.
This project was a fitting example to reinforce the idea that architecture shapes the community and its community shapes it as well.
