Owning a piece of real estate is a strong aspiration for many. Many actively invest in real estate through individual plotted layouts, and many more aspire to own even a small piece of land. As our cities grow, new roads get laid, and in anticipation of the reach of essential services such as water, sewage, and electricity, potential real estate prospects start to prop up. Just driving past any city, we can see how this exuberance is displayed in the many advertisements for the ‘nagars’, ‘cities’, ‘enclaves’, and so on and so forth. One can even say that the city expands without deliberation through these kinds of plotted layouts rather than through any planned vision.
Plotted layouts and the city’s expansion
The most predominant and familiar method by which peri-urban areas are developed and cities expand is through these individual plotted layouts. Often left to the means and devices of enterprising real estate developers, these layouts are typically laid out without proper urban design or without a vision of the kind of built environment they create. But how did this approach become the standard for urban growth?
Plotted layouts – origins
The roots of plotted development trace back to the English Bungalow—a standalone residential structure surrounded by expansive gardens and enclosed by compound walls. These bungalows were often set within acres of greenery. Indeed, remnants of the bungalows can still be found in some of the older parts of the city developed during the colonial era. In recent years, however, many of these bungalows have been demolished to make way for apartment complexes, capitalising on their large plot sizes.
The concept of individual plots with standalone buildings and surrounding setback spaces also stems from colonial notions of health and hygiene. Regulations mandated these designs to ensure adequate light and ventilation throughout the building.
The current problem with the plotted layout approach
The colonial intent of providing light and ventilation was the driving factor to create independent plots and setbacks within them. It’s reasonable logic if the plot sizes were generous and the density manageable. Yet, when plot sizes shrink to as small as 700 sq.ft., as is often the case in many of the current real estate developer layouts, the original intent of these setbacks—ensuring light and ventilation—is lost.
When plot sizes shrink to as small as 700 sq.ft., as is often the case in many of the current real estate developer layouts, the original intent of these setbacks—ensuring light and ventilation—is lost!
Moreover, with minimal oversight beyond basic regulations, setback areas are frequently built over or encroached upon. This results in neighbourhoods lacking characteristic open spaces and narrow roads congested with private vehicles. However, as our cities become denser, it becomes important that the rare and costly resource – serviced urban land – is used judiciously and effectively while improving livability.
The uncontrolled development of these real estate-driven plotted layouts reflects a failure of good urban planning
The setback spaces, originally intended for light and ventilation become the problemWhere can children play? Where do people gather? Could this be a good neighbourhood?
Plotted developments reflect a failure of development authorities to ensure well-designed urban environments. It is also a symptom that highlights the lack of vision we have of our built environments. Instead, it only parcels land, without any thought on the overall output.
Plotteddevelopments reflect a failure of development authorities to ensure well-designed urban environments
Plotted developments reflect a failure of development authorities to ensure well-designed urban environments. It is also a symptom that highlights the lack of vision we have of our built environments. Instead, it only parcels land, without any thought on the overall output.
But what if there are better ways to design our neighborhoods—one that balances density, livability, and open space? What if the unregulated real estate sector could be regulated to create livable and well-managed cities? All that needs a high level of urban planning effort from the development authorities, and above all, a clarity of vision and aspiration from the people on what kind of neighbourhoods they would like to live in.
Can we make our cities humane and livable?
There are several alternatives to plotted development layouts that we see, which would result in well-developed urban neighbourhoods which can be a separate post in itself.
Alternative building volumes to plotted developments
Embarking on a building project is an exhilarating journey filled with endless possibilities. From the initial spark of an idea to witnessing a magnificent structure rise from the ground, it’s an experience that leaves an indelible mark. But how does one navigate this complex process seamlessly?
This entire process of designing and constructing a building is broken down into a series of stages to make it manageable. Furthermore, a stage-wise approach also ensures that necessary feedback and modifications are accommodated at each appropriate stage of the project.
Quite broadly, the entire building process for small to medium-sized projects can be divided into 5 stages: Pre-Design (PD), Schematic Design (SD), Design Development (DD), Building Permit (BP), Construction Documents (CD), and Construction Management (CM). These steps are aligned with the project stages recommended by the Council of Architecture (CoA).
Pre Design (PD)
In our experience, a good design begins even before any scheme is drawn. At the beginning of any project, we take the time to listen, understand your unique requirements, and gather information on your space requirements, lifestyle, aspirations, budget and future needs. Simultaneously, we meticulously investigate the site, its surroundings, climate, and building regulations. This ensures that the approach, vision, and goals of us architects and you, the client, are aligned. All of this gets done in the Pre-Design (PD) stage.
Schematic Development (SD)
The Schematic Design e (SD) stage is one of the most exciting stages of a project where we give physical form to your project through drawings, virtual, and physical models. Oftentimes, you develop both doubts and inspiration during this stage. All of these are explored at this stage of the project.
Design Development (DD)
The approved Schematic Design is elaborated in the Design Development (DD) stage where the project is given content. A well-functioning building requires the input of various consultants, chief among them, the structural consultant, and depending on the size of the project, MEP, HVAC, Sustainability consultants etc. depending on the complexity of the project. As architects, we incorporate and combine these inputs while staying true to the overall vision of the project.
Any major changes that you may have are efficiently solved at this stage rather than later in the project.
Building Permit (BP) & Construction Documents (CD)
As your dream takes shape, we understand the urgency to break ground and bring it to life. That’s why we recommend engaging a liaisoning firm for acquiring the Building Permit (BP) documentation.
While they navigate the intricate permit approval process, we dive headfirst into the Construction Documents (CD) stage. Our team works diligently, refining every detail and preparing comprehensive plans that align with your vision. By running these stages simultaneously, we minimize delays and ensure a prompt start to construction once the permit is in hand.
Construction Management (CM)
The success of any design hinges on its execution at the construction site. From ensuring that the right contractors are engaged to strict adherence to design specifications, efficient utilization of labour, materials, and resources, and maintaining project financials, these factors greatly impact the outcome.
At our office, we have a dedicated Project Management Consultancy (PMC) team that works alongside our architectural team to oversee these crucial aspects. Through periodic supervision, we ensure that the desired outcome, aligned with both your expectations and ours, is achieved.
We have compiled the stages, our scope of work and deliverables for each of the project stages in this concise flowchart. The timelines mentioned in the flowchart are typically for new residential projects which for larger or more complex projects change depending on the project
Building your dream home involves careful consideration of both upfront and long-term costs. While the construction phase may seem like the biggest expense, it’s crucial to account for the ongoing operating costs once the building is built. These include among many things, mortgage payments (if you have taken a housing loan), utility costs, taxes, periodic maintenance, and facelift costs. All these expenses add up over time and can have a significant impact on your financial well-being.
In his book Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki lays out an essential difference between an asset and a liability. While an asset puts money in your pocket, a liability takes money out of it.
An asset puts money in your pocket, a liability takes money out of it!
Buildings consume more energy, and emit more CO2 over their lifetime compared to when they are built
In this article, we’ll explore how integrating solar panels into your construction budget can transform your house into a sustainable asset that generates long-term income while reducing your environmental footprint.
The ‘Trias Energetica’ principle and how it’ll help you in reducing the operating costs of your building
The Trias Energetica principle lays the foundation for designing energy-efficient buildings. By focusing on reducing energy demand, you can make significant strides towards minimizing operating costs. Climatically suited building designs and energy-efficient appliances are just the beginning
Consider our example of a 3-bedroom house in Srivilliputhur, where solar shading and natural airflow were key elements of the design. Additionally, choosing appliances with high energy efficiency ratings is a simple yet impactful step in reducing energy demand.
The Attraction of Solar Panels- Financial and Environmental Benefits
Solar panels emerge as an attractive solution to replace energy demand with locally generated renewable energy. With an average lifespan of 25 years or more and minimal maintenance requirements, solar panels offer a reliable and sustainable energy solution. Moreover, India’s sunny climate makes it an ideal environment for harnessing solar power. Furthermore, by integrating net metering facilities, any excess energy generated can be fed back into the grid, providing nominal returns as well!
Energy Breakdown of a 3-Bedroom House
Average energy consumption breakdown of a 3-bedroom house
The following graph breaks down the average energy requirement for a 3-bed house. In hot climates, cooling and refrigeration demand the most energy, followed by appliances like washing machines, televisions, and cooking appliances. Lighting and ventilation, such as electric fans, contribute to a lesser extent. Considering these factors, a 3-bedroom house can consume up to 1000-1400 units of electricity at its peak, resulting in significant monthly bills ranging from ₹9,000 to ₹12,000. Over 25 years, energy bills alone could accumulate to a staggering ₹30 lakhs (without adjusting for inflation).
Unlocking Savings with Solar Panels
Let’s explore the financial benefits of investing in solar panels. Allocating a portion of your project budget, approximately ₹6.5 lakhs, to install a 10kW solar capacity can cover your daily energy requirements. This cost pales in comparison to the expense of certain other building works such as renovating a kitchen or a couple of rooms. The returns on this investment are substantial. With potential savings of up to ₹30 lakhs from reduced energy bills and the possibility of selling excess electricity back to the central grid through net metering, solar panels prove to be a sound financial decision.
Solar energy is a gift that keeps on giving
Building as a Long-Term Investment
A house is not just a building; it’s a long-term investment. To truly maximize the benefits, it’s essential to consider the entire lifecycle of your home. By including solar panels in the design stage and allocating just a fraction of the original project budget, you create an asset that generates reliable, long-term income. Investing in solar power aligns your home with sustainability, financial stability, and a greener future.
“including solar panels in the design stage and allocating just a fraction of the original project budget, you create an asset that generates reliable, long-term income”
Building your dream home goes beyond the initial construction costs. By integrating solar panels into your project’s budget, you not only reduce your reliance on the grid but also unlock substantial long-term financial savings. Embracing solar power is an investment that generates income, lowers operating costs, contributes to a sustainable future, and secures your financial well-being for years to come.
At APC Associates, we work with a template which helps you calculate and visualise your energy use. It also calculates the approximate cost of solar panels required for your energy use and what would be the long-term cost savings if you convert to solar.
