Scheme housing in Palghar

The site for our project was a scheme house located in Chikhlipada village, Palghar, which was incrementally built as the family received government funds. During our visit, we engaged with the family—a father, mother, two children, and a grandfather—documenting their living conditions and the existing houses in the area. One major concern raised by the mother was the lack of natural light and ventilation in their current living space. The absence of openings made the house feel dark and cramped, while water level fluctuations during the rainy season often led to issues in the kitchen.

To address these challenges, my design aims to incorporate existing features of the house while significantly improving its light and airflow. It also includes a mezzanine level that provides a playful space for the children and their friends, allowing for both leisure and creativity. A central courtyard serves as a semi-public space, offering a private area for the family while encouraging social interaction with neighbors. This courtyard becomes a gathering spot where the mother can relax and converse with others, fostering community ties.

Overall, the design not only seeks to retrofit the existing home but also creates a more functional and interconnected living environment for the family.