Overview
Architecture studio Roomoor developed and completed a concrete residential structure named Monastic Field. This project is situated in Baleshwar, within the premises of a Jain temple. The design of Monastic Field references the aesthetic and structural characteristics of rock-cut monk's dwellings found in the Deccan Plateau region.
Research Context
The Monastic Field residence was constructed on land originally donated for the Jain temple in 2005. The house was designed specifically for the family who made this land donation. Its location within the temple precinct informed architectural choices, particularly the recall of historical monastic structures.
Approach
Roomoor's design approach for Monastic Field explicitly drew inspiration from rock-cut monastic homes. The material choice of concrete contributes to a 'monolithic' aesthetic, suggesting a carved or excavated form, consistent with the reference to the Deccan Plateau's monk's dwellings. The structure's integration into the temple site in Baleshwar reflects a contextual design strategy.
Findings
The completed project, Monastic Field, is described as a 'monolithic' concrete house. It embodies a design that recalls rock-cut monastic homes. The house serves the family that donated the land for the Jain temple in 2005, and it is located within that temple's precinct in Baleshwar.
Why This Matters
The project provides an example of contemporary residential architecture that integrates historical architectural forms and material choices, such as 'monolithic' concrete, to resonate with specific cultural and historical contexts, like the rock-cut dwellings and a temple precinct.