HISTORICAL RELEVANCE OF THE PROJECT AND SITE

Shahjahanabad, the capital city of the Mughal Empire, now called Old Delhi, This place still has some of the historic dwellings which existed during the Mughal rein and few were constructed even before. But now, these dwellings are being left empty and in a very dilapidated condition.

It was constructed 200 years ago. And the design was Rajasthani, Rajputana style, with the courtyard typology. The oldest member of the family is 84 years old and has spent his life in this house.

The family is a middle class family where each member of the family is independent apart from the women of the house. The eldest member, Mr. Shant Swarup, aged 82 years old has lived in this haveli since his birth. Now, he lives with two out of his four sons along with their wives and children and the youngest member is 24 years old.

The issue with the existing haveli (dwelling) was that it was cinstructed 200 years ago and was no longer catering to the needs of the newer generations.

Internal social spaces are not defined in this haveli.

There was no common gathering space for the family gatherings.

The haveli is located in one the bylanes of Shahjahanabad. The street in front is very narrow which was tradtionally for mutual shading in the old times.

The plot is a corner plot with two facades open towards streets. The house has very famous Kuremal Kulfi Shop on the ground floor.

Brief

The project was to redesign the ancestral house of the family residing in this old house which no longer caters the needs of the new generations. The redesign was to be done such that the family does not feel alienated in their new house, there should be a sense of familiarity.

Section Of The Existing Haveli

There is no parking space available and lack of storage spaces

There was a lack of storage spaces

Lack of space led to new construction on the old house itself.

Courtyard house is a common typology in that area. Courtyard lets light and air to enter in the house. Also creats a visual connection between different floors.

There is no hierarchy of spaces in the house. And the new generation needs privacy.

Zoning Courtyard

SLEEPING AND PRIVATE SPACES

DINING AND SEMI-PRIVATE SPACES

Skylight lets light enter at all times of the day. The staircase is well and is protected from rain.

The original courtyard typology of the house is used for visual connection between the family members, when at different floors

SOCIAL GATHERING SPACES

Floor Plans

The design of the staircase resembles the traditional step wells of Rajasthan which is their ancestral belonging.

The zoning on the floors was decided on the basis of the lighting and privacy requirements. Since, the house is located in a very conjusted area there is not much view available, and this was a neccessary requirement by the family.

COURTYARD

FAMILY COMMON SPACES

KITCHEN & UTILITY

SLEEPING SPACES

TRADITIONAL STEP WELL OF RAJASTHAN (INSPIRATION FOR THE STAIRS)