In response to a very specific brief, this housing project has 126 apartments in six buildings of 11 storeys each. Planned in three different sizes these apartments of 750, 850 and 950 sqm are configured with large living spaces, 5 bedrooms, a study and a gym in them.

Located on a plot of 29,600 sqm in Surat city, India, with a height limitation of 40 metres, the buildings are laid out along the site perimeter creating a large focal garden of 13,000 sqm.All the vehicular movement is restricted to the perimeter along with a basement car park generating 80% of the plot as vehicle-free space.

The large landscaped area rises in angular planes revealing a partially sub-terranean recreational club with entertainment and sports facilities that are sheltered from heat gain and simultaneously open to natural ventilation and light.

The apartments are planned to facilitate cross ventilation and are sheltered by large cantilevered decks that mitigate heat gain in response to the climate of the location. Temperatures are in excess of 35°C for 8 months annually in Surat city. Each of the buildings is 11 metres high entrance lobbies with 2 apartments on each floor and penthouses on the 11th floor.

Each apartment opens to a 900 sq ft deck

Large overhangs reduce heat gain in response to the hot climate of the city

South West View

View from the North West

View from the South

Large balconies act as interstitial spaces between the outside and the inside

Each building is entered through a sculptural lobby

Each building is entered through a sculptural lobby

Each of the 6 wings have different entrance lobbies.

A view of the sub terranean recreational club

The landscape spaces gradually step down to recreational facilities

View from garden towards the west

A view from the focal landscaped space

Varying angles create different degrees of openness in the outdoor decks

A view from the focal landscaped space

Angular grass mounts lift up in the centre of the landscaped space revealing a sub terranean club

70% of the plot is landscaped

Detailed view of the extensive decks

A view of the pool area

Varying angular balconies front each apartment

The extensive landscaped space generated by the layout is planned with numerous sports facilities and different areas for different age groups.Designed in response to the client’s brief, the location of the site and the city’s climate, Excellenseaa 126 creates a micro-environment that is sustainable.

The extensive landscaping with trees, plants, and water bodies helps in passive cooling. The large overhangs and outdoor decks to each apartment reduce heat gain whilst adding individual outdoor spaces. Water recycling, rain-water harvesting, sewage treatment and solar panels contribute towards reducing the carbon footprint and making the project self-sufficient.

The numerous sporting and entertainment activities are supplemented by conferencing facilities, a grocery store, a medical room, a laundromat and housekeeping staff facilities.

Technical sheet
Location: Surat, India
Client’s Name: Happy Homes
Total Built-up Area: 130,000 sqm

Project Start Year: 2017
Project completion year: April 2020
Lead architect: Sanjay Puri
Design Team: Kapil Merchant, Madhavi Belsare and Pooja Sampat

Photo credit: Abhishek Shah