Location Pandharpur, India
Program residence
Size 1500 SFT
Dates 2016 – 2017
Pandharpur is one of the famous pilgrim places of Maharashtra. Mostly famous for the God Vitthala for Bhakti Movement. Located at the bank of Chandrabhaga River. Climate – Hot and Dry Temperature in summer goes up to 42 degree.
Old Waskarwada was built approximate 250 years back in the period of Peshawa on the bank of Chandrabhaga river. Purpose of wada as a place for pilgrimages to stay and perform various spiritual activities of Bhakti Movement like Kirtan (spiritual lectures).
Kaka waskar ancestors appointed to build place and provide the services for pilgrimages without any expectation in the period of Peshawa dynasty.
Some of the area of wada was neglected and not maintained due to this west side portion become ruined.
90 Year old KAKA WASKAR wanted to build small house with contemporary needs for their successor without disturbing its old heritage charm.He insisted us to use available materials from ruined structure like stones and timber etc. As per the given program we have to design a house with 4 bedrooms, living room, Kitchen and outdoor seating space for various visitors and required space to perform Kirtan and bhajan (spiritual lectures)
From external we have used Load bearing stone wall with introducing modern box widows without disturbing its old heritage charm. Traditional narrow windows are placed in thick load bearing wall which becomes place for seating. In a same way Box windows designed so that from inside we can sit and also get protection from harsh sun and dust.
Instead of small zaroka we have used indirect skylight on the west side to get natural light and ventilation throughout the day. With the fixing of angular glass louvers direct sun, rain and dust can be avoided. Locally made earthen pots were used over rcc slab as a thermal insulation to reduce heat gain from top. On a south side adjacent to kitchen rectangular courtyard is placed with pergola. It will act as a buffer from south harsh sunlight and will be used as backyard.
Rectangular entrance verandah (Osari) with traditional painted column enhances the aesthetic of place. Entrance steps and verandahact as small community space under tamarind tree to perform various spiritual lectures ( Kirtan / bhajan )
Material for Construction
Composite structure – That includes Stone load bearing wall
Rcc structure with Brick partition wall
Timber Column with Steel framing slab
Mud pots were used over slab as cavity for thermal insulation
Stone Gomukh used for rainwater harvesting outlet
Indirect skylight of glass louvers was used to avoid dust & rain
50% material were used like Timber, Stone and Brick from their ruined structure
Image ©Simon Menges