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In order to have housing development respond to needs, lifestyle, culture and aspirations of the users, the following goals were formulated for this scheme:
• Sufficient open space around the dwelling since the dwelling is small.
• Better living environment to improve hygiene conditions.
• Adequate natural light and natural ventilation in the dwelling units.
• Simple and economically maintainable services.

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Low Rise-High Density

It is imperative to achieve high density especially in developing countries like India where resources available are meagre and housing requirement are huge. There is a common perception that high density residential development can be achieved only by constructing high rise buildings. At the same time, it is very important to provide housing that addresses the core issue of enhancing the quality of life of the users. 

From the study of slums and works of master Indian architects, it was decided to adopt the Low Rise-High Density typology for the project.

 

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Salient features of the project

• Density of 385 units / hectare has been achieved in a ‘Low Rise High Density’ typology. The model building bye-laws 2004 recommends density of 250 units / hectare for G+3 structures and 35 sq. m. of built-up area. It breaks the myth that high density can be achieved only by constructing high rise buildings. The FSI achieved is 1.46 against the permissible 1.50
• Open spaces are almost evenly distributed in the layout for equitable and easy access for all the residents. Usable open space is more than 20% of the total area. The road area is only 9.30%. All the units have access to open space by just traversing one floor below or one floor above.
• The cluster design ensures privacy and openness for all the units. The unit design ensures sufficient natural light and effective cross ventilation
• All the units are treated as row houses ensuring thermal insulation and cost effectiveness
• Incremental unit with possibility of future expansion

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• Simple and maintainable infrastructure services. Toilets, bath and wash areas have been clubbed for economy and ease of maintenance. They run from the back or side to avoid visual clutter in the front
• Any design should reflect the context and cultural identity along with the climate of the place. Our design is inspired from traditional towns of the region which has units around the court, narrow but shaded streets, ‘dela’ like entrances for security and identity etc. ensuring effective use in hot climate of Rajkot
• Affordability has been achieved through architectural design solutions, appropriate use of construction technology and materials
• Carbon footprint is minimum for this typology 
• No requirement of expensive lifts and firefighting systems which saves considerable amount in installation, maintenance and running costs
• The variation done in the treatment of the verandah/balcony/terrace has helped in avoiding monotony of built form
• Simple design of unit and module for ease of future use and replication
• The design reaffirms the confidence that Government housing can provide qualitative built environment. The sense of ownership ensures better health and well-being of the residents with social, cultural and economic benefits for the residents, society and country at large.

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