The Sankatmochan House by W5 Architects: A Contextual Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

📍 Location: Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India

Built-up Area: 6,800 sq.ft.

Typology: Multi-Family Bungalow

Email: manifestations@w5architecture.in

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Amidst the evolving fabric of a semi-urban neighborhood in Gorakhpur, The Sankatmochan House by W5 Architects redefines multi-family living in a three-tier city context. The project skillfully blends traditional values, contemporary aspirations, and nature-centric design to craft a sustainable and contextual home that harmonizes with its surroundings.

A Dialogue Between Built Form and Climate

The challenge was to transform an existing structural framework into an architectural statement while ensuring practicality for multiple generations. The design maximizes usable floor area while maintaining natural light, ventilation, and a sense of community. Given the south-facing orientation and limited open spaces, a thoughtful facade treatment became essential.

Fly-Ash Brick Jaali: The heart of the facade, this locally sourced and hand-cut fly-ash brick screen is stacked within an in-situ metal framework, forming a semi-permeable skin that filters light and air. This cost-effective yet artisanal element adds rhythm and depth to the home while camouflaging service balconies.
Vertical Green Panels: Integrating vegetation across the facade softens the material palette, improving the home’s microclimate while complementing the surrounding park and mango trees.
Semi-Shaded Terrace: This panoramic retreat acts as a shared family space, offering a serene escape while reinforcing the bungalow’s connection with nature.

Multi-Generational Living with Thoughtful Zoning

The bungalow is meticulously planned to accommodate three brothers and their parents, ensuring privacy and interaction through:

Dedicated Floors: Each brother has an independent floor, while the topmost level is reserved for their parents.
Adaptive Balconies: As the only open spaces on each floor, balconies function as multi-purpose service hubs. To conceal clutter without blocking airflow, semi-transparent brick jaali partitions were introduced, maintaining a seamless visual language.
Hand-Crafted Metal Sections: These refined metal accents are carefully placed to trace the structure’s edges, extending into the interiors to form a cohesive design aesthetic evident in doors, consoles, and detailing.

Material Palette: A Celebration of Craft & Sustainability

The home is a fusion of local craftsmanship and contemporary aspirations, with materials that enhance its sustainability and longevity:

Fly-ash brick jaali – Artisanal and cost-effective, promoting natural ventilation
Locally sourced metal detailing – Precision-crafted accents for a refined aesthetic
Lush vertical greenery – Enhancing the facade and improving thermal comfort
Semi-permeable compound wall – Ensuring privacy while engaging with the community

A Home That Embodies Innovation Through Constraints

This bungalow exemplifies how design constraints can lead to innovation. By balancing tradition and modernity, the Sankatmochan House redefines urban living in a semi-urban environment, proving that sensitive architecture can transform limitations into creative opportunities.

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