Designing with Climate, Light, and Landscape on the Agricultural Edge.

Located on a 20,000 square foot northeast-facing plot in the agricultural outskirts east of Lahore, this single-family residence spans approximately 6,000 square feet across two levels. The design responds to its semi-rural setting and Lahore’s increasingly extreme climate with a thoughtful interplay of built and open spaces, light, and landscape.

At the heart of the concept is a spatial strategy that organizes interior living areas around seasonal outdoor zones—courtyards, green pockets, and sun decks—allowing the house to breathe and adapt throughout the year. The massing and orientation of the residence are carefully considered to balance solar exposure, comfort, and views.

The southern edge of the site, which receives the strongest sunlight, is reserved for a farming zone and a winter sun deck. These outdoor functions benefit from passive solar gain during colder months. In contrast, private spaces such as bedrooms are located along the northern edge of the house to minimize exposure to direct summer heat—a critical response to the rising temperatures caused by global warming.

A key feature of the design is a shaded, north-facing courtyard that functions as a summer retreat. This space receives soft, indirect light through a large curtain wall, creating a cool, green core that connects to the main living areas. Trees and planting are integrated into this courtyard to reduce the microclimate temperature and enhance sensory comfort. Positioned directly in front of the glazing is a straight-flight staircase that connects to the upper level. Constructed from a lightweight metal structure with wooden treads and slender metal wire railings, the stair acts as a sculptural element while maintaining openness and visual continuity with the courtyard.

Materiality plays a vital role in reinforcing the house’s resilience and low-maintenance character. The façade is finished in a durable, washed terrazzo plaster—a material selected for its weather resistance, textured appearance, and minimal upkeep—allowing the architecture to age gracefully in the rural setting.

The western side of the house—the front façade—captures gentle afternoon and evening light. It opens onto a green lawn and a paved seating deck, designed for relaxed outdoor gatherings during the cooler hours of the day.

Inside, the plan is organized into clearly defined zones of private and semi-private use. The kitchen and dining area are centrally located and open toward the north courtyard, drawing in natural light while maintaining a visual and spatial connection to the landscape. The formal lounge and guest seating area face west, offering framed views of the lawn and a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces.

This residence is a response to both place and climate—a home that lives with the land, protects its inhabitants from the elements, and fosters a fluid dialogue between inside and outside