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Frame House

Typology

Residential

Year

2024

Location

Islamabad, Pakistan

Area

7500 sqft

The Frame House by ORAD is a sophisticated exercise in subtractive tectonics, reimagining the traditional haveli archetype within the constraints of a contemporary 1-kanal urban plot. By treating the facade as a negative mass, the design rejects the typical monolithic residential block in favor of a porous, approachable form. This "hollowing out" of the building’s volume allows the architecture to transcend its physical boundaries, inviting the streetscape to meet the private realm through a language of transparency and depth. As the theorist Kenneth Frampton suggests in his discourse on Critical Regionalism, such architecture resists the "placelessness" of modern construction by rooting itself in the specificities of local light, air, and movement.

At the heart of the dwelling lies the central courtyard—the project’s ontological anchor. This light-well serves as a climatic and social engine, ensuring that every level of the home, including the subterranean basement corridor, is bathed in natural light and ventilation. By organizing the lounge and private bedrooms around this central void, the design creates a centripetal domestic experience. This strategy echoes the philosophy of Charles Correa, who famously advocated for "The Blessings of the Sky," asserting that in our climate, the open-to-sky space is not merely an amenity but a vital architectural necessity that dictates the rhythm of daily life.

The program is further articulated through the verandah, a liminal space designed to mediate between the intimacy of the family and the formality of hosting. Acting as a "social condenser," the verandah provides a versatile platform for gathering, blurring the lines between interior comfort and exterior atmosphere. From the seamless integration of the basement parking via a sculptural ramp to the airy vistas of the primary living spaces, the Frame House stands as a testament to liveable minimalism. It is a residence that prioritizes the "space between" the walls, ensuring that the void remains the most functional and resonant element of the home.

 © 2019 ORAD

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