Radiance Iris: A Green Oasis in the Heart of Bengaluru

Affordable Social Housing Complex Designed by Vigneswar Vasulingam Sivanesan

Radiance Iris, designed by Vigneswar Vasulingam Sivanesan, is a groundbreaking social housing complex that addresses the pressing need for affordable housing in Bengaluru, India's fastest-growing city. Situated within the urban landscape, Iris stands as a green refuge amidst the ever-growing pressures of development. The project successfully combines community-centered design, natural vegetation, and social spaces, all while maintaining affordability.

What sets Iris apart is its commitment to uplifting families by providing an affordable, green, and community-based living environment. Built on a large plot within the city, the complex achieves the mandated density for affordability while offering a high quality of life. Each home is designed to maximize natural light and ventilation without compromising privacy. Social spaces, such as shared courtyards, a semi-open vertical clubhouse, and two open parks, foster a sense of community among residents.

Iris was realized using cost-effective construction methods. Conventional earthquake-resistant R.C.C framed structures were infilled with lightweight autoclaved blocks. The ground floor features a recessed design clad with quarry waste slate stone, providing a tactile feel. The first floor cantilevers as a white mass, shading the ground floor, while the second floor boasts a terrace steel-pergola, creating a light and airy atmosphere. Each floor expresses itself within the overall composition of the complex.

Spanning a vast 17,000 square meters, Iris preserves 90 percent of the existing trees on the site, showcasing a commitment to sustainability. The complex features 77 row-houses arranged around shared courtyards, offering a variety of unit types ranging from 160 to 250 square meters. At the entrance, a semi-open 1,400 square meter community clubhouse with a steel parasol provides shaded terraces for recreation.

Iris operates as a series of row-houses along a central spine path with ten branches, each leading to a common courtyard shared by six homes, forming micro-communities. Each home also boasts a private garden with mature trees. Services are strategically placed along shared walls to minimize costs and maintain aesthetic appeal. The community clubhouse sits at the head of the spine, while the tail-end features a large open park with an amphitheater and play areas.

The planning of the project began in early 2016, with government approvals granted for social housing in mid-2017. Construction was completed in December 2019. Located in Jakkur, North Bangalore, Iris is situated in a densely built premium residential neighborhood. The project has received a Green rating from the Indian Green Building Council, recognizing it as a sustainable housing complex.

Vigneswar Vasulingam Sivanesan and his team conducted extensive research to ensure the commercial success of the design. They focused on maximizing natural light and ventilation within each home, as well as optimizing land usage to achieve the desired built area. Existing trees were carefully mapped, and the buildings were planned around them to preserve the native vegetation.

Overcoming the challenges of negotiating with real estate developers and achieving a community-based green design was no small feat. However, the success of Radiance Iris stands as a testament to the designers' dedication and ingenuity. The project has transformed the lives of the families who now call it home and serves as an icon in the Indian housing sector.

Radiance Iris was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2020. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity, resourcefulness, and technical skill, contributing to improvements in quality of life.