SAMRUDDHI BUNGALOW

2. Extend or renovate an existing buildingIf an existing building needs to be renovated by extending the building with additional construction work, existing walls need to be re-planned, or an extra floor needs to be added then the homeowner needs to engage with an architect.The additions and alterations in the building have to be incorporated in the existing building plan and need to be submitted by the architect for sanction to the local building authority.All these changes are made without damaging the original structure of the building. The facade of the building is also usually designed to match with the existing building facade.

What is glass?Glass is mainly composed of silica (commonly found in sand) and other recyclable compounds. When treated under extreme temperatures, it melts to a clear liquid state. The liquid is then cooled to make transparent sheets of glass of desired thicknesses. It is considered a sustainable product as it can be recycled again and again with no alteration in its quality, thus saving on natural resources.Use of architectural glass in Indian facades has come up as a building trend in the home sector partly due to its huge success in the West. Of course, it is great for cold regions where one is looking to bring in more light and heat into the interiors. But does glass makes sense in India?

5. Architect: Usine StudioProject name: Samruddhi bungalow Location: Vadodara, GujaratTake a quick tour of this Vadodara home

1. Does the architect have experience with a similar project? While you might have found architects who have a portfolio in residential design, it’s important to find out if they have also worked on a project of similar scale, budget and timeline. It is possible that some architects have had experience only in designing studio apartments, flats or small homes, with very little experience in large bungalows and penthouses, or vice versa. It’s always sensible to work with an expert who has managed different kinds of projects and has varied experience. Looking to hire an architect? Refer to the Houzz directory

The clean white structure overlooks lush greenery and the glass facade ensures a seamless inside-outside connection. “The huge facade with glass took almost 4-5 months to complete as we wanted to get its minutest detailing right,” Kavaiya says. The facade is of triple-glazed sheets of glass to reduce noise and dust from outside.The ground floor has three living rooms, the kitchen, the dining room and a bathroom, and the first floor houses three bedrooms (the master bedroom and children’s rooms, with attached bathrooms), a library, an entertainment area and a puja room.

3. Bring lightness with glass panelsCreate an indoor-outdoor connect with glass in areas that open out into the balcony or the lawn. Glass ensures a sense of lightness in this all-white villa; also it lets ample light into the interiors.