Dhananjay Shinde Design Studio

The Dhananjay Shinde Design Studio merges the landscape within built spaces almost seamlessly…

The first thing you notice about this place is the greenery and then slowly you are enveloped within a serene oasis of beautiful art ensconced from all sides by nature. Architect Dhananjay Shinde explains how this place came into being because of the overwhelming need to be in the midst of nature after 20 years of practice in the city. He says, “It was the desire to leave the hustle and bustle, the concrete jungle, the noise, and pollution, to be somewhere away in the lap of Mother Nature with fresh sunlight, crisp air, chirping of the birds surrounded by greenery and silence.”Thus was born the 3000 sft, Architectural studio in farmland, in the village of Gowardhan, 15 km from Nashik city.

The core design is based on the traditional concepts which are found in old Indian settlements having individual pavilions meant for different functions (like sleeping, eating, washing, etc) all arranged in a compounded property.

The spaces between Individual pavilions for the reception, main cabin studio, services, etc have become green breathing pockets, which provide thermal insulation for the hot tropical climate of Nashik. The Architectural language is continued in the interiors as well. There is a blurred grey area between the exterior and landscape a search one flows seamlessly into each other. The huge reduction in the embodied and operational energy consumed makes it a true green structure.

Reception pavilion is an interpretation of the traditional elements of a simple roof on four columns. In this case, it is a leaf-shaped roof with deep overhang supported on six columns, which is just enough to keep out the Indian summer and rains. The inside space is very pleasant and comfortable eschewing the need for air conditioners and fans.

The kund is the interpretation of traditional Indian Ghats or the step well. Here, it functions as an open-air multi-purpose gathering space. The thrust is also on the use of local, cheap and reusable materials like rough black basalt stone, Grey New as a stone, rough teak wood logs, corten steel, form finish concrete, cement terrazzo, natural aluminium, stone metal, still water bodies, green foliage, etc. This gives a rustic, earthy, and natural feel to the interior spaces.

The artwork and sculptures displayed are also made of recycled and reusable materials. All the external landscape areas are brought indoors along the perimeter of the building bringing fresh air, nature, and natural light into the work areas so as to improve the productivity of occupants and provide a stunning aesthetic presentation for visitors.

The project is significant in the way it breaks away from the conventional way of life. It goes back to its roots, from the city to the village, thereby giving a growth impetus to the area, albeit in a small way. It acts as a creative landmark to the village, creating a sense of pride and inspiration urging them to stay back and work in their area rather than adding more burden to the city. It sets the tone for a natural way of life where the mind is tranquil and at peace.

The studio is environmentally responsive and energy-efficient. A healthy solar envelope provides solar access to all parts of the studio. It is nice, naturally lit and ventilated throughout the day, no electricity is consumed so it generates less waste, and conserves natural resources. Hence a huge reduction in the operational energy consumed.

The embodied energy consumption is minimal due to the use of local & sustainable materials like basalt stone, fly ash bricks, salvaged reusable wood, etc.

This energy-efficient and thermally responsive studio provides bioclimatic comfort and healthier spaces and environs to its inhabitants.