Trees Sliced Through

Trees Sliced Through is located in a housing society on a busy commercial road, with a neighbouring context of large houses. However, within the 1000 sq.m site were 23 Neem trees which became the start point of the design, and the challenge was to save them through the construction period. Trees were protected by brickwork and a 10’ diameter circle drawn around each as minimum distance for construction. Futher, a pile foundation was incorporated for minimal soil movement allowing roots to be nourished underneath. All spaces, while following Vastu and accommodating the complex program of three generations of a family, were designed so the trees would seamlessly be a part of the inside space.

The building is cast in a fine-cut seamless rough wood shuttering, and has no continuous vertical or horizontal joints normally seen in form finished concrete, converting walls into textured planes catching various nuances of the sunlight on them. The floor is in cool dark Kudapah sandstone and the moving parts like doors and panels are cased in terracotta shades. The epitome of this moving feature is a custom designed main door with counter rotating top and lower panels making for an element of delight.

The organic position of the trees is also translated in the articulation of the house. There is a diagonal disposition of spaces that preserves the feel and primordial habit of transgressing under the trees. While the long parallel walls shut off the views from the road and neighbouring plots, they connect the trees on either side that enclose, shade, shield and become an integral part of the lives of the family. It is envisaged these trees will become a part, growing, living and flourishing with the members of the family.