Old, recycled doors and windows combined into a spectacular house facade? The architects at S+PS Architects have designed a unique residence, the “Collage House”, in Belapur, Mumbai, whose facade is made from an interesting and eclectic combination of recycled materials. In the large, densely populated Indian city, the building makes a bold statement and does not go unnoticed. The residence was designed for a four-generation family in 2015.
The building is spread over an area of 520 square meters and is located on a hill overlooking Mumbai. To create an idyllic ambience and ensure certain privacy, the residence was traditionally built for Indian style around a central courtyard. The unique and imaginative architectural style was influenced by the architectural style of the townspeople who build their houses using various found materials. According to S+PS Architects, it is impossible to live in Mumbai and ignore the character and appeal of the settlements. You can also learn a lot from this style of living and building in terms of thrift, adaptability and ingenuity. The composition of recycled windows and doors taken from destroyed houses in the city undoubtedly results in a striking facade. The unique overall appearance of the residence is one of a kindalternative architecture, which is reminiscent of a collage.
The hinges of some of the recycled doors and windows have been retained, contributing to natural ventilation and views. Upstairs, a bedroom has a blue glass balcony that protrudes from the house facade. The property has a paved parking space at street level. There is a next to the blue door that marks the entrance to the housePrayer room, which is enclosed by green glass. A room on the same level is available for domestic workers. The residence is equipped with a large rainwater collection tank during the monsoon season. The container is lined with stones obtained during excavations on the hill.
Inside, old and new, tradition and present, sophistication and roughness intertwine. Metal pipes with different diameters are firmly connected to each other and form a bamboo-like wall. Century-old recycled columns support an exposed concrete ceiling. The columns bring back memories from old times and provide a touch of nostalgia. Furniture from the colonial era and fabrics woven from scraps of waste characterize the interior. The combination of cement tiles, bevelled mirrors, carved wooden strips and the old teak floor give the interior a special charm.
*a project byS+PS Architects
