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Passive Cooling and Local Building Materials for the Palmyra Palm House in India
With more than 800 uses for the Palmyra Palm tree, Indian-born architect Bijoy Jain of Studio Mumbai has come up with number 801, making it the centerpiece of his contemporary, eco-friendly and fashionably functional modern house design. The Palmyra House rests on a coconut plantation in eastern India’s coastal town of Alibaug, on the outskirts of Mumbai. A short drive to the city puts this resort-inspired beach house within easy reach of urban amenities, but just far enough to enjoy peace and privacy. This waterfront home’s exotic location lends a distinct flavor to its luxurious look and authentic feel. Built of locally sourced Palmyra wood, the innovative louvered design is naturally ventilated and shaded, making it a sound sustainable choice for this tropical climate. The house encompasses 3,000 sq. ft. within a pair of structures that are separated by a 25-ft. wide courtyard. Studio Mumbai via Architectural Record