Orchard
Kengeri, Bangalore

At “Good Earth”, we have been experimenting with alternatives in housing for the past few years. The attempt has been to create vibrant communities which make one feel psychologically and socially secure, and retain one’s individuality. Communities of like-minded people, a belief in an eco sustainable future.
With every project, we have observed the responses and grown, at times adapting to the demands of people, at others, persisting in what we believe.
Certain concepts about the individual and the community have evolved over time. The necessity of appropriate private spaces, open and semi-open, in order to enhance community life and interaction in the public spaces, has become clearer. So has the need to create smaller groups, within the context of the large group, to accentuate the sense of belonging, and encourage relationships among the immediate group first and then the larger group. We hope that these environments will create a greater sense of social responsibility among the members. We believe we are bringing about social and environmental change through these efforts.

Location

As you turn left from the Bangalore Mysore road, just after Kengeri town and the outer ring road intersection. A kilometer inside, one comes across a coconut and sapota plantation. The temperature is noticeably cooler as one enters this farm landscape.

This is Good earth’s next, “ORCHARD” At a distance from the bursting city, yet connected by the Bangalore-Mysore highway, and the Peripheral ring road, this is yet another alternative to building sustainable communities. It could be your home-office, where thinking global and acting local, take on real meaning, or the refreshing home that you come to at the end of a day in the crowded city. Essential conveniences and services, like hospitals and markets are near by. Reputed schools and colleges are not far, and for children of any age, it will be a healthy environment to grow up in. ....... maps

Design

 
GOOD EARTH ORCHARD is a community of 60 homes. The houses at ORCHARD are designed in groups of 13 to 18 around landscaped cluster spaces, like “the glade”, “the grove” and “the meadow” or along shaded lanes, like “the boulevard”. A jogging track along the main street goes past stone platforms and brick seats among bursts of flowers at nooks and corners. Undulating grass mounds, lotus ponds, amidst the subtle scent of herbs, characterize the clusters, apart from the chikoo groves and the coconut avenues

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The community space

Having lived in Bangalore for over 10 years, we have felt that its climate is well suited to outdoor and semi outdoor living. From having one’s morning cup of tea in the verandah, to a nap in the afternoon, to dining alfresco, a lot of activities can be enjoyed in the shaded outdoors.
At ORCHARD, these are some of the concepts we have incorporated in our homes. Entertainment is not limited to watching television alone, bird-watching, working in the garden, enjoying the outdoors, are activities which can be encouraged, especially for children. The informality and security of the neighborhood spaces support “hide and seek”, “hopscotch” among the kids and perhaps a spontaneous game of ball, an exchange of recipes, a barbeque party at the club, among the adults!!

The Verandah
“The club at the ORCHARD is in the chikoo grove. Designed as a traditional house with large verandahs, it is an intimate space, for swimming, playing carom, entertaining or reading. Landscaped courts for parties and play areas spill over from the expansive verandahs, making it come alive at larger gatherings, or be a serene haven at other times. A well equipped gymnasium with health club, is on the higher level. A home theatre for weekend movies or a cricket match, is also a part of this community space.

The Courtyard
The houses are designed around courtyards with verandahs. The interior spaces within the home, have minimum walls, and flow into each other. The staircase is an integral part of the house, with a double height space, connecting the two floors. The spacious bedrooms too, overlook the open courtyard. The house is designed to allow for adequate light and cross ventilation. Natural textures, warm tones, with space for individual expression, make each home unique and personal.

 

The Details
The materials and finishes used are a blend of the natural and eco-sensitive, with the practical, and easy to maintain. Exposed brick and stone exteriors, stone, clay and wood for the interiors. Woodwork polished with a mixture of cashew shell nut liquid and linseed oil to enhance the life of the timber and give it a rustic look. Rain water harvesting and recharge, Decentralized sewage treatment and waste water recharge and reuse in gardens. All the images are from the Orchard homes already built, we have taken care to give each home a unique look and feel.

Orchard on Real Estate TV

Orchard in Out of The Box on UTVi