AXIS VANAM

Axis Vanam (Vanam meaning ‘Forest’ in Sanskrit) is a project that aims to be a green oasis within the chaos of its surroundings. The project was initiated with the idea of condensing the gap between the built and greens. Vanam is a reaction to this increasing breach in the urban fabric. It is designed as a stimulus to restore the balance in the built and green spaces blurring the boundaries between the two.

Vanam is a mid-size housing project with 20 living units stacked across 5 levels. Every unit is outward-facing, with openings planned to integrate ample light and cross- ventilation. The central core is well lit with skylights and louvres at the terrace level assisting in stack ventilation and making all the extents comfortable and less dependent on mechanical ventilation.

Each unit is compact and planned as a 2 Bedroom apartment with an additional flexible area, planned to be an extension to the deck. This space can be actively used by the residents for their various activities of the day. The structure also gives the flexibility to convert this area into a green pocket; hence no two units are alike. The multi-functional space changes in accordance with time and is adaptive to the lifestyle of the users.

The balcony is re-defined as a “garden deck” to hold soil and paving, providing each home with its private garden at all levels. Moving away from the conventional box for the deck, the form of the balcony takes a cue from the soil repose angle and facilitates a sunk for soil filling. 

The overall material palette interweaves with the greens from the balconies and planters. It is planned to highlight the double-height corner volumes and scale down the visual vocabulary. 12mm thick brick cladding along with exposed grey textures formed the prime façade materials. The alternate deck projections and materiality of the façade is also enhanced by the sun movement and the quality of light and shadow.