Bronze Architecture, Building and Structure Design · 2019
The Courtyard Recreational Space
- A' Design Award 2019 Bronze Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
- Awarded April 15, 2019
- CLIENT: M9 Design Studio
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 13,777
- Verification code A9AE33915B · Verify this award
About The Courtyard Recreational Space
The Courtyard is a recreational and event building designed for community gatherings. The two-storey structure is rectangular in plan, with a flat roof, corrugated metal walls and a mild steel frame. A corrugated polycarbonate facade encloses the multi-purpose event space on the first floor and brings natural light into the interior. Textured drapes line the facade to control light during shows. Inside, black painted steel beams, exposed deck sheet ceilings and floors of concrete and timber are left visible. Mass-produced components kept the cost low and the construction period to 75 days.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The aim was to create a unique building using mass-produced components – cheap price and with short execution timeline. Rectangular in plan, the two-storey building features a flat roof, corrugated metal walls and a mild steel frame. Corrugated polycarbonate sheet facade encases the multi-purpose event space on the first floor. Thin and translucent material is used to replace the regular exterior walls, where natural light can be maximised in the interior space.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Built-up area - 3500 sqft. (New building only)
Site area - 6000 sqft. - Tags
- Adaptive re-use, modern, industrial, old and new, polycarbonate box
- Production Technology
- A steel structure made up of I-beams is on show inside the building and has been painted black. Deck sheet ceilings are left exposed, while the floors encompass a mixture of concrete and timber.
- Design Challenge
- The designated space earlier comprised of a single two-storey building along with a courtyard, set in the client’s grandparents’ house. It is almost a 50-year-old residence along with a garden café that was utilised for events. In the absence of a dedicated space for various functions, the setting of the space was informal and could not generate much revenue. In order to fill the gaps in the existing design, a new structure was introduced and made sure that it would not overpower the older one in height or by use of materials.
- Project Duration
- The building was completed in June 2018 and the duration of construction was 75 days.
- Operation Flow
- The inside of this polycarbonate sheet facade is lined by rich textured drapes to control the amount of natural light inside during specific shows and events. Windows are made from the same material as the walls, so they don't offer any additional light but can be opened to let fresh air into the building. At night, lights glowing from within transform the building into a huge light-box along the streetscape.
- Research
- Public space is and has been an integral part of communities, serves as a location for people to meet, relax and exchange ideas - refreshment of ones mind or body after work that amuses or stimulates. Informal open recreational space is that which provides opportunities for more passive recreational pursuits. It may also have a scope for informal play. Participation in recreation is regarded as being essential in contributing to people's well being.
- Inspiration
- The site previously formed part of the garden of a house occupied by the clients' grandparents. The design of the new building was intended to minimise its impact on this existing house, both during and after its construction. A desire to maintain a connection with the existing house informed the decision to keepas much of the existing garden area as possible, and to position the entrance to the new building so it opens onto this space.
- Image Credits
- Shamanth Patil Photography
Colors of The Courtyard Recreational Space
Design Interview about The Courtyard Recreational Space
From design to execution, everything in 75 days.
The client used to run the garden café with a small kitchen in the old residence. But she desired to convert this informal café into a community space for movie screenings and art events. They shared the idea with us over a casual conversation that evolved into a design brief – to optimise utilisation of the space and cater to a variety of art performances.
The Art and design community.
Redefining a space brings with it infinite perspectives – one that binds the various aspects with utmost practicality and utility. The Courtyard manages to create an arena of materials and finishes that not only resonate with the activities but also complement the purpose of the space.
We won a national design competition in India called FOAID Architecture Ideas and the winning entry was sent further for this international design competition.