Insights by Mr. Dhamodharan, Director of Operations, FHD GroupWritten by Sriram Ramakrishnan & Vignesh Srinivasan, FHDGroup

Tuesday, 04 December 2018

In the first part of the Showcase ( Showcase on GM Ambitious Enclave Aspirational Affordable Housing Part 1), we focused on Aspirational Housing, A Vision for Quality, Site Selection and Master Planning aspects of GM Ambitious Enclave. Now, we will focus on Massing & Unit design, Daylighting & Ventilation’s as well as Unit Design for contemporary middle-class Indian families. 

Maximizing Built-Up Area without compromising on Unit Design

The biggest challenge and achievement for us in this project is maximizing the Built-up Area without compromising on Unit level planning. The tower profiles allow accommodating the required number of units while de-densifying at the site level at the same time. In addition, the taller blocks allow additional lighting and ventilation to be drawn from the outside rather than from unit setbacks.

Increasing Daylighting and Ventilation

Several specific ideas have been implemented at a unit level design to optimize the cost and efficiency as well as the design and functionality of the home. Every occupiable space opens to the exterior for increasing daylighting and ventilation. The organization of spaces in the 3 grid plan increases the external surface area as well as options for better views from within the homes. The floor layouts also reduce common walls with neighbors while, at the same time, avoiding windows openings facing neighboring units, thereby ensuring privacy.

A Perfect Home for Everyone

The 500 Sq ft 1 BHK unit is compactly planned and, at the same time, has a large living room and bedroom. It also has a balcony. Spaces are efficiently planned without any corridor wastage. Room sizes are designed in multiples of 150 mm to reduce tile wastage, while the sizes are large enough to accommodate quality furniture.

The 990 Sq ft 3BHK has 2 types – East & West facing units. They are planned to ensure there are a large balcony, dining space and utility space attached to the kitchen. All 3 bedrooms have attached a wardrobe. This unit has one full bathroom and one standalone toilet room.

An Eye for Details

A lot of effort is taken in specifications to provide an aspirational interior at the cost of affordable. Flooring is treated with vitrified tiles that are easy to maintain. The kitchen uses a granite slab and has ready to use points for water purifiers and washing machines. Hardwood doors, aluminum windows, emulsion painted walls, treated water, fire sprinkler protected common areas, make the affordable home feel aspirational and upscale.

As market leaders in designing for this sector, we believe Aspirational Affordable Housing (AAH) is the way forward for addressing the needs of the growing Indian middle-class families. We are continuing to research in this segment and will be issuing periodic insights. Email us at reachus@fhdgroup.in if you’d like to know how to lead this change and mainstream AAH across cities in India.