Holcim Awards 2005 - Asia Pacific - Acknowledgement

Chaupal - Eco House, New Delhi, India

Comment of the Holcim Awards 2005 Jury for Asia Pacific
This project offers an exploratory case study in the use of known environmental technologies. Not only showcasing the advantages of sustainable construction, the work is also significant for its demonstrative value of the insight to be gleaned from traditional design knowledge. This factor is relevant in that it minimizes disputes as to the viability of design proposals such as this.

The work evidences an ethically discerning position toward the interdependencies of social and material environments, while simultaneously expressing a concern for the ecological footprint of man-made constructions. A high degree of technical competence is displayed in the amount of considerations given to issues like water retention and recycling, site irrigation, low-energy fixtures, wall and roof construction, as well as solar energy generation. Such considerations not only benefit the spatial and experiential qualities of the house, but just as importantly reduce costs for construction and maintenance.

While serving to embody the heritage of an indigenous building tradition, the project is nevertheless up-to- date in its physical expression, offering a timely and stimulating debate on sustainable architecture.