© 2019 by Madras Terrace

Architecture is an Investment

Architecture gets associated (not necessarily with an intention) with ‘overhead’, ‘expensive’, ‘can I do it myself?’. Yes, this is because of common sense approach rather than any scientific approach.

One can add features to a building to make it look attractive; however, like a good Architect we follow the principle ‘Form follows Function’ or putting it in common man’s terms – ‘Beauty with a Purpose’. In fact, we can not only serve the purpose (function), save money with good ideas (which do not come from a common sense approach), but also help plan the finances better – where to spend and where to hold, and finally save on the total cost of construction & ownership.

A lot of the building construction can be done with a good balance of material and labour; one needs to also decide between extra labour or superior materials. Given the dynamic nature of the market, it is difficult to predict what will be a better balance. Every situation is carefully thought through to arrive at a good solution; especially through personal touch.

It is very hard for even a specialist (leave alone the common man) to visualize how the final output of building will be. Realization of how the building will look like will only come after the building comes up, but by that time it is too late. A good architect can help the owner or the dweller to show the building in co-existence with the environment and thus can eliminate most of the surprises.

Finally, only if the funds are carefully managed and the building is completed as per the Envisioned Plan & Model within the allocated budget, is it a Success.

We just shared our beliefs here, and we have demonstrated that in our practice which can be seen in our projects. Contact us and we can share a lot more insights for your own Dream House.

Quality an Integral Part

Responsive Architecture

The moment the word ‘Madras’ is uttered, ‘Hot’ & ‘Humid’ comes along with it. How can the building form a Living Envelope which can adapt itself to the Hot Climate? Air Conditioning is a good answer, but is the last solution. Also we use 'Madras' to ensure that we can create a lot of sustainability and eco-friendly approach if we take a vernacular approach to architecture.

Therefore, the design of any house is irrevocably linked to its site and its specific location; and the characteristics of any plot deeply influence the building.

Some of the factors are:

  • Site Orientation with Respect to Wind & Sunrise/set Direction

  • Plot Extent to provide ease of movement

  • Vegetation Cover in the vicinity to protect from the heat

  • Road width to provide for easy entry and exit

  • Ratio of built & Open Spaces in the surroundings to provide air movement

  • Ratio of Volume to surface Area for providing ventilation

  • Roof Profile to ensure that heat & water are spread out faster

  • Materials used to ensure strength, thermal insulation and finally durability

Once these are taken care, an Air Conditioning system can supplement the building wherever required and not necessarily always & everywhere. We thus can contribute to the environment while building a home that accommodates itself to the climatic variations.

What drives our Architecture is the Holistic Planning Process Our Planning does not stop only with the building but the surrounding environment which also includes:

  • Water Harvesting and Recycling through Natural means

  • Increasing Energy Efficiency by Airflow and Thermal Insulation

  • Sustainability of the Structure over the Lifetime with minimal maintenance

  • Cutting down Heat, Glare and Dust from entering the building

  • Balance of Light & Shade so that the inside

  • Maintain Ambient Indoor Temperature through Natural Cooling

  • Lowering the Future Maintenance Cost

One can see examples of each of these have been accomplished in our different projects.

What would one be willing to pay to avoid a leaking bathroom, a smelly drain outlet, an eroding paint? Do these come with a cost? Absolutely, but with related benefits – thus making Quality as cost already paid for.

Rework costs in construction is high; checking, double-checking will bring down the cost of rework. Plinth height to suit future Road Height, Straight Walls, Plumbing line (esp. Duct line positioning), sufficient Electrical points – each one requires the trained careful eye to catch them early and avoid rework. But that only comes with maturity of the Architect and the team.

Preventive costs upfront are savings down the line, thus making Quality an inevitable part of the Building Construction.

We believe that Quality does not require a premium but a mandate in every work that we do. After all quality should be in-built and not paid for!

Some of the aspects that we insist on:

  • Preparing a 3D model and a walk through before actual work execution

  • Soil Testing before Structural Drawing is prepared

  • Use of Branded Cement

  • Certified Concrete 

  • Steel bars as formulated in the Structural Design without compromise

  • Formwork and Shuttering done at 90 Degrees

  • Sufficient curing done for all Concrete Works
    (such as 21 days extending to 28 days before further loading)

  • Waterproofing in all concrete works

  • Masonry walls built in plumb

  • Provision for required pipes during the casting of the beam to prevent breakage

  • Sunken slab for toilets, balconies and other areas

  • Materials consistently checked for their specifications, quality & quantity

  • Provision of a pipe for AC outlet

  • Fittings like hinges, locks adhering to standards and withstanding wear and tear

  • Technical Depth & Inspection at every stage

You are welcome to experience our quality by visiting our site anytime; and if you have any inputs to improve our quality, we will happy to incorporate them in our implementation too!