Deep Pharakate

HOME FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

MAKUNSAR VILLAGE, KELVE ROAD, MAHARASHTRA

The cluster I studied had a big common backyard surrounded by houses, serving as an open space for interaction, with activities like washing, drying clothes, boiling water, and a kitchen garden. It consisted of three types of spaces: the front verandahs, intermediate spaces between houses, and the common backyard, creating a layered sense. In the first iteration, I designed a space with these three layers.

In the next iteration, I created individual units for 2-3 occupants, arranged to form a common backyard using screens as walls, ensuring privacy while maintaining transparency with the surroundings. The units had no doors, with offset walls acting as visual barriers for safety. I also connected the units with ramps on the upper level to create walkable spaces above.

In the third iteration, I modulated walls and partitions to create multiple verandahs, providing privacy for the old age home. I used solid concrete walls to form barriers and seating, with varying wall heights. The design aimed to create multiple verandahs, entries, a common backyard, and spaces for interaction, while ensuring privacy.

For the units, two walls were made of screens and the other two with concrete for washrooms. The screened walls went up to 3m, while the washroom walls were 2.5m, with the core duct extending to 4m. The roof had two levels, connecting to the core, creating distinct inside and outside volumes. I also included a common kitchen, dining area in the backyard, a common space, and an open library with niches in the thicker wall. The intent of my design was to create multiple verandahs intermidiate spaces between the units and meandering spaces for senior citizens to create an open , free flowing , private and comfortable experiances.