Responding to a precise programmatic brief, this apartment development offers an alternative approach to luxury apartment living with 126 apartment units distributed across six mid-rise towers, each reaching 11 storeys.
Situated on a 29,600-sqm site in Surat, India, the project is shaped by a stringent height restriction of 40 metres. To optimise land use under this constraint, the apartment buildings are placed along the perimeter of the plot, generating a central landscaped zone measuring approximately 13,000 sqm. This organisational strategy enhances both micro-climatic performance and community cohesion by ensuring that most apartments maintain unobstructed views toward the green core.
A defining element of the planning approach is the deliberate segregation of vehicular and pedestrian movement. All vehicular traffic is restricted to the site boundary, complemented by a full-capacity basement parking structure. As a result, nearly 80% of the ground plane remains vehicle-free, significantly improving air quality, thermal comfort, and resident safety within the apartment precinct. This car-free interior zone also supports uninterrupted landscape continuity.
Integrated within the topography of the central open space is a semi-subterranean recreational club. Conceived as an angular, landscaped rise, the structure leverages earth-sheltering principles to reduce direct heat gain—an essential strategy in Surat, where temperatures exceed 35°C for more than eight months annually. Natural ventilation shafts and strategic glazing ensure daylight penetration while maintaining thermal stability. The club accommodates a comprehensive suite of sports, fitness, and entertainment functions, positioned discreetly beneath the landscape to preserve the visual integrity of the central garden.
Environmental performance was a critical determinant of the apartment design. There are three apartment typologies—750 sqm, 850 sqm, and 950 sqm—designed to accommodate large families and provide spatial flexibility. Each apartment integrates expansive living areas, five en-suite bedrooms, a dedicated study, and an internal gym, demonstrating a clear emphasis on high-end residential functionality. All apartment units are oriented to maximise cross ventilation, supported by operable glazing systems and deep structural cantilevers. These cantilevered decks reduce solar heat gain while simultaneously extending usable living space outdoors. The depth and placement of these decks were calculated to respond specifically to solar angles characteristic of the region, thereby improving indoor thermal comfort without relying excessively on mechanical cooling.
Each tower features an 11-metre-high entrance lobby enhancing passive stack ventilation and creating a sense of spatial generosity upon entry. With two apartments per floor, the layout ensures optimal privacy, reduced corridor traffic, and uninterrupted vertical service shafts. The 11th storey accommodates penthouse units with enhanced deck areas and panoramic exposure to the surrounding landscape.
The expansive landscaped environment serves functional as well as recreational purposes. Tree canopies, shrub layers, and water bodies are strategically located to promote passive cooling, reduce ambient temperatures, and support ecological resilience. Outdoor zones are programmed to support multiple age groups, with dedicated play areas, sports courts, walking paths, and leisure pockets distributed evenly across the central garden.
Sustainability measures are embedded throughout the apartment development. Grey-water recycling, rainwater harvesting, an on-site sewage treatment plant, and rooftop solar installations collectively reduce the project’s dependence on municipal infrastructure. These systems contribute to a measurable reduction in operational carbon footprint, aligning the development with long-term environmental performance standards.
Beyond residential amenities, the project includes a range of support facilities designed to enhance daily living for apartment residents. These include conference rooms, a convenience-level grocery store, a medical bay, a laundromat, and dedicated spaces for housekeeping staff. Together, these elements create an integrated residential ecosystem tailored to the needs of a high-density, premium apartment community.
Overall, the project demonstrates how technical planning, climate-responsive strategies, and landscape-driven design can combine to produce an apartment development that functions as a sustainable micro-environment within an urban context.
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