the green stone mansion

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Load-bearing arches using cut stone slabs

Architects Chirashree and Rahul Thakkar via Better interiors

This is an eco-sensitive home built by architects Chirashree and Rahul Thakkar in the sands of Gujarat using local material and distinct vernacular flavour.

I had this post as draft for a month now as I was searching for the architects’ direct link but I haven’t found it.

I am unable to stop myself admiring the grand architecture of this house and modern life style synthesized with simple local culture.

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Stone jaali work behind a traditional Gujarati

Sankheda-jhula (swing)

A variety of local stones were used in different forms as basic construction material, depending on the character of the stone and the wind direction. Sandstone slabs were placed over locally made pre-cast, pre-stressed concrete beams to form the roofing. This reduced the use of normal RCC by about 65 per cent.  Sawn sandstone, rajula stone (a very hard basaltic stone), karoli stone and jaisalmer stone are used.

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Carved stone balcony railing

There is plenty of natural light, large windows and enough ventilation to obviate the need for air-conditioning. The house is flooded with natural light without the heat. There is extensive use of greenery on the open land. Wild creepers, grass and shrubbery are allowed to grow unhindered on the sand dunes, so that they could anchor the loose sand. The inner and outer spaces are merged beautifully to provide a large extended living space.

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Staircase with arches defining the side and the space under it.

Continue reading the green stone mansion

come fly with me

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firebird ballerina

Designer-craftisan @ Folkmanis

I was thinking if I want to give or get a gift this X-mas what it would be! Among very few things I am eyeing this firebird. It seems this puppet ballerina has played some magical tricks on me!

From a humble beginning as a sidewalk vendor on Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, California; Judy Folkmanis and her husband Atis have created a puppet empire. Their realistic and heartwarming work see  here.