Urban Retreat By OMD By Office of Metropolitan Design (OMD)

Overview

Reuse, Adaptation, Renovation, Regeneration.

‘squirrels in the trees, hummingbirds, indigenous bees, hoping for the right ties to bring in the fireflies!’

The 70’s straight-line single storey duplex house was remodelled and renovated to integrate the elements of the locale; the site, climate and the social setting.

The project is designed as an ‘Urban Retreat – Live Work’ model. A place to de-stress and for reflection of owners shared values; a design aesthetic and a passion for ecologically sustainable habitat for both human and fellow beings. The relationship of the landscape, the structure and the interior are designed so that they are inextricably linked.

The project is an experiential dialogue of values between the user and space and it draws inspiration from childhood memories of materials, spaces and fireflies in the garden.

The intent of remodelling is evident in its interaction at various points, liberating the existing built structure of its restrictive formal form while integrating it with its surrounding garden.

The existing single storey duplex home transitioning to its new purpose incorporates the wisdom of traditional architecture by prioritizing passive considerations in a form of an internal courtyard/atrium, a central water feature for views and ventilation.

The remodeled and renovated façade echoes the language of the local vernacular found within a 100km radius of the project site. The traditional local brick is the main construction material. All local and recyclable materials are used for construction and final finishes.

The home draws its values from the region; as it is outwardly inconspicuous reflecting a reserved nature in the public realm and in the private realm; a multitude of ideas are expressed.

Landscape plantation takes into account the rich history of Lahores botanical garden and present degradation of the urban environment. Native species of trees and suitable plantation around the structure reduces the ambient temperature while fostering an ecological habitat for indigenous flora and fauna where the indigenous bees are flourishing in midst of a polluted urban environment. An organic vegetable garden and various fruit trees regenerated an ecosystem for birds, bees and other species to co-exist.

Schematics

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Undertaking

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