Set within a sprawling gated society in Pune, the Brick Veil House is the first bungalow to be constructed in the area. During our initial site visit, the intense heat highlighted the importance of natural insulation to ensure comfort. While the site currently offers unobstructed views, we anticipated the construction of neighbouring bungalows, making privacy and safety crucial, without sacrificing the bungalow’s airy comfort and connection to the outdoors.
To address the region’s climate, we incorporated large openings, courtyards, and north-facing skylights. Recessed windows with projecting concrete supports, a layer of vertical fins, and wooden louvred windows were added to manage glare and reduce solar heat gain. Additionally, we introduced brick jali screens, positioned parallel to the external walls, creating air cavities that serve as thermal breaks while also adding a dynamic play of mass and void with staggered brick courses.
The design, adhering to Vastu principles, features a minimal palette in the communal areas, with exposed brick walls, natural Kota stone flooring with chatai work, and wood. Openings are aligned to maintain visual connectivity, while courtyards and skylights invite natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and enhancing energy efficiency.
The mandir, accompanied by a calming water step walkway, adds a spiritual touch to the communal space
Name of the Project: Brick Veil House
Firm Name: Studio Arcon (
@studioarcon )
Built Area: 6000 sq.ft
Architects/Designers: Jinesh Dhumavat (
@jineshdhumavat ) and Shekhar Nahar (
@shekharnahar )
Typology: Residential Project
Location of the Project: Pune, Maharashtra, India
Photographer: Anish Padalkar (
@apstudioworks )