The Metabolic house is conceived as a residence of manipulated volumes capable of complex environmental process and meaningful spatial interactions. The design interrogates the existing monobloc introverted, courtyard residential typology. The locational advantage of being a corner plot is exploited to create an extroverted breathing architecture.

The entrance is on the shorter side so that the interiors can converse with the exterior through a number of differentiated spatial articulations that act as buffers strung along the longer side. These interstitial spaces not only mediate between the internal and the external but also between adjacent spaces within the house.

Breathers: The strategic introduction of gaps into the volumetrics of the house allows for the creation of Micro-environments that help the passive control of the internal climate. Further these voids replace walls as the spatial differentiators contributing to greater visual connectivity and the perceived expansiveness of the internal spaces.

The inter-spatial connections through the light wells, voids, vertical greens, cutouts and buffer spaces create the possibility of fluid usage by the family. The wall-free interior spaces are multileveled to create a sense of dynamic continuity through visual connections.

The Light System uses an open façade for maximum day-lighting and traditional jaalis for shading and harvests solar energy for night lighting. The primary power supply is solar generated. LED lights are used.

The Water System uses rain water collection and grey water treatment to supplement the fresh water supply and solar energy for water heating.

The Air System is an open system where the conditioned air is augmented by fresh air. It is a hybrid system, a combination of evaporative cooling and air conditioning. This has air to air heat exchange. As and when required this system either runs on evaporative cooling or on air conditioning only. A chilled water cooling coil will be provided to make this system hybrid. The power consumption with this system would be very less while at the same time flexibility and choice will be on the user.

The external facade is wrapped in specially manufactured ceramic tiles which provide insulation and thus prevents heat gain into the structure, a recurring problem with concrete buildings.

All the windows are double glazed and the various vertical and horizontal sun shading devices have been incorporated after testing for shadow analysis and insulation.