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Sunder Nursery’s proposing a new bioclimatic structure that will house three distinct plant ecosystems under a single roof, with no conventional air conditioning. Interesting to hear just as May turns over in Delhi.
It’s called the Garden House, meant to be a bioclimatic building designed to contain a forest inside while being set within a garden. It will sit at the entrance of the park's existing 30-acre microhabitat zone, serving as an interpretive gateway to one of Delhi's most ecologically significant green spaces. The project is an Aga Khan Development Network initiative.
Sunder Nursery Heritage Park, as we’ve gladly said before, has been a popular spot for ages, with multiple reasons: their coffee shops and bars, tons of fun cultural events, and just being walkable in general.
Read their reasoning behind the Garden House, now: ‘We are all aware of the rising environmental concerns in developing cities. The rapid growth of not just Delhi, but other cities across India, is resulting in deteriorating environmental health along with the loss of natural heritage which once dotted cities…’
What’s most noteworthy – the microhabitat zone
A 30-acre zone in Sunder Nursery simulates four distinct terrains native to the Delhi region: kohi (hilly), khadar (riverine), bangar (alluvial) and dabar (marshy). Over 100 regional tree species have been planted here, sourced specifically from forests, hilly tracts and riverine areas on Delhi's outskirts.
The Garden House will sit at its entrance, acting as a formal introduction to what would become Delhi’s first arboretum!
According to the nursery, the zone has been developing for over two years. It hosts perennial plants and trees that are increasingly rare within city limits, and has established an active bird habitat on site. The city currently has over 13,000 parks, but we all know more greenery here is always good news.
As visitors, we’re meant to move from the building, through three curated plant zones of desert succulents, tropical flora and open semi-tropical woodland, and out into the microhabitat, the ramp and open-to-sky courtyard acting as a transition between the two.
Design and structure
Not convinced by the lack of AC, yet? Here’s their counter. The building uses tubular steel and lightweight fabric canopies. The roof is tensile fabric, diffusing natural light into the interior. Walls are stone masonry with dressed sandstone elements. Natural cooling is provided by underground earth tunnels. What that means is cooled air will rise through these and escape via the tall vaulted roofs, regulating temperature without conventional air conditioning. The building’s also proposed to recycle wastewater and compost generated on site.