Design Intent
The Stone Jaali has been used in Rajasthan as a climatological response to the harsh climates and dusty environment. It has historically served as a practical solution that effectively facilitates airflow, regulates temperatures, and mitigates the entry of dust particles. This project attempted to reinvent this architectural element ‘the stone jaali’ in appearance, size and construction technology.
Process of Design
During initial planning stages, solar heat gain studies were performed digitally.
These studies not only mandated the need to reduce the incident sun but also helped us arrive at the specific size of openings for the solar screening system. This informed the generative algorithm that we used to define the level of porosity desired for the structure’s facade.
Fabrication
In order to ensure precise and lossless translation of the digitally created geometry into reality, local quartzite stone, naturally found in and around Rajasthan was then CNC milled to create the facade.
Scalability
While the traditional jaali has always been restricted to the limiting stone sizes available, this project was able to achieve seamless jaali’s spanning beyond 10 mts, as dry fixing facade systems were employed here.
The final facade which is in essence a simple seamless ‘jaali’ is thus a whole that is bigger than the sum of its parts.
Each stone panel is essentially unique and assembled as per a specific numbering order that ensured that primary climatological intent be achieved. Through the integration of local materials, the project intended to preserve the ties with the local cultural aesthetic that forms part of the environment of Rajasthan. The distinctive characteristic of the house and the connection with the environment fosters a homely space for the family.
Jaali House attempts to reinvent the classic architectural element – ‘the stone jaali’ – a
common sight across Rajasthan. By using digital design tools combined with analog processes, the design challenges the tradiotnal interpretation of a Jaali to create a distictive
contermporary facade yet climate ensitive sturcture that continues to bring in the benefits of a traditional jaali. Through the integration of local materials, the project intended to preserve the ties with the local cultural aesthetic that forms part of the environment of Rajasthan.
This project was presented with the award ‘Best National Young Designer of the Year’ at the Aces of Space Design Awards 2023.
Read more about the event here!
Meet winners across all architecture and interior categories!
