Nestled within the vibrant landscape of Arjanghar, New Delhi, the Artist Residency Farm8 emerges as a serene retreat amidst the bustling urban environment. Originally conceived by clients Ranbir and Rashmi Kaleka as an artist’s studio, the project underwent a transformative journey spanning nearly a decade. In 2020, inspired by the principles of sustainable living and permaculture, the site evolved into a 5-acre farm, serving as a collaborative space for artists from India and abroad, including renowned figures like the Late Vivan Sundaram, Bharti Kher, and Subodh Gupta.
Embracing Continuity and Renewal
Studio Array embarked on a mission to weave together the old and the new, crafting an architectural intervention that respects the existing foundations while embracing contemporary design principles. Rather than starting afresh, the architects chose to build upon the unfinished canvas of columns and structures that adorned the site. In alignment with the client’s permaculturalist ethos, Studio Array endeavored to minimize waste by integrating lightweight steel, glass, bamboo, and wooden drywall construction to encapsulate the existing infrastructure.
Blurring Boundaries, Creating Connections
Central to Studio Array’s design philosophy was the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, fostering a deep connection with nature. Drawing inspiration from the experience of sitting beneath a tree, the architects sculpted semi-open spaces within the existing column grid, offering a sense of shelter without confining boundaries. Modular sloping roofs, strategically oriented to respond to functional needs and contextual cues, create a dialogue between built form and natural surroundings, inviting the verdant landscape to permeate the living spaces.
Crafting a Narrative of Fluidity
Within the organically planned modular blocks, Studio Array explored diverse volumes and scales to blur the boundaries between private and public realms. Double-height, semi-open verandahs extend from private quarters, serving as transitional zones that blur the lines between interior and exterior. Hand-woven bamboo screens provide privacy while allowing natural light and ventilation, imbuing the interiors with a sense of warmth and texture. The use of natural materials such as lime-treated dry walls and hand-casted cement flooring adds to the tactile richness of the living spaces, harmonizing with the rustic charm of the surrounding landscape.
A Testament to Timelessness
In its seamless integration with nature and its thoughtful synthesis of old and new, the Artist Residency Farm8 stands as a testament to Studio Array’s commitment to creating spaces that resonate with the human spirit. With its unassuming yet contemporary design, Farm8 offers a tranquil haven where artists can reconnect with their creative essence, fostering a symbiotic relationship between art, architecture, and the natural world.
