Dr Sandeep’s house at Barnala in Punjab designed by Chandigarh-based architect Surinder Bahga of Saakaar Foundation has been selected for National Exhibition on Best Contemporary Houses in India. Bangalore-based organisation ‘In-Cite’ has prepared an exhibition on Contemporary Indian Houses which will be showcased at Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, Delhi between June 17-26, 2011. It will feature 91 completed houses and 19 works in Progress designed by architects across the country between 2000-2009. The exhibits will include write-ups, drawings, photographs and models of selected houses. The program will also include presentations on house design by Delhi-based architects. The exhibition is aimed at exploring new ideas, thoughts and expressions in Contemporary Residential Architecture. According to Mr Bahga, “The owner wanted that it should be a compact building without any undue frills or wastage of space”.
The house is designed as a home where consumption of artificial energy is minimum. This has been achieved by the use of open-to-sky court, verandahs and recessed or protected windows in thick masonry walls which help in forming barriers to the sun without shutting of natural light. According to Dr. Sandeep Kumar, “After using, we are fully satisfied with the design. We find the building very refreshing. We enjoy the hassle-free working inside. The design being simple, there is no place for dust to stay.” He further adds,” it has turned out to be a simple, plain, elegant and invigorating building, true to our dreams.”