The compound wall is witnessing a sea change, with care given to design and structure as well as the materials used in its formation
It is meant to demarcate the private from the public, provide privacy, define the boundaries of the dwelling; it is also the first thing that greets the visitor, setting the tone for what lies within. We are talking here about the ubiquitous compound wall that prevails in every household, marking the borders of individual ownership.
Invariably this demarcation is considered as merely a functional structure that requires to be designed to provide just two things, security and privacy. With perspectives of design changing and with it the manner of handling the façade of a residence, this all pervasive compound is also witnessing a sea change in its manifestation, with care given to design and structure as well as the varied type of materials used in its formation.
It is thus no more a mass of bricks or stone but a structure that reflects the sentiments of the residence, its theme, design as well as the materials opted. Compounds are increasingly becoming arresting features that display greenery, innovation, art, different materials, all structured to impress, being the first impression on the visitor.
Says architect Leena Kumar of Kumar Consultants, “A compound could manifest as a fence, hedge, a solid wall, a tall imposing structure that completely cuts off the inner spaces from public view. The design could be a simple plastered wall to accommodate varying heights, incorporate punctures, colours, flower beds or it could reflect the architecture of the building in terms of materials and style. It could also be in the form of a vertical garden, offering a green expanse.”
According to her, whatever be the design opted, “compounds are an important part of urban experience as this is the aesthetics one encounters along the road.” Thus, a lavishly designed residence with copious green spaces and stone embellishments could bring in similar sentiments on to the compound where the material used could be stone with breaks in between to incorporate greenery, reflecting a fine blending of both that complements the main structure.
Use of natural st one
Natural stone like Sadarahalli could be used in its natural form, the gaps between filled with greenery. Other natural stones like Jaisalmar are equally good options if the main structure of the residence reflects similar play of stone. A more rustic flavour can be brought in by opting for random rubble where the presence of stone in raw form can be very masculine yet exude a raw energy through its natural presence.
An attractive bamboo pole fence can lend a picturesque look to the entire residence, especially when teamed with appropriate greenery and is covering more of a cottage type of structure. Likewise, the compound with a water feature on its stone wall permitting a sheet of water to flow would enhance the aesthetics of the residence.
A smaller residence with a significant vertical expanse could cut down on the heaviness of the building by opting for a part glass wall that is teamed with a lighter material like metal.
Says architect Adish Patni of Atelier Adish Patni, “The compound should reflect the sentiments of the main structure in terms of material as well as design. Be it a straight line design or geometric interpretation, the compound should afford privacy, yet offer a glimpse into the residence in the most subtle manner as a peep into the garden through greenery incorporated in the wall while the private spaces are well shielded.”
He further adds that perforations, metal usage, gabion wall, exposed concrete walls, grooves in the exposed concrete to match the design in the residence, greenery fused within are other varieties of interpretations that can be given to this omnipresent feature in every household.
“Being the first port of presentation of the residence, the compound should reflect the design inclinations of the house where a simple structure opts for a simple compound and elaborate structure opts for an equally elaborate depiction”, he says.
The options are aplenty limited only by the designs opted in the residence and the imaginative craftsmanship of the architect.
This article was originally published on www.thehindu.com dated November 20, 2015.
Image Credit: www.thehindu.com
