#majorstudioproject

SATHKARA- Physical Model  

SATHKARA- 3D Rendering

SATHKARA- Final Design

Project Sathkara comprise of two main units; accommodation and the recreational space. Unlike other elderly homes Sathkara provides mixed accommodation, while providing 24hr medical services. Elders are able to live a dignified life in a clean and healthy environment.

Accommodation unit was designed within the existing building utilizing zoning technique. Main unit comprise of Gents and ladies bedrooms, dining area, office space, living area, dining space, large kitchen and staff quarters. Adjoining to the accommodation  unit is the medical center, storage space and a utility space. All the existing doors and windows were kept, new doors and windows were designed acceding to the existing once.

Main house was build according to the standards guidelines provided by the Ministry of Social Welfare. All exist points have ramps, bare wall and toilets have railings to hold onto. Within the accommodation unit there aren't any level differences.  Contrasting textures and colours were utilized to demarcate different spaces as elders tend to get Yellowing disease and cataract makes it hard to identify similar colours. Non-slip flooring was utilized throughout the design. All movable furniture comprise of rubber knobs to prevent elders falling.

Focal point of Sathkara is to enable elders to be comfortable and welcoming while at the premises. To maximize the level of comfort memory foam was utilized for mattresses and cushion. Soft cottons and linen was utilized as material for bedspreads    

Recreational space comprise of an Ayurvedic center, Physiotherapy unit, Yoga center, indoor pool, tow activity rooms and a walking track. These services are free of charge for the residents, however, outsiders need to pay a fee to acquire above services. Wooden flooring and clay tiled open rafter wooden ceiling gives a worm and welcoming feeling.

Indoor pool comprise of a aluminum structured transparent plastic roof with large windows. This enables one to enjoy the surrounding environment while taking a swim. Cement paving walking track was designed in an organic shape, which enables people to enjoy the environment around and break the monotony.

SATHKARA- Schematic stage; Material board  

Material selection was one of the crucial point in the schematic stage. Designer was faced with the challenged of designing the existing house into an elders home which is warm and welcoming to its residents without damaging the existing architecture and colonial effect of the house. Light shades of warm and cool colours was utilized as the colour palette for project SATHKARA.  

Contrasting colour was utilized to denominate various spaces and soft cotton and linen was utilized for upholstery and bed sheets. Cane chairs were utilized for chairs which will be constantly moved around while heavy teak furniture was used for others.

SATHKARA- Schematic stage; Space planning

After identifying the spatial requirements, next stage was to space plan. Bubble diagrams were utilized base on the zoning method. Spaces were created making sure residents are given maximum privacy, encourages natural lighting and ventilation. Major changes to the existing structure was avoided.

SATHKARA- Schematic stage; Space requirements

SATHKARA- Mood Board

SATHKARA- Concept

Project SATHKARA expects to provide shelter and care for homeless elders. Once elders seek help from SATHKARA they are provided with care and protection. SATHKARA will provide all comforts which will enable elders to live a dignified life until their death.

After eggs are hatched, nestlings are protected underneath the bird wings, where they are provided with shelter, care, food and make them safe from the harsh environment. SATHKARA expects elders to have the same emotional feelings when they enter the premises. Therefore, "Protective Bird Wings" were selected as the concept for the project.